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Paonta Sahib Tourism

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by a sal forest and on the banks of river Yamuna, the historic town of Paonta Sahib (398 m) was founded by the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. When only 16 years old, the Guru left Anandpur Sahib and on the invitation of Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour, lived at this beautiful spot for over four years. The historic gurudwara commemorates his stay and interestingly the waters of the Yamuna fall silent below this - which happened at the Guru`s behest. The word `Paonta` means `Space for a foot hold`.

Balasundari Temple, Trilokpur

Legend has it that the Devi's 'pindi' appeared in the bag of salt brought by a local trader. The temple built by Raja Deep Parkash of Sirmour in 1573. Close by is a recently built Shiva temple.

Shiva Temple, Paltian

Surrounded by fields and sal trees, the linga in this temple is supposed to be steadily increasing in size.

Shrine of Baba Garib Nath

Located in a sal forest and with an excellent view of the area, the shrine is revered by childless women

Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary

12 km off the main Paonta Sahib - Nahan road, this is known for a variety of bird life.

Sirmour

Here are the remains of the old capital of the princely state of Sirmour. The town is said to have been destroyed by flood in the 11th century, when it was cursed by a dancing girl.

Yammuna Temple

This ancient shrine is immediately below the gurudwara and is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna

Fossil Park, Saketi

This was the site of the largest fossil find in the Siwalik hills. The park has a museum and life-size models of the animals that once roamed these tracts.

Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib

This commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's first battle when he defeated Raja Fateh Shah and his allies.

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib (200m)

This site was Guru Gobind Singh's home for over four years and it was here that he| wrote the 'Dasam Granth'. Within its precincts are the Sri Talab Asthan where he disbursed salaries and the Sri Dastar Asthan where he judged the turban-tying competitions. At the Kavi Darbar Asthan, poetic symposia were held. There is also a memorial to Kalpi Rishi and a museum that displays pens of the Guru and weapons of the time.

Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib

This is built on the hillock from where Guru Gobind Singh shot arrows at the enemy.

Gurudwara Shergarh Sahib

At this spot Guru Gobind Singh beheaded a dangerous man-eating tiger with a single swipe of his sword

Katasan Devi Temple

Also known as Uttam Wala Bara Ban, this is on the Paonta Sahib - Nahan road. The shrine is revered by local people. At this spot, the forces of Sirmour defeated the marauding armies of Ghulam Qadir Khan Rohiolla.

Nagnauna Temple

Built in a hollow near the village of Puruwalla, this temple is closely allied with the legend of Sirmour's erstwhile ruling house.

Nahan

Built in a series of interlocking circles, this charming town was founded by Raja Karan Prakash of Sirmour in 1621. It has numerous pleasing walks, several temples, a gurudwara and interesting architecture - including many old palaces.

Ram Temple

Within Paonta Sahib and also known as the 'Mandir Shri Dei Ji Sahiba', this is located near the Yamuna bridge. With exquisite marble work, this was built in 1889 in memory of Raja Pratap Chand of Kangra by his wife who originally belonged to Sirmour. The Kirpal Dass Gurudwara is just past the temple

By Air

The nearest airports are at Chandigarh and Dehradun.

By Road

The closest railheads are at Ambala and Dehradun.

By Rail

Paonta Sahib is connected by road. From Renukaji it is 81 km via Nahan and 60 km via Rajban. From Dehradun, it is 44 km. Taxis/buses are available for Paonta Sahib at all places.