Pauri Garhwal district

This article is about the district. For its eponymous headquarters, see Pauri.
Pauri Garhwal district
पौड़ी गढ़वाल
District

Devprayag in Pauri Garhwal
Pauri Garhwal district

Location in Uttarakhand, India

Coordinates: 29°48′N 78°44′E / 29.80°N 78.74°ECoordinates: 29°48′N 78°44′E / 29.80°N 78.74°E
Country  India
State Uttarakhand
Division Garhwal
Headquarters Pauri
Area
 • Total 5,399 km2 (2,085 sq mi)
Population
 • Total 697,078
 • Density 129/km2 (330/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Hindi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Website pauri.nic.in

Pauri Garhwal is a district in Uttarakhand state of India. Its headquarters is Pauri town. The southern boundary of Pauri Garhwal district borders with Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh and other three sides of Pauri Garhwal district border with Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora and Nainital districts. This district is located partly in the Gangetic plains and partly in the Northern Himalaya.

History

Pauri Garhwal district was a part of the erstwhile Garhwal Kingdom ruled by the Pal (Shah) dynasty. The throne of the King was at Srinagar. After many unsuccessful attempts, Gurkhas, finally in 1803 succeeded in capturing Garhwal by defeating army of King Pradyumna Shah. In 1816, British defeated Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War, and the Garhwal Kingdom was re-established in Tehri.

History of Pauri Garhwal District suggests that through the ages, the evolution of human civilization in this region of Garhwal Himalaya has been parallel to the rest of Indian sub-continent.[1]Katyuri was the first historical dynasty, which ruled over unified Uttarakhand and left some important records in the form of inscriptions and temples. After downfall of the Katyuris, it is believed that the Garhwal region was fragmented in more than sixty-four principalities ruled by a chieftain, one of the principal chieftainship was Chandpurgarh.[2] In the mid of the 15th century A.D. Chandpurgarh emerged as a powerful principality under the rule of King Jagatpal (1455 A.D to 1493 A.D.), who was a descendent of Kanakpal. Towards the end of 15th century AD King Ajaypal enthroned Chandpurgarh and ruled the region. Subsequently, his kingdom came to be known as Garhwal and he transferred his capital from Chandpur to Devalgarh before 1506 AD and later on to Srinagar during 1506 to 1519 A.D.

King Ajaypal and his successors ruled the region of Garhwal for nearly three hundred years even during this period they had faced a number of attacks from Kumaon, Mughals, Sikhs and Rohillas. An important event in the history of Pauri Garhwal District was Gorkha invasion. It was marked by extreme brutality. After conquering Doti and Kumaon, Gorkhas attacked Garhwal despite stiff resistance put up by the Garhwali forces. But in the meantime, news came of a Chinese invasion and the Gorkhas were forced to lift the siege. However, in 1803, they again mounted an invasion. After capturing Kumaon, they attacked Garhwal in three columns. Eventually, the Gorkhas became the masters of entire Garhwal in 1804 and ruled the territory for twelve years.

The rule of Gorkhas in Garhwal area ended in 1815 after the British invasion in the region. After the defeat of Gorkha army, the British rulers on 21 April 1815 decided to establish their rule over the eastern half of Garhwal region, which lies east of Alaknanda River and Mandakini river. The remaining part of Garhwal in the west was returned to King Sudarshan Shah who established his capital at Tehri. Initially the administration was entrusted to the commissioner of Kumaon and Garhwal with headquarters at Nainital, but later Garhwal was separated and formed into a separate district in the year 1840 under an assistant commissioner with his headquarters at Pauri. In early 1960, Pauri Garhwal District and Chamoli District was carved out of Garhwal district.

A new road is under construction currently in Andkil village, which will connect this tiny village to main Kotdwar road via Ekeshwar. The Road gives a beautiful scenic view of Garhwal Himalyas in the north.

Administrative structure

After independence what was then known as the Garhwal district was further divided into Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli districts in 1960. In 1997 an additional area was carved out of the Pauri Garhwal and merged with parts of Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal districts to form a new district named Rudraprayag. Ransi ground situated in Pauri is one of the highest ground in Asia.Template:Act

Pauri Garhwal encompasses an area of 5230 km2 and situated between 29° 45’ to 30°15’ Latitude and 78° 24’ to 79° 23’ E Longitude.

The District is administratively divided into nine tehsils and fifteen developmental blocks.

TEHSILS

DEVELOPMENTAL BLOCKS

Climate

The climate of Pauri Garhwal is very cold in winter and pleasant in summer. In rainy season the climate is very cool & full of greenness. However, in Kotdwar and the adjoining Bhabar area it is quite hot reaching high 40s Celsius during the summer.and in winter session it remained heavy snow fall most part of the pauri district.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Pauri Garhwal district has a population of 686,527,[3] which is almost equal to the 2014 population of Equatorial Guinea,[4] and to the US state of North Dakota.[5] This gives it a ranking of 506th in India (out of a total of 640).[3] The district has a population density of 129 inhabitants per square kilometre (330/sq mi) .[3] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was -1.51%.[3] Pauri Garhwal has a sex ratio of 1103 females for every 1000 males,[3] and a literacy rate of 82.02%.[3]

As of 2001 Indian census, the Pauri Garhwal district had a population of 697,078. Hindus 673,471, Muslims 20,157 (2.89%), Christians 1,915.[6]

Economy

The main occupation of the population is agriculture. Some large and small industrial units have been established around Kotdwara e.g. SIDCUL. Major companies working in the region are Sidhbali Steels, Wipro, Banjosh, Simpex Pharma and Sr Sri Ayurveda beside others. Army / para-military forces and teaching are a major source of employment for young people. Due to the lack of required infrastructure and the geography of the area, there are no major industries in the hilly part of the district. Banjosh Group has also come with first ever integrated Mushroom growing plant in Pauri Garhwal at Sigaddi with an installed capacity of 700 MT per annum.

Transport

The most common mode of transport is either bus or taxi. Bus services are provided by the state-run Uttarakhand Roadways, Garhwal Motor Owner Union (GMOU) Ltd. and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Ltd. Operations of the Uttarakhand Roadways are limited mainly to Inter-state routes and major cities/towns of the district/state. GMOU Ltd. is the largest bus service provider of the district, providing services to almost all places of the district. The services of GMU Ltd. are limited to comparatively smaller area adjoining the Kumaon division. Also there are a number of Taxi Unions in many towns of the district, providing services for almost every stretch of the road.

The only railway station of the district is at Kotdwara, which was established by the British as early as 1889. As Pauri Garhwal district is situated at the Shiwalik range, the outermost range of the Himalayas, its hills are very inconsistent. As a result it is not considered feasible to extend the railways network.

Pauri Garhwal district does not have any regular air services. The nearest airport is Jollygrant, Dehradun, about 155 km from Pauri and about 120 km from Kotdwara.

Tourism

Tourism in Pauri Garhwal District includes a number of exploring options. Pauri Garhwal is considered nature's paradise and attracts people through its charm and magnificence. The beautiful valleys, snow clad mountain peaks, and amazing features of nature are key components that attract travellers. Moreover,tourism in Pauri will be considered incomplete without paying a visit to its ancient temples. Some of the main places of interest in Pauri are as follows.

Danda Nagraja Temple

The holy shrine of Danda Nagraja is a very popular pilgrimage among the Garhwali people. Garhwalis from around the country visit the shrine everyday. It is located in the Village Lasera, Patti Banelsyun, District Pauri (lap of Mountains). The temple gets its name from Garhwali word 'Danda', which means peak. Since the location of the temple was in a forest, local people started calling it Danda Nagraja - Nagraja on the peak.

History

"Legend has it that when Lord Krishna came here for the first time, he came in the form of a snake and crawled all the way up the ridge to reach the spot where the temple now stands. Locals have a strong belief that Lord Krishna still stays here and has done so over many centuries. They say they have special blessings of Danda Nagraja. Popular faith is that Danda Nagraja has the power to foresee any ill coming to the area and always informs them about any mishap that is about to occur. Not just that, locals say the Lord also gives them the solution to the problem.

The temple’s high priest tells you with conviction that if any devotee prays sincerely, Danda Nagraja always fulfills his wishes.

Location

The temple is situated at the top of a hill with ample space around the structure for the pilgrims to relax. Another unique feature of this temple is that thousands of bells are tied in the temple premises by devotees after their wish is fulfilled. Apart from this, there is also a custom of devotees offering jaggery (gur) as prasad to the reigning deity. After a darshan of श्री डांडानागराजा, the pilgrims take a parikarma of the temple to get the blessings of the God.

"The temple not only attracts local people but, every year, many foreigners come visiting and they donate bells with their names written all over. The main visitors are from the US and UK," the priest tells you.

People who lives in villages they have sacred belief in Danda Nagraza Temple. It is said that there are so many folk stories behind the establishment of temple. Jai Danda Nagraza Temple has been healing the grieves of Millions of devotees in many magical and holy way and that is what tied those devotees into a bond of love between God and Pilgrims since ages. With the help of this temple Pauri Garhwal known as a "Land of Miracles".

Reaching There

Danda Nagraja can easily be reached by taking a bus either from Kotdwara or Pauri. Frequency of buses is very limited and there are hardly more than two buses you'll get on this route. The best option is to hire a taxi. Danda Nagraja Temple is approximately 90 km from Kotdwara, 45 km from Satpuli and 35 km from Pauri.

Jwalpa Devi Temple

This is a famous shaktipeeth of garhwal dedicated to Goddess Jwalpa. It is situated on the Right Bank of the Nawalika River(nayar), 34 km from Pauri, on the main Pauri- Kotdwar road. According to a legend in Skandha Puraan, Sachi(daughter of the demon king Pulom) wanted to marry devraj Indra so she worshipped The Supreme mother Goddess 'Shakti' here at this place. The Goddess then appeared in the form of Deeptimaan Jwalehwari and her wish was fulfilled. This name then gradually as the time passed was cut short and moduled to Jwalpa Devi. Adi Guru Shankaracharya visited and prayed in this temple and it is said that The Goddess appeared to him. Every year Navratri fair is held twice, on the occasion of Chitra and Shardiya Navratri. Anthwals are the traditional priests and care-takers of this temple as the present temple was constructed by Late Pt Shri Dutta Ram Anthwal(Anthwals being the zameendaar of the area, originally from village Aneth). Every year thousands of people visit this temple, specially unmarried girls as it is said that the girls get fine grooms just like Indraani(sachi) got Lord Indra by the grace of The Goddess.

Kandoliya Devta

Kandoliya

The main temples of the city are Kandoliya Devta, Laxmi Narayan, Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev and Hanuman mandir. Every year, a ‘Bhandara‘ is organized in the premises of the Temple of the Kandoliya Devta and thousands of people from Pauri and near by villages participate in it. The city is blessed with a number of picnic spots surrounded by ‘Deodar‘ forests and filled with natural beauty viz. Ransi, Kandoliya, Nag Dev, Jhandi Dhar etc. Every year ‘Sharadotsav’ is celebrated in the city since 1974.

Shoonya Shikhar Ashram

This is one of the prime spiritual centers near Kotdwara. One can reach there after 7 km trekking from a village Balli, around 30 km up the hill from Kotdwara. Shoonya Shikar Ashram is known for the meditation cave of Sadguru Sadafaldeo Ji Maharaj . It attracts people from all over the world, in particular the followers of Vihangam Yoga, seeking high level meditation. This is the place where 'Swarved' was created.

Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev

It is an 8th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offering astonishing views of the snow laden Himalayas.The temple is situated in the suburbs of the main town Pauri.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva accompanied by Goddess Parvati,Ganesha and Karthikeyan.

Chaukhamba View Point

Situated only 4 km from Pauri.Chaukhamba View Point ridge overlooks the splendid idwal valley and Chaukhamba Peaks.It is one of the prominent places of Pauri because of its mesmerizing scenic vistas.

Khirsu

Khirsu Park

The snow-covered mountains of Khirsu offer a panoramic view of the Central Himalayas and attract a large number of tourists. From here one can get a clear view of many named & unnamed peaks. Located 19 km away from Pauri at an altitude of 1,700 m, khirsu is a peaceful spot, free from pollution. Only the chirping of birds breaks the tranquility of the adjoining thick Oak and Deodar forests and apple orchards. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is well worth a visit. Accommodation is available at the Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev

36 km from Lansdowne and at a height of 1,800 m this place is known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by thick forests of deodar and pine, it is an ideal place for those who seek for beauty in nature. During Shivratri, and in the month of May a special worship is held. The temple committee provides a dharamshala for accommodation.

Tarkeshwar Dham is 5 km from Chakhuliyakhal and 20 km from Rikhnikhal.

Ekeshwar Mahadev

26 km from Satpuli and at a height of 1,820 m this place is a sidhpeeth dedicated to Lord Shiva. With amazing view and calm climate this is an ideal place for those who seek for beauty in nature. During Shivratri, a special worship is held. The road from Satpuli to Ekeshwar offers breathtaking views of Chaukhmba Peaks covered with snow.

Binsar Mahadev

Amidst the dense forest of Birch, Rhododendron and Deodar, is located the temple of Binsar Mahadev at an altitude of 2480 m and is at a distance of 114 km from Pauri. Sanctorum of temple consists of deities, Hargauri, Ganesh and Mahisasurmardini. Temple is believed to be constructed by Maharaja Prithu in memory of his father Bindu. This temple is also known as Bindeshwar temple. A big fair takes place here on the occasion of Baikunth Chaturdashi every year. nearest town by it is Thalisain about 25 km by road and about 4–5 km by pedistrain.

Bindeswar temple is main important temple in the district.

Doodhatoli

Doodhatoli, situated at an altitude of 3100 m, is covered with dense mixed forest. Thalisain is the last bus terminal (104 km. from Pauri) from where Doodhatoli is at a distance of 24 km by trek. It is one of the most picturesque places and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding areas.

Tara Kund

Situated at a height of 2200 m. Tarakund is a small picturesque spot amidst lofty mountains in the Chariserh Development Area. A small lake and an ancient temple adorn the place. The Teej festival is celebrated with great gaiety when the local people come here to worship and pay homage to God. The distance from main road to tarakund is nearly about 8 km and Palli is the nearest village. It known for its beauty. On the occasion of Shiv Ratri, local people like to go Tarkund for worship of Lord Shiva.

Kanvashram

According to a famous belief, this is the place where the great sage Swami Vishwamitra meditated and the beautiful heavenly damsel Menka disturbed him. This place is situated at a distance of about 14 km from Kotdwar, and has a great historical and archaeological importance.

Kanvashram, 14 km from Kotdwar, is an important destination from historical and archaeological point of view. As the legend goes, it is believed that sage Vishwamitra meditated at this place. Fearing Vishwamitra’s intense meditation, Indra, the king of sub-Gods sent a charming heavenly damsel Menka to distract him.

Menka succeeded in seducing and thus, distracting the sage. A daughter was born as fruit of their union. She was named Shakuntala who was then, left in the ashram in the care of Rishi Kanva.

Shakuntala later, upon marriage with Dushyant, the ruler of Hastinapur, gave birth to prince Bharat. It is by virtue of this name - Bharat - that India came to be called Bharatvarsha and thus Bharat.

Kanvashram is well connected by road with most of the important destinations of the region. Nearest railhead is at Kotdwar which is 14 km away while the nearest airport is Jollygrant (Dehradun).

Kanvashram has a lot to offer for visitors of all kinds. Those seeking solitude can relax amidst serene and forested surrounds of Kanvashram while a number of long and short trekking routes are sure to satisfy the quests of the adventurous kinds. One can reach the captivating Sahastradhara Falls after a one-hour trek. For those unwilling to take any tiring trek, a simple walk to Malini barrage will surely be an unforgettable experience.

There is also a Gurukul that one can visit. This Gurukul – traditional school for boys – provides services like massages and conducts Yoga Courses besides making available a host of ayurvedic medicines.

Comfortable boarding and lodging facilities are available in Kanvashram. One can even put up at the Gurukul. Alternatively, for the brave ones, spending the night at GMVN tourist rest house here wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.

How To Reach By road, it is well connected with all major destinations of the region like Kotdwar which is 14 km away. Nearest railhead is at Kotdwar and nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun).

Image Gallery of the Places around Pauri Garhwal

Education

Pauri, Kotdwar,lansdowne and Srinagar are major centres of education in the district. St. Thomas School situated in the city of Pauri is one of the prominent education institutes. It has got a 100 percent record in board examinations. Hemvati Nandan Bahugana Garhwal University (A central university of India) is in Srinagar. Govind Ballabh Pant Engineering College at Ghurdauri (11.5 km from Pauri) is a technical institution present in the district. Veer Chandra Garhwali Government Medical College is in Srinagar. National institute of technology uttarakhand is in srinagar.

References

  1. ↑ "The Glorious Past". http://pauri.nic.in/''. Nodal Officer(District Website). Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  2. ↑ Joshi, M.P. "Dr". http://uou.ac.in''.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "District Census 2011". Census2011.co.in. 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
  4. ↑ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Retrieved 2011-10-01. Equatorial Guinea 668,225 July 2011 est.
  5. ↑ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-09-30. North Dakota 672,591
  6. ↑ "Uttarakhand - Districts of India: Know India". National Portal of India. Retrieved 2009-04-04.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pauri Garhwal district.
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