MANDI

ABOUT MANDI:

• Magnificent Mandi, an important historical, culture and religious centre nestles on the left bank of the river Beas.
• It was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Mandi and also a major commercial centre.
• Known as ‘Varanasi of Hills’, has 81 exquisitely carved temples.
• Most important are of Bhutnath, Triolknath (built in 1520), Panchvaktra and Shyamakali at Tarna Hill.
• Mandi is also associated with saint Mandva, who is believed to have meditated here.
• Town is famous for its unique celebrations of Shivaratri Festival.
• Celebrations last for eight days and during this time images of the deities of the nearby temples are brought in a colourful procession to the shrine of Lord Bhutnath (Shiva).

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Bhuntar (KUU), 59 kms away from Mandi.
• Rail: Joginder Nagar Railway Station, Joginder Nagar, 55 kms away from Mandi and Pathankot Railway Station, Pathankot, 210 kms away from Mandi.
• Road: Well connected by road.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND MANDI

• Rewalsar:
  • 25 kms away from Mandi.
  • Holy lake with floating islands is equally sacred to Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists.
  • A Buddhists monastery, Gurudwara and a temple built on the bank of the lake.
  • It is believed that sage Padma Sambhava, a Buddhist preacher, went to Tibet from here to preach the doctrine of “ the enlightened”,
  • Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru visited Mandi and stayed here.

• Parashar Lake:
  • 40 kms away from Mandi.
  • Serene Lake surrounded by mountains is located near Baghi village.
  • Three storied pagoda like shrine of sage Prashar is said to be built by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in the 14^th century amidst tranquil surroundings.

• Sunder Nagar:
  • 26 kms away from Mandi.
  • Beautiful town is noted for its scenic beauty.
  • Temples of Sukhdev Vatika and Mahyama.

• Joginder Nagar:
  • 56 kms away from Mandi.
  • Famous for the hydro-electric project.
  • Reservoir is located at Barot, which can be reached by an electric trolley.