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Sarhan,
in the Sutlej is an unpretentious village set against a
spectacular background. Sarahan valley commands a wonderful view of
the snow-capped mountains from east to west, rolling fields and deep
valleys. This former summer capital of Rampur Bushahr, one of the
biggest princely states in the Shimla Hills, is well known for its
centuries old Bhimkali Temple.
Situated
on a small table-land above the valley, well over 2000 meters,
Sarahan presents striking spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan ranges
and a picture of unspoilt pastoral loveliness. 800 year old
construction technique can be seen here and visitors can also get a
good opportunity to study the western Himalayan architecture.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Bhimkali Temple: The
Bhimkali temple is the most majestic of the few early timber temples
left in the Sutlej Valley. The Sutlej valley is renowned for it's
unusual tradition of housing holy shrines on raised wooden
platforms. The Bhimkali Temple has two multi-tiered sanctuary
towers. elegantly sloping slate-tiled roofs and gleaming golden
spires. It is the last temple in the valley to be served by Brahmin
priests. This original shrine of the Goddess, possesses the finest
pair of silver doors in all Himachal, consisting of panels of
mythological subjects in the repossess technique, made at the order
of Raja Shamsher Singh in the mid-nineteenth century. A fantastic
collection of Hindu as well as Buddhist bronzes are also housed in
the sanctum.
Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple Complex:
Described
as one of the finest specimens of hill architecture, is Raja Bushahr
Palace cum Temple Complex built in the timber-bonded style. Like all
buildings of the hill type, this 2000 year old structure is built of
layers of rubble masonry and beams of cedar wood.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest
airport is Shimla, 184 Km.
Road: Bus
and taxi services are available from Shimla.
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