Panchkula
In the state of Haryana, Panchkula is a district. It is a good location for tourists to come and visit. The traces of the age old culture that was present here, is mirrored in the elements of this place. Close to the Saraswati River, the Vedic Culture existed with success. This place reminds people of this very culture. Kalka and Panchkula are the two portions which makes the city. As many as 200 villages are present here. No people live in the major number of the villages and few of them are even desolated. Numerous excavations have been carried out here. The historical atmosphere of the place makes the tourists to come here.
The planning of the city has been done in a well organized way. Green trees encircle the place. The word ‘Panchkula’ stands for the “five kuls” or canals constructed for irrigation purposes. Areas of Barwala, Raipur Rani and Pinjore make up the place, Panchkula.
The activity of worshipping Lord Shiva is linked to this place; however more important is idolizing His Consort in the figure of Shakti or Mother Goddess. Durga, Kalika, Chandi, Naina, Mansa, Sharda, Ambika, Kali and Bhawani are the names of the Goddess. Numerous temples dedicated to these goddesses are present on the foot hills of the Shiwaliks. In order to reach these temples, a drive through Chandigarh is must.
The sacred Siddh Peeth of Sri Mata Mansa Devi is situated at a distance of 8 Kms from the bus stand in Chandigarh. At this spot, two temples have been constructed. The Maharaja of Patiala had given the orders to construct these temples in order to celebrate his win in the battle of 1861. The main temple is the one, which is situated close to the parking lot – it is believed so. The ruler of Mani Majra built it in the year 1815 AD.
Among many followers, this temple is quite famous and well liked. The reason for this is the fact that it is so believed that the residing Goddess endows the devotees with benevolence. During the sacred time of Navratra, this place hosts fairs in the near grounds. The followers offers huge amount of money to pay homage to Her. Beside the shrine of Mata Mansa Devi, there is Jatayu Yatri Niwas, which has been constructed by the department of tourism of Haryana state.
TOURIST PLACES IN PANCHKULA
Chandi Mandir: At a distance of 10 Kms from the Mata Devi shrine, the Chandi Mandir is situated. As a Siddh Peeth, this place is worshipped. It is a small scale temple, yet a renowned one. The name of the city, Chandigarh, has been derived from the name of this mandir. On the portion of the highway between Chandigarh-Kalka, which is a part of the NH-22, this mandir is located. Huge numbers of followers come here, during the time of Navratra.
Bhima Devi Temple: The relics of the Bhima Devi temple are present on the location which is situated along the same highway. It is located in the tiny village named Pinjore. Situated on the foothills of the Shiwaliks, the place has breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. The existence of this temple can be traced all the way back to the 11th century AD. It is now an archaeological site. The Panchayatan style of temple architecture is portrayed by the temple.
Kalka: On the Ambala-Shimla NH, this place is located. The last portion of the Haryana is formed by this town. After this, the highway leads straight to the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The renowned Kalka Devi Temple is situated on this highway.
HOW TO REACH PANCHKULA
By air: The nearest airport is located in Chandigarh.
By road: Numerous bus services, both State Transport and private coaches, are available. One can also hire private taxis or cars.
By rail: The town has a minor railway station.