PAONTA SAHIB

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

Places to Visit

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib
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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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 11 th century, when it was cursed by a dancing girl.

Balasundari Temple
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.

Ram Temple
Within Paonta Sahib and alsc 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 Part Hand of Sangria by his wife who originally belonged to Sirmour. The Krill Dass Gurudwara is just past the temple.

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

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.

Assan Lake
4 km. from Paonta Sahib. This beautiful lake has all facilities like speed boats, rowing, paddle and sailing boats. In addition, one can enjoy water skiing and hovercraft rides. A fast food restaurant is also available.