Pauri Garhwal
Encyclopedia
Pauri Garhwal is a district in Uttarakhand
state of India
. Its headquarters is at Pauri
. Pauri Garhwal district is ringed by Haridwar
, Dehradun
, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli
, Almora and Nainital districts from three sides. The southern boundary of Pauri Garhwal district touches with the Bijnor district
of Uttar Pradesh
. This district falls partly in the Gangetic plains and a major part in the Himalayan North.
ruled by the Pal (Shah) dynasty. The throne of the King was at Srinagar
. In 1803 Gurkha
s, after many unsuccessful attempts, finally succeeded in capturing Garhwal by defeating the army of King Pradyumna Shah. In 1816, the British defeated the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War, and the Garhwal Kingdom was re-established from Tehri
.
district and 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 the highest ground in Asia.Pauri Garhwal, a district of Uttarakhand state 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, viz., Pauri, Lansdown, Kotdwar, Thalisain, Dhumakot, Srinagar, Satpuli, Dhumakot & Yamkeshwar and fifteen developmental blocks, viz., Kot, Kaljikhal, Pauri, Pabo, Thalisain, Bironkhal, Dwarikhal, Dugadda, Jaihrikhal, Ekeshwer, Rikhnikhal, Yamkeswar, Nainidanda, Pokhra & Khirsu.
Pauri Garhwal district has a population
of 686,527, roughly equal to the nation of Equatorial Guinea
or the US state of North Dakota
. This gives it a ranking of 506th in India (out of a total of 640
). The district has a population density of 129 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
over the decade 2001-2011 was -1.51 %. Pauri Garhwal has a sex ratio
of 1103 females
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
of 82.59 %.
Indian census, the Pauri Garhwal district had a population of 697,078. Hindus 673,471, Muslims 20,157 (2.89%), Christians 1,915.
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.
The holy shrine of Danda Nagraja is a very popular pilgrimage among the Garhwali people. Devotees from around the country throng to the shrine everyday. It is located in the Banelsyun Patti, District Pauri (lap of Mountains).
Alighting the bus at Marodagarha distance of 15 km run from Devparyag, the traveler treks on foot on uphill way up to 10 km. The way passes through verdant forest which refreshes him with its greenery and sweet breeze. The alluring beauty of the forest goads the traveler to go on until the goal is attained. His joy know no bound which his eyes catch the glimpse of the beautiful temple of Shri Nagraja, surrounded by countless ever green and fresh "Bugyals" having innumerable bells hanging to them
". श्री डांडानागराजा is one of the most famous temples in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttrakhand. The temple is situated in the Patty Kandwalsyon.
Every year thousands of pilgrims from across the country visit this holy shrine, especially people from villages who have a lot of belief in the healing powers of this deity.
The famous Kauthig festival is celebrated on a very grand scale every year in 13-14April. The shrine is now well connected from Pauri City and other districts of the State by regular bus services. The best seasons to visit this Krishna temple is from November to March.
“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. Hence this temple is called श्री डांडानागराजा Temple.” a regular pilgrim to this shrine, PUJARI OF श्री डांडानागराजा TEMPLE'S said.
Localites 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.
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.
The State Government is doing its best to bring this temple into the world tourist map. The condition of roads has improved, dharamshalas and other tourists shelters are coming up and transportation and other basic facilities are being introduced.....
Location :- Village_Ree, Devprayag, Pauri Garhwal, U.k., Pauri Garhwal, India
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Doodhatoli, Situated at an altitude of 3100 m, is covered withdense 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 panaromic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding areas.
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.
According to a famous believe 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.
. Govind Ballabh Pant Engineering College at Ghurdauri (12 km from Pauri) is a technical institution present in the district. Veer Chandra Garhwali Government Medical College is in Srinagar.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
state of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Its headquarters is at Pauri
Pauri
Pauri is a city and a municipal board in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.-Geography:Pauri is located at...
. Pauri Garhwal district is ringed by Haridwar
Haridwar
Haridwar is an important pilgrimage city and municipality in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India...
, Dehradun
Dehradun district
There are five railway stations in Dehradun:* Raiwala* Rishikesh* Doiwala* Harrawala* DehradunAirport...
, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli
Chamoli District
Chamoli district is a district of Uttarakhand state of India. It is bounded by the Tibet region to the north, and by the Uttarakhand districts of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to the east, Almora to the south, Garhwal to the southwest, Rudraprayag to the west, and Uttarkashi to the northwest...
, Almora and Nainital districts from three sides. The southern boundary of Pauri Garhwal district touches with the Bijnor district
Bijnor District
Bijnor is a district of Uttar Pradesh state of India. Bijnor city is the district headquarters.-Geography :...
of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
. This district falls partly in the Gangetic plains and a major part in the Himalayan North.
History
Pauri Garhwal district was a part of the erstwhile Garhwal KingdomGarhwal Kingdom
Garhwal Kingdom was a princely state in north-western Uttarakhand, India, ruled by the Panwar dynasty. It was founded in 888 AD and existed until it was annexed by the Gorkhas in 1803...
ruled by the Pal (Shah) dynasty. The throne of the King was at Srinagar
Srinagar, Uttarakhand
For other uses, see Srinagar .Srinagar is the biggest town in garhwal and a municipal board in Pauri Garhwal District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.-Geography:...
. In 1803 Gurkha
Gurkha
Gurkha are people from Nepal who take their name from the Gorkha District. Gurkhas are best known for their history in the Indian Army's Gorkha regiments, the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas and the Nepalese Army. Gurkha units are closely associated with the kukri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife...
s, after many unsuccessful attempts, finally succeeded in capturing Garhwal by defeating the army of King Pradyumna Shah. In 1816, the British defeated the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War, and the Garhwal Kingdom was re-established from Tehri
Tehri
Tehri is a city and a municipal board in Tehri Garhwal District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the administrative seat of Tehri Garhwal District.-History:...
.
Villages
After independence it was known as GarhwalGarhwal District
Garhwal lies in the northern region of India. It is a part of the state Uttrakhand and is bounded on four sides by Tibet , Uttar Pradesh, Kumaon region and Himachal Pradesh....
district and further divided into Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli
Chamoli District
Chamoli district is a district of Uttarakhand state of India. It is bounded by the Tibet region to the north, and by the Uttarakhand districts of Pithoragarh and Bageshwar to the east, Almora to the south, Garhwal to the southwest, Rudraprayag to the west, and Uttarkashi to the northwest...
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 the highest ground in Asia.Pauri Garhwal, a district of Uttarakhand state 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, viz., Pauri, Lansdown, Kotdwar, Thalisain, Dhumakot, Srinagar, Satpuli, Dhumakot & Yamkeshwar and fifteen developmental blocks, viz., Kot, Kaljikhal, Pauri, Pabo, Thalisain, Bironkhal, Dwarikhal, Dugadda, Jaihrikhal, Ekeshwer, Rikhnikhal, Yamkeswar, Nainidanda, Pokhra & Khirsu.
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 greeneries. However, in Kotdwar and the adjoining Bhabar area it is quite hot reaching high 40s Celsius during the summer.Demographics
According to the 2011 census2011 census of India
The 15th Indian National census was conducted in two phases, houselisting and population enumeration. Houselisting phase began on April 1, 2010 and involved collection of information about all buildings...
Pauri Garhwal district has a population
Demographics of India
The demographics of India are inclusive of the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.21 billion people , more than a sixth of the world's population. Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing...
of 686,527, roughly equal to the nation of Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea, officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea where the capital Malabo is situated.Annobón is the southernmost island of Equatorial Guinea and is situated just south of the equator. Bioko island is the northernmost point of Equatorial Guinea. Between the two islands and to the...
or the US state of North Dakota
North Dakota
North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S....
. This gives it a ranking of 506th in India (out of a total of 640
Districts of India
A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Districts are further subdivided, in some cases into Sub-Divisions, and otherwise directly into tehsils or talukas.District officials include:...
). The district has a population density of 129 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
Family planning in India
Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the Indian government. In the 1965-2009 period, contraceptive usage has more than tripled and the fertility rate has more than halved , but the national fertility rate is still high enough to cause long-term population growth...
over the decade 2001-2011 was -1.51 %. Pauri Garhwal has a sex ratio
Sex ratio
Sex ratio is the ratio of males to females in a population. The primary sex ratio is the ratio at the time of conception, secondary sex ratio is the ratio at time of birth, and tertiary sex ratio is the ratio of mature organisms....
of 1103 females
Women in India
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful...
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
Literacy in India
Literacy in India is key for socio-economic progress, and the Indian literacy rate grew to 74.04% in 2011 from 12% at the end of British rule in 1947. Although this was a greater than sixfold improvement, the level is well below the world average literacy rate of 84%, and India currently has the...
of 82.59 %.
Indian census, the Pauri Garhwal district had a population of 697,078. Hindus 673,471, Muslims 20,157 (2.89%), Christians 1,915.
Economy
The main occupation of the population is agriculture. Some large and small industrial units have been established around Kotdwara e.g. SIDCUL. Besides, 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.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
Siwalik Hills
The Sivalik hills is a mountain range of the outer Himalayas also known as Manak Parbat in ancient times. Shivalik literally means 'tresses of Shiva’. This range is about long enclosing an area that starts almost from the Indus and ends close to the Brahmaputra, with a gap of about between the...
, the outermost range of the Himalayas
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
, 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
Dehradun
- Geography :The Dehradun district has various types of physical geography from Himalayan mountains to Plains. Raiwala is the lowest point at 315 meters above sea level, and the highest points are within the Tiuni hills, rising to 3700 m above sea level...
, 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 as nature's paradise and it attracts people through its charm and magnificence.The beautiful valleys,snow clad mountain peaks and the amazing vies of the nature are the key components that attract the travellers.Moreover,tourism in Pauri will bw considered incomplete without paying a visit to its ancient temples.Some of the main places of interest in Pauri are as follows.Danda Nagraja Mandir
The holy shrine of Danda Nagraja is a very popular pilgrimage among the Garhwali people. Devotees from around the country throng to the shrine everyday. It is located in the Banelsyun Patti, District Pauri (lap of Mountains).
Alighting the bus at Marodagarha distance of 15 km run from Devparyag, the traveler treks on foot on uphill way up to 10 km. The way passes through verdant forest which refreshes him with its greenery and sweet breeze. The alluring beauty of the forest goads the traveler to go on until the goal is attained. His joy know no bound which his eyes catch the glimpse of the beautiful temple of Shri Nagraja, surrounded by countless ever green and fresh "Bugyals" having innumerable bells hanging to them
". श्री डांडानागराजा is one of the most famous temples in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttrakhand. The temple is situated in the Patty Kandwalsyon.
Every year thousands of pilgrims from across the country visit this holy shrine, especially people from villages who have a lot of belief in the healing powers of this deity.
The famous Kauthig festival is celebrated on a very grand scale every year in 13-14April. The shrine is now well connected from Pauri City and other districts of the State by regular bus services. The best seasons to visit this Krishna temple is from November to March.
“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. Hence this temple is called श्री डांडानागराजा Temple.” a regular pilgrim to this shrine, PUJARI OF श्री डांडानागराजा TEMPLE'S said.
Localites 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.
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.
The State Government is doing its best to bring this temple into the world tourist map. The condition of roads has improved, dharamshalas and other tourists shelters are coming up and transportation and other basic facilities are being introduced.....
Location :- Village_Ree, Devprayag, Pauri Garhwal, U.k., Pauri Garhwal, India
Kandoliya Devta
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.
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
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.
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.
Doodhatoli
Doodhatoli, Situated at an altitude of 3100 m, is covered withdense 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 panaromic 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.
Kanvashram
According to a famous believe 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.
Education
Pauri, Kotdwar and Srinagar are major centres of education in the district. Hemvati Nandan Bahugana Garhwal University (A central university of India) is in SrinagarSrinagar
Srinagar is the summer seasonal capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. It is one of the largest cities in India not to have a Hindu majority. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats...
. Govind Ballabh Pant Engineering College at Ghurdauri (12 km from Pauri) is a technical institution present in the district. Veer Chandra Garhwali Government Medical College is in Srinagar.