Hamirpur- an introduction to the “Education hub” of Himachal.

By: Rajinder Singh Rana

HQ. Hamirpur , altitude 786 mtr. Hamirpur district is situated between 76˚18’ to 76˚44’ East longitude and 31˚52’ 30” North latitudes. The elevation varies from 400 mtr.to 1100 mts. Covered by Shivalik range.

Hamirpur is on the way to Shimla from Dharamshala (NH88) a small district having highter literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh and well known as “education hub” of Himachal. The NIT ( National Institute of Technology) of the state is located here. Because of NIT and Polytechnic colleges there are number of well known coaching institutes in the town.

Places of Hisorical and Religious interest :-

1. Tira Sujanpur – founded by Raja Abhay Chand Katoch ruler in 1748 A.D. on the bank of river Beas .There are 5 temples at Tira and Sujanpur namely Gauri Shankar temple, Murli Manohar, Narbadeshwar,Mahadev ,and Vyasheshwar. The Chaugan (ground) of Sujanpur is famous for “Holi Mela” a state level fair held in the month of March every year. Sainik School is also located near the changan.

2. Nadaun :- was headquarters of the Naduan Jagir at the time of Raja Sansar Chand Katoch, he used to hold his court during summer for a number of years. It is famous for “Bilkleshwar mahadev” Temple which is said to be founded by Pandavas.

3. Bhota: located on the NH 88 Dharamshala-shimla road at a distance of 14 kms from Hamirpur towards Bilaspur. The place is famous for Radha Swami Trust Charitable hospital, the largest hospital of the state constructed by the same trust.
4. Deotsidh:- is 40 kms away from Hamirpur. The world famous temple of Baba Balak Nath is located here.

5. Lambloo:- 10 Kms away from Hamirpur town and is famous for Shani Dev Temple.

6. Gasota:- is 7 Kms away from Hamirpur Gasota Mahadev Temple is located here.

7. Markanda:- located on the bank of Kunah Khad is the place of Markanda Rishi according to Purnas, the idol of Rishi Markandya was installed here. A natural water spring is located there and the fair of Markanda is very famous.

Culture:- Culture of Hamirpur district is mixed with Punjabi culture. The women generally wear Kameej Salwar and chadroo/Dupatta and the men Kameej and Pyjama.

The folk dances are “ Gidha” of women folk and Chanderwali dance of men folk.