By: Vijay Kumar Verma, Editor-ICN Group
SHIMLA: We had heard a lot about the Hazrat Bal shrine and in the movies like Mission Kashmir had a glimpse of the historical monument. But before venturing out for the visit to the shrine, we are little dreaded lest there be any untoward incident in the area. But my friend assures that the tourists are never targeted as they infuse life into the economy of industry. Moreover, he tells that Muslims at large were peace lovers barring a few misguided youngsters. Still with a bit of hesitation we chalk out the day’s visit to holy Hazrat Bal shrine and places nearby.
The stay in the houseboat had given a very good experience but we were all through the night concerned of the power cut which would switch off the room heaters as well as the electric blankets. But the boat attendants showed us around that they too resided in the small houseboat parked close by, and also the power generator installed behind the boat. In the morning we are amazed to find the top layer of water turned into ice. The small boats moving on the water are seen cracking the ice layer. The layer is thicker near the bank of the lake. The freezing cold waves make us rework our decision and we move out to a hotel across the lake.
Again on the banks of Dal Lake, and we proceed anti clock wise towards the famous Hazrat Bal shrine. Located on the bank of the lake, the mosque built with white marble gives a pious look. It is a admirable fusion of Kashmir and Moughal art. Inside we find huge halls covered with magnificent carpets. Inside the main mausoleum we find people praying in full devotion. Also known as Dargah Sharif, a relic – a hair of Prophet Mohammad is preserved here which is put on display for the visitors for a few days during the month of May, we are told. Offering our prayers and seeking blessings of God, we come out on the street. Some beggars are seen waiting for alms by the visitors. Whatever may be the financial condition of Kashmiris, no one goes to sleep on empty stomach here we are told. Perhaps to prove the fact we are fascinated to see a woman offering non-vegetarian food to a beggar which he gobbles instantly.
The next on the agenda is a visit to an ancient Gurudwara. The holy place is said to have been the abode of an old lady Mai Paro Who had gone blind waiting for the visit of Guru Gobind Singhji of 6th patshahi. It is said that in the 18th century, the Guru did visit here and she offered him a cloth she had weaved with her own hands. Mesmerised by her devotion Guru Gobind Singh ji took the cloth and asked for her wish. She expressed her desire to see the Guru with her own eyes. Hence the Guru, shot an arrow on the ground from where water sprang out. He sprinkled its water on her eyes. She regained her sight and then sought salvation from this world. The Guru blessed her and she was laid to rest at this very place. In this Gurudwara, handmade paintings of Mai Paro and the visit of Guru are displayed. And the holy well which was developed by the around the place of spring is also worshipped as Khooh Sahib.
A little further, on the foothills of Hari Parbat is located the enchanting garden popularly known as ‘Badam Vaari’. The fortified garden had been founded by the Moghulemperor Akbar in 1597 as a sprawling garden. The fort had been completed in the reign of his son Jahangir in 1620. It was in 1876 that the dogra monarch Ranbir Singh got the entire garden planted with almond trees and was named as ‘Badamvaer’. But its renovation and maintenance is being presently done by the J&K Bank. The Garden is frequented by the tourists and locals as a beautiful picnic spot.
One finds a number of almond trees planted in the garden. And the last point on the day’s agenda is a visit to Wild Life Conservation Park. This Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary spread in a 140 kms area. It has the rare Kashmir stag Hangul besides black and brown bears. It had been acknowledged as the National Park in 1951. It is a protected area and visitors are allowed only with permit. Inside, we are conducted to the cages of a tiger and of black moon bears. To our delight, the keeper calls them by names and they come running to taste honey from a jar. The tiger too is docile and does not react to our touching him. These animals we are told had been brought there for protection and would be set free after some days. Further we are taken to a trout fish rearing park. Here a variety of trout fish are reared. The jungle around gives frightening looks as we are told that wild animals do venture out often. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna in the jungle. People are advised to wear full shoes as snakes also come often on the road. Along the road there is a gushing snow fed river which adds to the cool climate. The water however appears very clean and cool.
