Pinjore Town
Distance : 20kms from
Chandigarh
¤ The Historic Perspective
 Situated
at the confluence of Kaushalya and Jhajjar, Pinjore is said to have
been the home of man one and a half billion years ago. This ancient
city is where the Pandavas (see Mahabharat) came for penance during
their exile. The village was named Panchpura after them. It seems that
this village was a very important one for Hindus and Jains from the 9th
to the 13th century. It may have also been attacked by
Muslims who destroyed temples and used their stones to build mosques.
¤ Places of Interest
The Pandava Mandir
Perhaps the oldest temple in India, although now in ruins. It was
built by the Pandavas in honour of Bhima, the strongest of the five
brothers. Now nothing except the pillars of sanctum remain, which are
not too artistic from the architectural point of view.
Mughal Gardens and Palaces
These grandiose gardens were built by Aurangzeb’s foster
brother Fidai Khan and includes the Mughal-Rajasthani style Shish
Mahal (or Palace of mirrors), Rang Mahal (Palace of Pleasure) and Jal
Mahal (Palace of Water). Unlike most mughal gardens, the entrance to
this is from a higher ground, with seven terraces descending from a
hill. The Mughal Gardens are also known as Yadavindra Gardens
The Shish Mahal
is a compact structure with a fascinating ceiling created from
geometric patterns of mirrors. The Rang Mahal recaptures the splendour
of 17th century mughal art with its wall paintings and
wood carving on the ceiling.
The Jal Mahal
located on the fifth terrace, is a cube-like construction with a
fountain bed. The sequence of terraces flanked by groves continues to
the seventh terrace. The entire gardens are surrounded by a wall to
ensure privacy and security for the womenfolk.
Bhima Devi Temple
Although now in desolate ruins, the Bhima Devi temple is built in a
picturesque area with the Shivalik Hills forming a grand backdrop.
Originally there seems to have been a main temple surrounded by four
smaller ones.
The outer walls of these temples were decorated with images of gods
and goddesses, floral and animal motifs, sexual encounters along with
those of everyday life. Sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Vishnu
and Kartikeya abound in these temples.
From a few inscriptions found on the sculptures in the temples, it
can be assumed that they date back to the 9th century AD.
Another place worth seeing is the Mansa Devi temple, where it is
believed that you get whatever you ask for.
¤ Tourist information
Try the mini zoo and camel rides near the gardens. The fountains in
the gardens operate only on weekends. Pinjore doesn’t have a
library or a museum, so you’ll have to make do with information
from guides, who come pretty cheap.
¤ Facilities
Transport
Air:- Forget it; there’s no airport here.
Bus:- Catch a deluxe a/c or non-a/c bus from Chandigarh. You’ll
find them at the bus stand or just walk around till you see a travel
agent’s office.
Train:- There are plenty of trains that’ll take you to to
Pinjore, but the best way to go would be to drive down from
Chandigarh.
Inter-City
Same as everywhere else in Indian towns; rickshaws, local cabs and
buses. Advisable to hire your own cab from Chandigarh and stick to it.
¤ Hotels & Restaurants
The Budherigar, Yadavindra Gardens. Very close to the Mughal
Gardens. Deluxe motel with a/c and non a/c rooms, decent place to stay
for a couple of days.
Golden Oriole restaurant, next to Rang Mahal, serves liquor also. Jal
Mahal has a small cafe.
¤ Banks & Money Exchange
Most national banks have their offices here, and money can be
exchanged from them. However, it’s better to do that in
Chandigarh beforehand.
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