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Bharmour is a small village located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the gateway to Manimahesh lake trek – one of the most sacred sites in Hindu dharma. Bharmour is also a part of ‘Shiv Bhumi’ and has its own mystical and spiritual significance. It is gifted with scenic landscapes, ancient temples and a spiritual history.

Ancient History of Bharmour

In the ancient times, Bharmour was known as ‘Brahmapura’. It is believed to have been built in the 6th century by Raja Meru who was the first settler in Bharmour. He was from the ruling family of Ayodhya. He along with his son Jaistambh crossed into the upper Ravi valley. They defeated the local Rana’s who controlled the territory and then founded the town of ‘Brahmapura’. Brahmapura was the capital of the Chamba state for nearly 400 years, until Raja Sahil Varman built a new capital in Chamba. According to a local legend, the place Brahmapura was older than Raja Meru’s time. The locals believe that goddess Brahmani (who was believed to be Lord Brahma’s daughter) used to reside here.

Image credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaurasi_Temple_Bharmour#/media/File:Chaurasi_Dham.jpg

Legend of Chaurasi Dham temple

Bharmour is home to Chaurasi Dham which is a very famous spiritual site and a must visit on your way to Manimahesh. There is a story around the creation of Chaurasi Dham. As per local legend, Mata Brahmani used to do severe penance within the Chaurasi Dham courtyard. Once 84 Siddhas (yogis) from Kurukshetra were on their way to Manimahesh. As they continued on their journey it became dark. Looking at the flat land of Chaurasi Dham they decided to wait there and meditate until morning. Mata Brahmani was enraged when she saw the 84 Siddhas on her land.

Lord Shiva emerged to calm down an angered Mata Brahmani. To appease her, Shiva gave her a boon that anyone who visits Manimahesh would have to first take the blessings of Mata Brahmani and also take a dip in her pool. Only then, their journey would be complete. He further declared that this place would be called Chaurasi Dham. The 84 Siddhas assumed the form of lingas and settled down in Chaurasi Dham for eternity. The Chaurasi Dham temple that stands today was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory and honour of these 84 Siddhas (yogis). ‘Chaurasi’ means ’84’ in Hindi. The temple construction was done nearly 1,400 years ago.

Ardhaganga

Image credit: https://bharmourview.com/ardhgaya-ardhaganga-bharmour/

Inside the Chaurasi Dham complex, in the eastern corner is a pool of pristine water called Ardhaganga. It is also called Guptaganga or Ardhgaya. According to legend, once Shiva, Parvati and their son Ganesh were camping in Bharmour. Shiva told Parvati the importance of certain holy tirthas. Parvati was moved and she expressed her wish to take a dip in the Falgu river. The river was far away in a place called Gaya and Shiva told her that they would go there later.

Parvati was unhappy and wouldn’t agree. She wanted to bath in the river immediately. Seeing his mother so disconsolate, Shri Ganesh shot an arrow in the earth and water from the seven holy rivers including Falgu and Ganga started oozing out in the form of seven springs. Parvati bathed in the water of this spring and felt gratified. Thus it is believed that a dip in the Ardhgaya (ardhganga) pool washes all the sins of the devotees.

Image credit: https://bharmourview.com/bharmani-mata-temple/

Legend of Mata Bharmani temple

After receiving the boon, Mata Brahmani left Chaurasi Dham and went to the mountain region of Dhugashaar. The goddess resided in a cave where a tiny shrine stands today. A few metres below Bharmani’s cave is the holy water pool. Locals believe that the goddess brought the boon of water to the village. The goddess stole this water in a pot from deity Sandhola Naag residing in the other side of the ridge. She tossed the pot near her cave, on being caught. A few metres below it is the holy pool. Seven waters sprung from the bottom of the cave which have been nourishing the village. Today Mata Brahmani’s temple is located on a hill at Malkauta which is around 5 kms from Bharmour. She is now called Mata Bharmani and is the patron goddess of Bharmour.

Legend of Dhancho waterfall

As per legend, Shiva took shelter in a cave behind the Dhancho waterfall when Bhasmasura was chasing him. Then Vishnu took the female avatar of Mohini and killed Bhasmasura. Since then, the Dhancho waterfalls are considered holy. Devotees visit the Dhancho waterfalls on route to Manimahesh.

Bharmour is truly a special village, since it has been at the centre of so many events connected with Lord Shiva. The best time to visit Bharmour is during the months of April to October.