Kamru Fort Sangla : Kamru Fort is an ancient and historical fort of Himachal Pradesh. The foundation of Kamru Fort is laid on the symbol of Swastika over the trunk of an elephant and the paw of a lion. This fort is the oldest fort in the history of Bushehr state. This fort is a wonderful example of Himachali style construction. It is also known as Kamru Fort.
A mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism, this fort is a mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism. Kamru Fort is situated at a height of about one and a half kilometers from Sangla Valley. This fort is situated on the top of the hill at the highest point of Kamru village which can be seen from a distance. Kamru is called Mone in Kinnauri (local) language. It is located at a distance of about 280 kilometers from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and its height is about 3000 meters above sea level.
कामरु किला, हिमाचल प्रदेश | Kamru Kila in Hindi
History – Kamru Fort Sangla
There are many stories associated with Kamru Fort. This fort was considered to be the original seat of the Bushehr dynasty from where the Bushehr dynasty ruled. Kamru was the capital of the Bushehr dynasty. Later the capital was shifted from here to Sarahan and then later to Rampur.
The coronation of Shri Padam Singh, father of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Raja Virbhadra Singh, took place at the Kamru Fort. It is said that coronations were done in this fort and the coronation of about 128 kings was done in this fort.
Architecture – Kamru Fort Sangla
Kamru Fort is about 1100 years old fort. It is said that before the construction work of this fort, yagyas were performed in all four corners. Kamru Fort is built in Castakuni style in Himachal Pradesh.
Under Castaquini style, huge trees were hollowed out and hung on the poles, due to which the weight of the trees was reduced by about thirty percent (30%) and even after reducing the weight, it remained the same strong.
The larzo used in it was made in the shape of money i.e. plus. Kamru Fort was a 7-storey fort of that time made of stone and wood, whose construction style is worth seeing. The construction work of Kamru Fort was done in such a way that there was only one way to reach here. From the fort, soldiers could keep an eye on the enemies far and wide in all directions.
Gate – Kamru Fort Sangla
There is a grand door at the main entrance of Kamru Fort which is made of wood. The beautiful carvings on this door are worth seeing. Kamru Fort shows a beautiful fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism. From here the stairs start at the top and continue upwards passing between houses made of wood and slate.
The centuries old Kamru Fort is still standing strong at its place. Kamru Fort is situated in Sanwara village of Waspa Valley, the most beautiful valley in Kinnaur. It is situated on the banks of Waspa River.
It is said that there was a three-storey jail at the bottom of the fort where criminals were kept. There was only one door in the top floor of this jail which was very small. There were no other windows and doors.
Badri Vishal Temple – Kamru Fort Sangla
The route to reach Kamru Fort passes through the temple of the village deity Badri Vishal Ji. In this temple of Badri Vishal Ji, idols of two gods are kept, one of which is of Lord Badrinath Ji and the other idol is said to be of a small deity who belonged to the dynasty. It is said that he attained this status of a deity after a lot of prayer and penance. Badri Vishal ji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple of Badri Vishal ji was built in the 15th century.
Here, once in 3 years, the chariot of the deity is taken to Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand for bathing. According to the local people, on the day of Lohri, people bring Brahmakamal from the high hill and offer that Brahmakamal in the temple.
The statue of Lord Buddha is situated at the main gate of the fort. The people living here believe that only those on whom Lord Buddha himself bestows his blessings can enter the fort. It is also said that blessings of Lord Buddha are taken to protect from evil powers. This fort is an artistic heritage of the past.
Kamakhya Devi Temple – Kamru Fort Sangla
Today it has been completely converted into a temple. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kamakhya Devi. It is said that even today, if a child is born in the dynasty, he is brought to the Kamakhya Devi temple for the first time. This temple is said to be of Kul Devi of Bushahr dynasty.
According to the people here, the idol of Mata Kamakhya Devi was brought here from Guwahati, Assam. The actual temple of Mata Kamakhya Devi is situated at a height of about 11500 feet above Kamru village. This temple opens only on Sundays and outsiders are not allowed to enter here.
Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, this fort has a wooden balcony where the idol of the goddess is placed on the third floor. Even today there are many families who live inside the hill fort. The natural environment here is very beautiful and from here you can also see the spectacular view of the Himalayas.
Story – Kamru Fort Sangla
Another story is also popular about Kamru Valley. It is said that where Sangla and Kupa villages are present today, there used to be a very big lake there. Bairing Nag Devta, Kamru Nag Devta and Badri Vishal ji had made a plan to drain the lake. God Baring Naag killed the snake. Badri Vishal ji, taking the form of a rat, had made innumerable holes in this lake due to which this lake later dried up. Later this area was turned into a flat area. Baring Nag Sangla, Badrivishal ji Kamru village and Kamrunag who liked to live in water were established near Rohanda in Mandi. This place is today known as Kamru Valley.
Ethnic Cap – Gachi
To enter the fort one has to wear a special type of cap and waistband which is called Gachi in the local language. Sangla presents a very beautiful and charming view when seen from Kamru Fort.
Kamru Fort Sangla – nearby places
Sangla has lush green grasslands. Here spectacular views of the snow covered Himalayan mountains can be seen. After coming here, both mind and soul become happy.
The second attraction here is Chitkul village. Chitkul village is said to be the last village situated inside the Indian borders on the India Tibet Road. Chitkul village is about 28 kilometers from Sangla. It attracts everyone’s mind due to its peaceful environment and very beautiful views. Trekking can also be done here.
Batseri Village
This village is about 8 kilometers from Sangla. This place is famous for its handicrafts. The shawls and Kinnauri caps made here are very famous.
Vaspa River
The main attraction of Sangla Valley of Kamru Fort is the Waspa River here. Here tourists enjoy other activities like trekking, camping, fishing.
Raksham Village
This village is situated before the Tibet border. Chitkul is a small village at a distance of about 23 kilometers from the village. There is very less population here. The residents here migrate to downstream areas when it becomes too cold. Even internet system has not reached this area.
Bering Nag Temple
Nag Temple Sangla Valley is a famous temple. This temple is known for its architectural art. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagas. A fruit fair is organized here every year in the months of August and September. This is a famous temple of Hindus.
Best time to visit Kamru Fort Sangla
Although one can go to Kamru Fort in Sangla at any time of the year, but due to the hilly area, there may be some difficulties in winters. During summer the temperature here ranges from 8 degrees to 30 degrees. In winter it remains between 10 and -10 degrees.
How to reach Kamru Fort Sangla
The nearest railway station to Sangla is Kalka Railway Station. And the nearest airport here is Jubbar Hatti Airport in Shimla from where the distance of Sangla is about 238 kilometers. From here Sangla can be easily reached by taxi. The second nearest airport is Bhuntar from where the distance to Sangla is covered in 3 hours.
Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs regular buses to Delhi, Haryana, Punjab.
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