Mandi, India

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Mandi | type = town | latd = 31.72 | longd = 76.92
locator_position = right | state_name = Himachal Pradesh
district = Mandi
altitude = 1044
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 26,858| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 91-1905
postal_code = 175001
vehicle_code_range = HP33
| leader_title = Deputy Commissioner
leader_name = Sh. Onkar Chand Sharma

Mandi (old name Mandav Nagar) is a city and a municipal council in Mandi district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Etymology

Legend has it that the Great sage 'Mandav' prayed in this area, and the rocks turned black due to the severity of his penance, the town was referred to as Mandvya Nagari in his honour.

Geography

Mandi is located at coord|31.72|N|76.92|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/11/Mandi.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Mandi] ] . It has an average elevation of 1044 metres (3425 feet). It is built on the Banks of the Beas River. [ [http://matabhimakali.com/mandi.html About Mandi] ]

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Mandi had a population of 26,858. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Mandi has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 86%, and female literacy is 82%. In Mandi, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Miscellany

Mandi has mixed population of Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians.

Temples

Mandi has more than 300 old and new temples. Because of large number of temple sand its location along River Beas Mandi is also known as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi'. Most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. There are many classical temples which the Archaeological Survey of India has declared as 'protected monuments' due to there historical significance, the primary ones being:'Panchvaktra Temple', situated at the confluence of River Beas and Suketi khad. 'Ardhnareshwar Temple', which is one of the very few temples in India. 'Triloknath Temple' located on the right bank of river Beas.

Gurudwara

Mandi has a grand historical Gurudwara Gobind Singh in honour of Guru Gobind Singh who spent some time in Mandi. The people and the ruler welcomed with great warmth and supported Guru in his war against the tyrannical rule of Aurangzeb; it is said that the Town has Guru's blessings.who The Gurdwara is also unofficially referred to as Gurudwara PalangSahab, because Guru's Bed 'Palang' is still preserved here.

Places of interest

* Sunken Garden(Indira Market)
* Tarna Temple, also called Shyama Kali temple
* Bhima Kali Temple
* Panchvaktra Temple
* Kangri Dhar

Over the years the town has become crowded. Watch out for cars and autorickshaws (and stray cows too).

Mandi is also famous for the Shivratri an International festival held for seven days in the month of March every year. Mandi town hosts a half marathon every year.Mandi is the gateway to the Kulu valley. The best place to watch near by is Sunder Nagar which hosts critical pin in the chain of Bhakhra Dam. The Satluj and Beas riviers meet here and from here, are routed towards Gobind Sagar lake which is fed to the Bhakhra Dam.

References

External links

* [http://hpmandi.nic.in/ Mandi District Web Page]
*wikitravel