Bilaspur Fort: Explore Rich Heritage & Ancient Temples

Table of Contents

Introduction

Himachal Pradesh is often praised for its snow-covered peaks and tourist-packed hill towns—but few know that beneath its scenic beauty lies a tapestry of forgotten kingdoms, timeless temples, and spiritual lore.

At the heart of this lies *Bilaspur, a town submerged once to give way to progress, yet still echoing with whispers of its royal and sacred past. From the *Bilaspur Fort ruins to age-old sanctuaries like Markandeya Temple and *Vyas Gufa, this district holds the keys to a *heritage trail waiting to be rediscovered.

Bilaspur Fort – A Kingdom Drowned, A Legacy Preserved

Feature	Detail
Original Founded	Circa 7th century AD
Built By	Raja Bir Chand
Submerged City	Old Bilaspur (submerged under Gobind Sagar Lake in 1954)
Current Fort Location	Near Swarghat (remains and sites visible)

✅ The old town of Bilaspur, once the capital of the princely state of Kahloor, was submerged to create the *Bhakra Dam, but memories and ruins of its *palatial charm still exist.

🧱 Explore the Remnants

Archaeological fragments visible during low water levels of Gobind Sagar
Ruins of royal walls and temples near Luhnu ground and old temple bases
Annual rituals and local fairs held to honor the submerged town’s spirit

🌊 Walking by Gobind Sagar’s edge sometimes reveals submerged stairs, stonework, and stories long lost.

Markandeya Temple – The Meditating Sage’s Blessing

📍 Located ~20 km from Bilaspur Town

Dedicated to *Rishi Markandeya, this temple is believed to be where the sage *meditated for Lord Shiva’s blessing of immortality.

🔱 Key Highlights:

Peaceful riverside setting on a forested hill
Stone-carved Shiva Lingam and ancient mandapa
Water source called “Markandeya Kund” believed to have healing properties

✅ A spiritually enriching and historically significant stop for those tracing Himachal’s Vedic past.

Vyas Gufa – The Cave of the Great Sage Veda Vyasa

📍 Near Bilaspur, en route to Naina Devi

Legend says *Sage Vyasa, author of the *Mahabharata, meditated in this ancient cave.

Overlooks the Satluj River
Said to be over 5,000 years old
Local folklore claims that parts of Mahabharata were conceptualized here

📜 A place where mythology meets geography.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir – A Forgotten Marvel

Located in the heart of Bilaspur town (new settlement), this temple dates back to pre-submergence Bilaspur and houses exquisite stone idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

Known for its classical Himachali architecture
A cultural center for community festivals
Still active for regular worship

✅ A blend of heritage, faith, and artistic elegance.

Suggested Heritage Trail Itinerary

Time	Activity
Morning	Start from Bilaspur → Visit Markandeya Temple
Late Morning	Proceed to Vyas Gufa for meditation and exploration
Lunch	Local Himachali thali in Bilaspur
Afternoon	Explore Bilaspur Fort ruins and Gobind Sagar shores
Evening	Visit Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and enjoy town vibes

📌 Tip: Combine this trail with your Gobind Sagar Lake tour for a complete spiritual-historical escape.

How to Reach Bilaspur Fort

Mode	Details
🚗 By Road	Well-connected via NH-205 from Chandigarh (~130 km)
🚆 By Train	Nearest station: Kiratpur Sahib (~65 km)
✈ By Air	Nearest airport: Chandigarh (130 km)
Local Transport	Cabs, buses, and autos available within Bilaspur

✅ Well-paved roads and low traffic make this ideal for weekend driving tours.

Where to Stay

Stay Type	Options
Hotels	HPTDC Hotel Lake View, Hotel Bilaspur Heights
Budget Lodging	Rest houses and guest homes in Swarghat and town
Eco-stays	Few homestays available near Markandeya and Gobind Sagar

🛏 Booking in advance during Navratri and festival season is recommended.

Best Time to Visit Bilaspur Fort

Season	Experience
October–March	Cool, clear weather—ideal for temple visits
July–September	Monsoon: green scenery, but watch for road conditions
April–June	Pleasant for day travel and light hiking

✅ Heritage seekers and pilgrims prefer autumn and spring.

What to Carry for Bilaspur Fort?

Camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens
Water bottle & snacks
Comfortable walking shoes
Light shawl for temples
Notebook (for spiritual journaling or sketches)

✅ Consider hiring a local guide to uncover hidden histories.

Why This Heritage Trail Matters

Offers a rare blend of history, mythology, and architecture
Encourages offbeat, slow tourism in Himachal
Supports local businesses and storytellers
Helps preserve lesser-known spiritual legacies of sages and kings
Provides deeper connection to the land and its layered identity

“A walk through Bilaspur is a walk through time—stone by stone, verse by verse.”

Summary

In a state filled with tourist magnets, *Bilaspur’s fort and temple trail offers quiet glory. Here, *rivers have swallowed kingdoms, but not memories. Shrines whisper prayers that have echoed for millennia.

Come not just to see—but to listen, reflect, and connect.

🙏 “Let your next spiritual journey be one of heritage, history, and hidden devotion.”

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Bilaspur District.