Introduction

The name 'Nurpur' holds a story. This small town, which is 66 km from Dharamsala, was once called Dhameri. The Mughal empress Nur Jahan, en route between Delhi and Kashmir, was quite taken by the place and asked the local ruler to have a palace built for her. Terrified at the thought of Mughal power breathing down his neck and an expense that he could ill afford, the ruler devised a plan. He collected all the all the ugly and disfigured men he could find and had them work at the site. When Nur Jahan passed by again and saw only maimed people, she asked the ruler the reason for this. He casually replied that this was the result of the water and air of the area - and this made the lady who had shaken an empire with her looks, abandon all plans of staying on. The place was, however, renamed in her honour.

The remains of the fort at Nurpur hold a rare treasure in the Brij Raj Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Krishna is enshrined as a black marble image alongwith his devotee, Mira Bai - whose image is in white marble. The statues are regarded to have brought to Nurpur from Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh in the early seventeenth century. The structure of the temple is unpretentious but this Spartan building has been endowed with a rare and lavish treasure in its verandah which is covered with magnificent wall paintings. Many of these paintings have lost their lustre over the passage of time, but are yet remarkable. These are scenes from the ‘Krishna Leela’, the life of Lord Krishna – like his struggle with the wicked, Kans. All figures are sharply executed and the border of every panel has elaborate floral designs.

Nurpur is also well known for its fine shawls of pashmina and silk.

Special Attributes

Unusual temple with fine paintings

Nuisance

None

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable, but conservative

Connectivity

Taxis, buses

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Exposure during summer 

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Parking, restaurants, small hotels and medical facilities

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in the temple

Tip

Can be a day excursion from Mcleodganj

Type of site

Small town with an old fort