Chowni Kothi of Shri Shringa Rishi in Jibhi: Chehni Kothi

 Chowni Kothi of Shri Shringa Rishi in Jibhi: Chehni Kothi

Chowni Kothi Shri Shringa Rishi: Jibhi
“Jai ho Shri Shringa Rishi Ji” 

The famous Rishi of the Himalayas the Supreme Deity of Locals Banjar(Jibhi), and nearby places. Kulluvi locals and other villagers gather in Chowni for a small festival and local pooja in Chowni(chehni) village where I saw an old building tower named Chowni Kothi of Shri Shringa Rishi Ji used by villagers for(Jognis)Maa Kali Pooja and Blessings. They usually offer goats and Sheep for the well-being of their people, cattle, and all the society around them. As per locals, the tower was also used for war by locals to protect themself from foreign invaders and unwanted enemies. if someone stays there for a little longer I am sure they will listen to so many stories about the Chowni Kothi and their traditional values from the Chowni Kothi owners. 

This famous monument tower of Banjar (Jibhi) was made by Thakur Dadia as a sign of love in memory of her loving wife Chowni after her death. This tower was fully designed by a local architect and made in local style with rock and wooden blocks. I also saw the small tower where you can easily climb and explore the hidden historic sculptures and ancient rooms used by higher authorities of the village. Now they have placed the Khattu Shyam Ji (God Krishna) statue which was once placed there by their king or the Leader of the Village. So they usually celebrate Janamashtmi (God Krishna’s Birthday) with all the nearby villagers.

The traditional gatherings and festivals will take you to the next vibe they perform so many dance acts and skits for awareness and guidance to the next generation. Anyone can join and celebrate with them with specific rules like No Alcohol and Teasing. The journey and a short trek to reach Chowni will mesmerize you “Enjoy the journey, not the Destination”.

Shri Shringa Rishi ji was well known for his powers and is also mentioned in the Hindu Holy book Ramayana. Rishi Shringa Ji performs (Putr Kaameshti Yagya) pooja with Raja Dashrath and his o3 Queens for blessings and in search of powerful and kind sons. As a result, the 03 Queens gave birth to 04 superior sons named Ram, Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrugan who were blessed and made History in the Hindu Holy books they all worshiped as God. 

Chehni Kothi
Chowni (Chehni) Kothi View

 

Where is Chowni(Chehni) Kothi?

District:-    Kullu

State:-     Himachal Pradesh

Country:-   India

Continent:-  Asia

Currency:-   Rupees

Language:-   Pahari, Hindi, Punjabi, English

Chowni (Chehni) Kothi Banjar

How to reach Chowni(Chehni) Kothi?

By Air:- Once you reach India Delhi International Airport you can book your further flights to Bhuntar Airport which is 15km from Kullu and another option is Gaggal Airport which is 180km from Kullu. Now from the Airport, you will easily find Cabs/Taxi and Rental Cars for your further journey towards Kullu (Banjar).

 

By Train:- From Delhi International Airport you can take the metro to Delhi Railway Station and then towards Jogindarnagar Railway Station Mandi which is 106km from Kullu. You will easily find Cabs/Taxi outside the railway station for your journey towards Banjar City. 

 

By Road:- From Delhi International Airport hire any Cab/taxi or book Rental Cars and Rental Bikes towards Kullu Valley. Delhi to Kullu journey by road is 480km.  

You can also travel on ordinary Buses and you can also book Volvo tickets for an Overnight journey towards Kullu from Kashmiri Gate (Majnu ka Tila). Now to reach the bus Station you can take the metro or any local taxi or Auto.

Distance covered: Delhi to Banjar(Kullu) 520km via NH 152D.

Once you reach Banjar you can book your Hotels and Homestay and the next day you can head towards Shri Shringa Rishi temple which is 7km from Banjar. 

 
Local Faag Fest of Banjar Valley

What is the best time to visit Shri Shringa Rishi Chowni(Chehni) Kothi?

You can visit there a full season or any season but the best time is Festival time and Summer time to enjoy the trek and scenic beauty of Jibhi. In the Winter and Rainy seasons, you have to face roadblocks and landslides in many places and the location is offbeat and the outskirts of Jibhi so you have to carry all the necessary things and medicines. Locals are very supportive and they always welcome every single person, you can book a homestay for a longer stay and enjoy local cuisine in the nearby cafe.

Cafe Chowni Kothi
Cafe and Homestay near Rishi Shringi Temple

 

Do you need a trekking guide?

No, you don’t need any guide to trek up to Shri Shringa Rishi Tempe and Chowni Kothi also known as Chehni Kothi, It’s a small basic trek for every age group and you can travel by cabs and 4*4 Vehicle up to Chowni Kothi depending on the road Conditions. 

 
 
What to Carry?/ What to Pack?
  • 01 Day Pack with rain cover. (20 ltr)
  • High Ankle waterproof trekking shoes or slippers/floters.
  • 01 Wind and water-resistant Jacket.
  • 01 trek pants/01 lower and 2 T-shirts.
  • Poncho/Rainwear
  • sun cap/sunglasses.
  • Water bottle.
  • Sunscream/Lipbalm/Toilet papers/wipes.
  • Personal Medical kit.
  • Dry fruits/ energy bars.
  • ID Proof
 
Note:- Do not dispose of Plastic wrappers and water bottles underway. Keep them with you and dispose of them in a proper dustbin.
 
Experience Travel Itinerary and some Experiences
 
We started our journey from our hometown town Kullu (Ani), In the early morning after breakfast we headed towards Nagaan Petrol Pump to fill up the petrol tank and then started an uphill drive towards Jaloripass. It was a pleasant drive but a very steep and rough road.
 
 After reaching Jaloripass we took a halt for 30 minutes to do pooja and get some blessings from Jogni Mata and Budhi Nagan Mata and then headed towards Shojha village which comes after completing the descent road.
 
Shojha Village is a beautiful location for night camping and many homestay and treehouse stay options for a little luxury stay. 
 
Now we directly headed towards Chowni Village through Jibhi to seek blessings from Shri Shringa Rishi Ji. The road conditions to Chowni Village were not comfortable for us and our Vehicle. So we decided to choose the trek route of Chowni Village, then we parked the Vehicle near the trek route and headed towards Chowni Village.
 
After 30 minutes of Steep climb, we reached Shri Shringa Rishi Ji temple to seek blessings we prayed there and rested for 15 minutes and then headed towards Chowni Village which is a 40-50 minute trek from the Temple. Now due to our unhealthy fitness, we reached Chowni  Village after 1hr which was quite good timing for unfit trekkers. Now once we reached there, we directly headed towards the Twin Towers (Chehni Kothi). As a surprise, we witnessed the local fair and Shri Shringa Rishi Ji Rath in Chowni Village and we wish to seek the blessings of Thakur Ji but due to a local gathering of the nearby villagers for the festival, we were unable to go to the Chowni tower to see Thakur Ji temple but never the less we will go there soon.
 
After attending the local fair we head back towards our vehicle so we can reach home before sunset or night. 
 
Ani to Chehni

Route taken by locals and myself for the trip

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