Bilaspur

Bilaspur is not only famous in Chhattisgarh but in India due to its unique characteristics like rice quality, Kosa industry and its cultural background. Bilaspur has a major contribution in the naming "Dhan Ka Katora" for the entire Chattisgarh region. The Bilaspur city is approximately 400 years old and the name "Bilaspur" has been originated from the Fisher-woman named "Bilasa".

Geography of Bilaspur

Bilaspur is located in eastern part of Chhattisgarh and fall within lattitude 21'47" to 23'8" and longitude 81'14" to 83'15" . Bilaspur district is surrounded by KOdia district in north, Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh in West , Raipur district in South and Korba ,Janjgir -Champa district in north-east. The total area of Bilaspur is approximately 6,377 Sq.Km, after the bifurcation of old Bilaspur district in three districts (New Bilaspur, Korba and Janjgir-Champa District). The Bilaspur is hilly towards North and plane in South. Secondly, the northern part of Bilaspur is quite cold and hot as we move towards Southern part. The maximum temperature of Bilaspur district is 45 Deg. Cen. and average rain fall is 1,220 mm approximately. Major rivers which surrounds Bilaspur district are Agaar, Maniyaar and Arpa. (Map of Bilaspur)

History of Bilaspur

The erstwhile ruling family of Bilaspur claims its descent from Chanderwanshi  Rajputs who reigned at Chanderi in the Bundelkhad region of Madhya Pradesh.  The place now forms part of Guna district.  It is said that the seventh ruler of Chanderi Kingdom Harihar Chand had a dream of Goddess Jawalamukhi. Thereafter, he decided to seek his fortune in a shrine.  He handed over the kingdom to his youngest son Govind and then proceeded towards Jawalamukhi along with his remaining four sons and established themselves at Jindbari where they constructed a fort and settled there for some time before proceeding to Jawalamukhi.  They fought with the Kangra forces and defeated them.

The remaining Chanderi princes retired to the Jawalamukhi shrine. The reigning Goddess appeared and promised each of them a kingdom.  In the fulfillment of her prophecy one of the three princes was adopted by the Raja of Kumaon and other prince  Gambhir Chand took possession of Chamba and the eldest son Bir Chand got Jindbari at present in tehsil Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district of Punjab. He carved out a kingdom of Kahlur for himself.  Bir Chand was followed by a number of his successors and last of them was Kahan Chand who conquered the Hindur state (Nalagarh).

Places of Interest

Ratanpur

Ratanpur is situated approximately 25 km away from Bilaspur on the Katghora Road. It was the important place in all four yugas. (Satyug, Dwaper, Treta, Kalyug).

Mallhar

It is approximately 14 Km. away from masturi block on the way of from Bialspur to Raigarh. The temples of 10th and 11th century old are seen here. Among them is Pataleswar Kedar temple where Gomukhi Shiv ling is the main point of attraction. The Didneswari temple of Culturi regime is also found. Artisitc idols are found in Deor temple. At this place, there is museum having good collection of old sculpture being managed by Central Govt.

Talagram

Talagram is famous for "Deorani-Jethani" temple and is situated appx. 25 Kms. from Bilaspur on Bhojpur-Dagori road. There is a wonderful statue present in the temple which is approximately 7 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide and weighs 8 tons.