History of Banjar

In the year 1961, the Kullu Tehsil got separated from Kangra district, and later 3 tehsils emerged known as Banjar, Nirmand and Ani respectively.

Banjar in Himachal Pradesh is not only the adventurous, architecture, and recreational activities, but also famous for the beauty of the nature, and Spiritual activities. The main purpose of the Banjar to become so popular is due to its Holiness.


Banjar plays a very vital role in the birth of Lord Shri Rama (the very popular Hindu deity who was said to be the incarnation of God Vishnu) and also, because of sage 'Shri Rishi Shringi'. Banjar was  ruled by this deity before the Legend Lord Rama; that means, the Lord Rishi Shringi was the God of ruling in Banjar Valley, and He was one among the 18 chief Kullu Gods.

Birth Place of Lord Rama

As per the story mentioned in the epics 'Ramayana', Shri Rishi Shringi (sages) built his Ashram at Chehni, which was near to the Banjar Valley. He become a Purohit (sage) at the ‘Putreshti Yajna’ for the sake of King Dashrath during the 'Satyug' Kal (The Golden age). The reason for conducting this yagna is that, King Dasharath did not have a child, and it is believed that doing 'Putreshti Yajna', will make him to become a father.

Yagna is nothing but the offerings made to the fire God, by chanting prayers and vedic hymns. These yagnas are performed for several purposes to gain wealth, health, attain liberation, etc. While, Putreshti Yagna is meant for the child's birth (get child as a blessings from God).Due to the result of the Putreshti Yagna, Lord Rama was born in the 'Satyug Kal' ('Age of Truth' or 'Golden Age').

Meditation Place of Sages and Nag Devtas

It is also said that several Sages as well as and Nag Devtas arrived Banjar Valley to perform meditation and get peace and serenity. When the word spread about the Holiness and importance, as well as the beauty of the region, people from nearby places like the Kullu, Mandi, etc. began to visit the Banjar valley, and they started to bring the goats and sheep for grazing. Day by day, the number of people started to increase in this region, when they realized that the holy place can give them all that they need.

During the ancient period, when people started to occupy the region, the rulers such as ‘Maraich’ rulers, said to be over 3 meters in height, and under the rule of the King of Kullu. There were many  changes in the leadership, and the administrative center of the area has transferred over the ages. Initially, the Tehsil headquarters were situated at the Palach, later shifted to Banjar.

When it was the time of rule of the Kullu King, Chehni was considered as the summer capital. And lastly, the area was developed during the British rule. That means, the area was easily accessible because of the State Highway 11 construction which was made in the year 1916-1917.

The Banjar Valley starts from the junction of National Highway 21 and State Highway 11, in the area of Aut, which ends at the Jalori Pass. While, the State Highway 11 follows the valley from Aut, later continues towards the Jalori Pass to Narkanda, then towards Shimla to Kinnar Kailash; and finally connects the Sainj and Tirthan Valley to the BanjarValley.