Once you reach Shanghar and witness the Devta Ground which is hardly much walk from the main road, you immediately get over the hangover of the treacherous long journey till Shanghar and get surprised by the eternal bliss of the holy land and extraordinary peace & vistas around in the midst of wilderness of Great Himalayan National Park.
Words can not do justice to the incredible beauty of Shanghar Devta Graound located at a height of 6700 feet (2050 meters) above sea level which is probably the most scenic Himalayan meadow with Pine backdrop reachable by a road.
Shanghar Devta Ground is the legal property of Shangchul Mahadev who governs the land there. According to local belief, he is the protector there ,who came from Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh and protected the land & it’s residents from the demons living, who carves rules and regulations for every living creature visiting the meadow. Only cows are allowed to enter and graze that also helps keeping the growth and length of grasses in control. Bringing or consuming alcohol, wearing an uniform, urinating or excreting, quarrelling/fighting, harassing anyone, shouting, digging or putting up tents are all prohibited.
An interesting and endearing story here is that since no one can harass or force someone to do something here, most of the lovers who elope from home, take shelter in this land where Shanghachul Mahadev protects them. According to the popular Epic Mahabharata, this field was created within a night by the Pandavas for agriculture purposes during their exile. Even today, you will not find a single pebble or stone in the field, making it the perfect and unique experience to walk, play or gazing the mindblowing vistas around.
On one side of the field, there is a small temple and on the other side is an enormous tower temple that stands as a stunning structural example of Himachali wooden architecture. All around and across the field is the magnificent view of the Himalayas that are covered with dense forest, filling an onlookers’ heart with joy. The overwhelming beauty of Shanghar mesmerises the visitors.
Shanghar, in a way, is the entrance to the Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary of Great Himalayan National Park which is India’s youngest national park, listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2014 for its inexplicable natural beauty, wild species like Western Trapogan (Jijurana), Monal, Himalayan Tahr etc and various exclusive flora & fauna.
You can make a trip to Shanghar in any season as every season in Shangar is wrapped in uniquely wondrous beauty and painted with different colours.
During winters, it is painted white with snow and in summers, a lush green blanket covers this magical land.
The best thing about Shanghar is, you will always have a convenient means of travel and stay.
