BANGLES OF CHAMPA (4)

The C in C briefed the Chand Raja:-

"Kalanaur is a historical town.The name Kalanaur is derived from  Kala & Nura.

The town is located about 29 km to the west of Gurdaspur city

on Gurdaspur-Dera Baba Nanak track.Kalanaur is situated on the banks of  Kiran - a minor rivulet that merges into the Ravi river.

Kalanaur is a flourishing city. We were told that if we had visited Kalanaur,it was as good as visiting Lahore.

There are two versions .One legend talks of them as brothers who founded the Shiva Temple.

Another legend has it  & that is mostly supported by the local populace. They say that  'Kala te Nura' were the two brave horsemen of Akbar who had hit the Shiv Linga accidentally.They did not pay any heed to the bleeding horizontal & massive Shiva Linga. Their horses went lame.In fact, all horses that were pressed into service over the hillock - went lame.These horsemen were traversing round the hill to cover the move of the would be Shahanshah.

After the Tajposhi was over, this strange happening was conveyed to Akbar by Bairam Khan.

Bairam Khan asked the Shahanshah to pay obesience to the Shiva Linga.

Akbar walked bare foot to the site & prayed.There was thunderous applause from the people.One could hear the unending cheers  with people shouting at the top of their  voices   " AKBAR SALAMAT RAHEN".The Shahanshah had set an example !

Akbar promised to construct a massive Shiva temple at the site."

As the C in C was taking  leave from Chand Raja , he got a message that 

the Queen was wanting to meet the craftsmen at the earliest.

He sent a message across asking the two craftsmen families to be ready to be presented to Her Highness.

Note:-  The Shiva Temple is built in a blend of  Mughal & Hindu architecture.

( To be Continued)