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BAHU FORT – A HERITAGE SITE & TOURIST SPOT

Young Bites. Dated: 7/19/2018 11:35:00 AM

Bahu Fort is a heritage site of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Bahu Fort stands on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi. Perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city The existing fort was more recently improved upon and extended by the Dogra rulers. Inside, there is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. An extensive terraced garden, known as Bagh-e-Bahu, has been developed around the fort. The Bahu Fort is a fortress representing the lavishness of the Dogra kings and the royal family that resided to rule the region. Pilgrims flock the temple on Tuesdays and Sundays, regarded as auspicious occasions The fort, along with the Bahu temple, commands a panoramic view of the Jammu city..
Raja Bahulochan constructed this magnificent fort over 3000 years ago, making it one of the oldest monument in the city. The Dogra rulers then made some restorations and renovations to the fort and extended its reach. Bahu fort is laid on the lines of the Mughal Gardens from where tourists can have a bird’s eye view of Jammu city. An ancient fort is placed within the thick sandstone walls and features eight octagonal towers with enclosures to house guards. There were several reconstructions from time to time in the fort.
This fort is also famous for its Goddess Kali temple. The people of Jammu worship Goddess Kali, a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati and a potent symbol of motherly love enhanced by insurmountable feminine energy. Inside the Bahu Fort is a temple dedicated to the great Goddess Kali. The locals often refer to this temple as Bave Wali Mata Temple.The goddess considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The Bahu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the reigning deity of the region of Jammu & Kashmir.
The construction of the city of Jammu itself and that of the Bahu Fort are connected and are mutually inclusive events. Raja Jambu Lochan, then reigning king of the region, went on a hunting trip.
The fort also houses a beautiful 15 feet deep pond which lies adjacent to a pyramidal structure, which was mainly used to store arms and ammunitions. An underground prison chamber is also built under the fort to hold the enemy troops or captured spies. Like all other forts, the Bahu Fort was also created for protection against enemies and other potential threats; and hence it is equipped with a secret passageway in the event of an emergency or the need for a quick escape.
The Bahu Fort also houses a royal garden called Bagh-e-Bahu. This terraced garden is beautifully embellished with ornamental flowers, trees and water fountains. Bagh-e-Bahu is a favored picnic spot for both locals and tourists especially during cool summers. Apart from offering beautiful scenic landscape, this garden also has some recreational activities for the visitors.A lush green manicured garden called Bagh-e-Bahu envelopes the fort in its scenic wrap. The terraced garden is full of beautiful fountains, dense tall trees and colorful flowers. Butterflies fluttering from flower to flower and dragon flies dancing away; the Bagh-e-Bahu is a perfect spot for a family picnic or get-together with friends. One can relax and enjoy the beautiful garden it's an amazing place to relax. Monkey's there are very naughty. Special thing is the aquarium. One can find a wide variety of fishes and more. Museum is also good. The lake is very beautiful there. It attracts tourism alot. It is a very beautiful and calm place to get relieved from mental stress.
An artificial waterfall glistens in the sun and murmurs calming vibrations in the ears of the onlooker. Bagh-e-Bahu makes for the perfect front of such a majestic and royal edifice such as the Bahu Fort. It’s a beautiful place to go and spend time.One can do boating there to have a scenic view of the lake.There is also a beautiful garden in which one can have a picnic with family to enjoy.It is a very nice place woth anything.
Within the premises of Bahu fort, lies the popular Maha Kali temple of Bave Wali Mata,the temple is dedicated to Jammu's presiding deity, Goddess Maha Kali. Devotee in large numbers throng the temple on Thursday and Sunday of every week as these two days are considered to be auspicious to worship the goddess.The temple is raised on a 3.9 feet high platform, it is built entirely in white marble at the centre of which rests Goddess Maha Kali's idol in pure black stone. The area of the temple can only accommodate a few devotees at a time, and so hundreds of devotees stand in beelines to await their turn to be able to soak themselves entirely in the light and nurture of the great goddess.
Previously, the goddess was offered animal sacrifice. However, now the priest sprinkles holy water on the sheep or goat of slaughter and then sets it free, as a symbolic rendition of the sacrifice. This ritual is called 'Shilly Charana'. Many devotees firmly believe that it is the deity residing in the Bahu Fort that protects the city of Jammu from Pakistani air attacks.
The subcontinent's largest underground aquarium in Jammu's Bagh-I-Bahu area is drawing a large number of tourists ever since it was opened to the public. Besides students, the aquarium has become a centre of attraction for tourists, giving them an opportunity to revel in the exotic aquatic world. The aquarium has attracted large number of tourists visiting the State. The aquarium-cum-awareness centre comprises of 24 aquarium caves including 13 small caves for holding freshwater fishes, two large caves for holding marine water fishes and nine medium sized aquariums for holding marine and fresh water fishes. It has state-of-the-art equipment, a public gallery, museum, laboratory and a multimedia conference hall. The entrance is designed in the shape of the mouth of a fish and the exit in the shape of a fish tail. The aquarium houses a museum where 400 varieties of freshwater and marine fish are on display.