Bilaur
Bilaur or Billawar is a town and tahsil in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also known as Balaur. It has been identified as ancient Vallapura Kingdom. [1]
Contents
Founder
Billawar was founded by Raja Bhog Pal in 7th century A.D [2] and it remained the capital of Basohli Rajas. The descendants of the Royal family are known as “Billawaria, Baloria, Balouria or Billauria” and Chandel all being the modern day spelling variants.
The town has some ancient monuments. One of these is Mahabilvakeshwar Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples of the area. It was known as Hari Hara Temple.
Location
Bilaur is located to the west of Chamba and south of Bhadravah.
History
According to one belief, Pandavas visited Billawar in the last year of their exile and were attracted by Bael or Bilwa trees abundant in the region. The Temple Mahabilwakeshwar was built where Pandavas had worshipped. In Billawar there is an ancient Hanuman's statue built on a rock in the river Naj . According to Dr Sukhdev Singh Charak, Billawar-Basohli was one of the three parent/ original states of the Duggar Group along with Jammu and Poonch.
References
- ↑ Alexander Cunningham: The Ancient Geography of India/Singhapura,p.135
- ↑ Kumar, Raj (2006) [2006]. Paintings and Lifestyles of Jammu Region: From 17th to 19th Century A.D (Reprint ed.). New Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. p. 57.