Temple situated on Hatu peak is one of the main temples in Narkanda region of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Hatu, being a common tourist place and must go place for bikers, has an important significance in this region. It's one of the highest motorable peaks in this region, although disconnects from rest of the world in winters. Let's have a quick Photo Journey to the temple situated at Hatu Peak -
Here is a lake which comes on the way from main highway to Hatu Peak. There is small mud-house on one side of this lake. Usually this house remain closed, but some gujjar family comes here to stay for sometime. Approximately 10 km from Narkanda, this road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees... You will not be able to locate this lake in winters, as it freezes during winters and snow make a natural cover on top of it.
On top of the Hatu hill, ancient Hatu Mata temple is located, which was under renovation during Oct'2011. The raw material in front of this temple symbolizes the progress and it must have taken few more months to complete this work. The peak offers spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow clad mountains and in depths are the dense forests, green fields and apple orchards. Hiking is recommended to reach the peak...
Here is a closer look at the woodwork done in most of the part of Hatu Temple. Internal walls are made up of stone and wood mixed with a creative design, while outer pillars are completely built by wood as we can see in above photograph. Roof top has two layers, the lower one is again constructed with wood and top one is made up of slate. Slates are actually specially cut pieces of a layers rock, which is found on specific hills. This rocks are usually very hard, shiny and found on hills, which get snowfall very frequently.
Priest at Hatu Temple. Temporarily Hatu Mata was placed on left side of the temple which was under renovation. Priest was also busy in lot many other things, so he just open this part of temple when someone visit the place. During the same time, we ensure that other activities at new temple are moving with good pace.
Here is a photograph shows internal view of Hatu Mata Temple near Narkanda, Shimla(HP). Light was very low inside the temple, that's why you see some color-shifts in this photograph. Original Photograph was very dark and post-processing introduced color-noise here.
Last year, one of the passionate biker hiked this peak just after Snow Fall and this was done with his princess... To see this interesting story about the way this mission was accomplished, check out 'Climbing, Falling, Stumbling, and Crawling to the Hatu Temple : MISSION HATU PEAK (21 FEBRUARY 2011)'
Hatu Temple Welcome broad near Road. Check out more interesting place around Hatu Temple @ http://hptdc.nic.in/cir0105.htm . An interesting photograph of new Hatu Temple with snowfall at be seen at - http://www.flickr.com/photos/munishc/4403046393/