The Amber Grasslands of Ropa

It was somewhere around the beginning of June this year when I along with 4 others were undergoing our internship in a hydropower project going on in Sainj, Dist. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. We were in the last phase of our training and our funds were drying up quickly. We were all going crazy being cooped up in that little town and wanted to go for a trek somewhere for some change, but, there was the monetary restraint applicable on us. We needed to go somewhere cheap, less known and where there was no need for a night stay. At the same time, the place must be a mesmerizing. After asking around for some information from the locals the name ‘Ropa’ came up. Best part, the place from where we were going to start our trek was nearby and it took only Rs. 10 per head to reach there by bus. 

There were a total of 4 of us. One of our friends preferred to stay at room for some reasons. So, from Sainj we took a bus for Shangarh. From there it was a 7 km trek to Ropa. On our way up, we met some people who warned us and asked to make it down quickly. The trek possessed a serious problem of rock slides and on that day the chances of downpour was there too, not that high, but, it is always good to be aware of all the possible problems and risks that you may face. 

The trek was really beautiful. No crowding, honking of vehicles, chattering of humans. There was only the sound of the blowing breeze, rustling of leaves, chirping of birds and occasional intersection with herds of sheep. It was the true definition of a Himachal country side experience.  

In the beginning of our trek, we asked for directions,but, forgot to take a water bottle from the shop. As a result, after only 2 km we had our tongues hanging out for water. I was feeling so thirsty and tired that I had to walk shirtless, it found itself tied around my waist. Whenever we saw somebody we were asking where we could find some water. After some asking along the way, we found a group of people busy clearing the rubble on the road. They told us that we could find a small stream of water at a 15 minutes’ walk from there. The problem was that those 15 minutes appeared to be 15kms to us. We were just walking and walking and walking. After going some distance, we saw a person at a U-turn carrying a bottle of water. Just by looking at him our hopes went all up. He told us that we would find a boulevard near the coming Y-turn and that one would take us to our little paradise of water. 

We got a glimpse of the feeling how priceless water really is for a thirsty wanderer. Finally, when we found our stream, I thought of nothing and drank the water along with all the tiny sediments that it carried along with it and then the rest of us reciprocated the same, but, it was icy cold. Who gives a damn about filtering it when you are so thirsty that it feels like you are dying? 

That stream juiced us up and we were on again. The Ropa grasslands were then nearby, just 1 or 2 kms away. The trek was easy but extremely beautiful. I especially liked the cow shed that appeared along the way, it gave a sense of antiquity. We didn’t even realize when we reached Ropa. Before going to its 130 bighas majestic central grassland we first went to a shop for some cold-drinks. There the shopkeeper asked us not to trespass beyond a certain point (near the temple). He told that the last time a tourist did so, he was fined Rs. 3500. 

Later when we asked more about the place, he told us that the forest beyond that point is considered as some sort of sacred grooves. That area is an abobe to one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva known as Shangchul Mahadev. It is said that deep within the forest, only a person having a thorough knowledge of the geography of that region could find a Shiva Linga. Its size isn’t that large to be visible to everyone, only after careful searching one can find it and only once a year it is allowed to go to that place.

A View of the Shangchul Nag Mahadev Temple

The above picture was taken from the other side of the grassland and the tree line that you see there behind the temple, that’s the line beyond which no trespassing is allowed. 

As you can see from these pictures the magnanimity and the serenity that rules this place can’t just be captured by words. One has to visit this place personally to see what it really holds. Don’t expect tourists. There aren’t many here as I have already mentioned. This place holds a special place in the hearts of the local residents. The come here from different villages to have their wishes granted. 

On further inquiring about the history of this place, the shopkeeper told us an interesting story about the origin of this place and this is how it goes:

Once, the king of Kullu, Raja Bahadur Sing had a dream. It is said that Shangchul Mahadev visited him and asked him to go to Shangarh. Raja followed his faith and when he reached Ropa a huge snake appeared. Initially, the snake struck terror in the heart of the people who had come to welcome the raja and the raja himself. Later they realized that the snake was none other than Shanchul Mahadev. As per the deity’s orders, the Raja donated the 130 bighas of land in the name of the deity and the occupants of that village. Athough, there was a particular spot left.

As you can see in the above picture, there is a small patch of stones emerging from the earth. As a matter of fact, in the entire grassland you won’t even find a hint of stones exposed anywhere else. It is the only place. This exposed surface acts as the throne where only the king of this land is allowed to sit for offering his prayers. As per todays scenario, someone from the lineage of the present Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Virbhadra Singh.

Kids from the local school

 

While the three of us started running and jumping around the place, our friend Himesh was busy erecting his tripod for taking some clicks. It was then, when we saw from a distance that our dear friend was swarmed by a party of kids from the school located just beside the ground. The got him surrounded and started requesting in choir to take their pictures. As Himesh got himself busy, we couldn’t help but laugh.  

Finally, we ended up having a mind-blowing experience and pics of ourselves in all sorts of absurd but comic acts and postures- running, jumping, fighting, kicking, even flying and somersaulting. The ground was so appealing that it brought the true ourselves that was hidden somewhere inside of us. The other side of ours that wanted to deny the fact of maturity and enjoy some moments of utter stupidity. There are so many such amazing places around us. When you have the leisure try to have some moments with them as each of them has a different and wonderful story to tell.

Raj, Nishant, Gaurav and Himesh (from the left)

This is us. The four musketeers, defying the boredom and monotonous routine of our day to day lives. Out to enjoy some moments that will help us revive whenever we find ourselves around the same lies.

Special thanks to Himesh Rahi – The Librarian who took these and many more awesome clicks. A true librarian to carefully collect various memories and to keep them safe and sound.