Tilla Jogian

Ranjha became a Jogi when he had seemingly renounced the world after Heer's marriage to someone else. Dwelling at Guru Gorakhnath’s hill headquarters here he still saw the face of his beloved and her phulkari flying in the air. The kali, 'ਤੇਰੇ ਟਿਲੇ ਤੋਂ ਸੂਰਤ ਦੀਂਹਦੀ ਏ ਹੀਰ ਦੀ', made famous by Kuldip Manak, talked of this Tilla (peak) in Pakistan, now known as Tilla Jogian.

Here’s some more information on the place from Wikipedia.

Tilla Jogian is the highest peak in the Eastern Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan. At 975 meters (3200 ft) above sea level, it is about 25 km to the west of Jhelum city and 10 km west of the model village of Khukha. The view from the top of Tilla is highly rewarding. Rohtas, Pakistan Fort is located to the east of Tilla Jogian at a distance of about 7 km from Dina, a rapidly expanding town on the Grand Trunk Road. Tilla Jogian can be seen from districts of Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum and Chakwal. It is situated on a commanding place near the Jhelum River. From its height of 3200 feet, you can see a panorama unparalleled in Pakistan.

Tradition holds that Tilla Jogian was founded 100 B.C. Tilla Jogian literally means Hill of the Yogis and lies about 50 kilometres North of Bhera. This is where the Kanphata Jogis, who pierced their earlobes and were an order founded by Guru Gorakhnath have left behind a monastery.

Tilla Jogian also finds mention in the epic love poem Heer Ranjha of Waris Shah. Ranjha, the story's protagonist, who when spending his time on the rebound, sublimating his love and passion in the spiritual world, came here for consolation and got his ears ringed as was the tradition of Guru Gorakhnath's followers.

There is also other significance to Tilla Jogian as Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism is said to have spent 40 days in quiet seclusion at Tilla Jogian. The Sikhs during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh made a stone pond here in his memory.

Tilla Jogian comprises a complex of Hindu mandirs housing at least three baths and a network of waterworks with at least two minor dams. There are number of ways to reach at the top: One from Rohtas Fort side and the other from Sanghoi / the Jhelum River side.

(photograph by Tanwir Jogi on flickr)