Sohna
Sohna is a town and a Municipal Council in the Gurgaon district of Haryana, India. A popular tourist weekend and conference retreat, it is on the highway from Gurgaon to Alwar near a vertical rock. Sohna is known for its hot springs and Shiva temple. Sohna tehsil is part of Ahirwal Region. Major communities in Sohna are Rajputs, Ahirs, Gujars, Jats, and Muslim Gujjar . Gurgaon district is divided into 4 sub-divisions each headed by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM): Gurgaon, Sohna, Pataudi and Badshahpur. Sohna, which, according to historical records, traces its origin from 11th century onward, was occupied by three races in succession: namely the Iranian Kambhos, the Khanzadas and the Rajputs. Gazetteers mention that Nawab Qutb Khan Khanzada defeated the Kambhos and took over the town in 1570. The Khanzadas were expelled in 1620 by the Sisodia Rajputs. The Rajputs migrated to Sohna, who according to myths, obeyed the orders their patron saint who appeared in their dream indicating Sohna as their place of settlement. Sohna hotsprings, in the foothills of the Aravalis, also has an ancient Shiva temple. The temple was built by the Baba lakhi shah Banjara Banjara. A Gangasnan mela (fair) is held each November at the temple, and a fair is held each July and August to celebrate Teej. The hot springs in the temple are strongly sulphurous, and their temperature varies from . According to legend, Arjun (one of the five Pandav brothers) dug the wells when he was thirsty. Sohna is believed to have been the abode of hermits and the main kund (tank), Shiva Kund, is said to have medicinal properties. Devotees consider it sacred, and during eclipses and Somavati Amavasya they gather here to bathe in the water. The hilltop Barbet Resort, operated by Haryana Tourism, has sauna and steam-bath facilities, a small swimming pool, a park, lodging and a restaurant overlooking the town. Damdama Lake, known for its boating and picturesque surroundings, was created by building a weir on the South Delhi Ridge between Gurugram and Sohna.