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Temples

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Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple, which is the main temple of Chamba town was built by Sahil Verman in the 10^th century A.D. The temple has been built in the Shikhara style.

The temple consist of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and Garbhgriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayan Temple has a mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the wheel roof,  atop the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection against snow-fall.

There are several other temples within this complex. The temple know as Radha Krishan was erected as late as 1825 A.D. by Rani sarda, queen of Raja jeet Singh. The Shiva temple of Chandergupta was also belived to have been built by Sahil Verman while the construction od Gauri Shankar Temple is ascribed to his son and successor Yugkar Varman.

The temple of Lakshmi Narayana continued to be embellished by the Rajas who succeeded to the throne of Chamba. Raja Balabhadra Verma perched the metallic image of Garuda on a high pillar at the main gate of the temple. Raja chhatra Singh placed gilded pinnacles on the temple tops in 1678 as a reaction against the orders of Aurangzeb to demolish the temple. Later Rajas also added a shrine or two thus enriching the complex.

Champavati Temple

The temple of goddess Champavati is shikhara style stands near the royal place and the tradition holds it that this temple was made in the name of Raja Sahil Verman's daughter Champavati. Champavati was of religious disposition and used to visit sadhu's place, the site of the present temple. The Raja grew suspicious of her going to sadhu, so he followed her one day with dagger drawn in his hand. But when he reached sadhu's places, he found neither sadhu nor his daughter there. A voice however came from the stillness upbraiding him from his suspicion and saying that his daughter has been taken away from his  as punishment. He was further commanded to construct a temple in her memory to atone for his sin and to avert calamity to his family. The temple was accordingly built and named after the king's daughter, who is worshipped as goddess. The presiding deity in the temple is the goddess Mahishasuramardini, a form of Durga, whose image remains installed in the temple. In the courtyard of this temple there is a small shrine housing the image of Vasuki Naga and Wazir.  

Vajreshvari Temple

This temple is also of shikhara style built in stone at the entrance of Sarota outside the town dedicated to goddess Vajreshwari. It is known for its fine sculpture. It is believed to have been erected in eleventh century A.D. There is a short tree-line inscription carved on one of the two pillars in front of the entrance of the shrine. There are eighteen brief one-line epigraphs on the outer walls of the temple. An inscription on the pillar records that on the 17th day of Asadh 1992, the work was started in the temple. This work evidently refers to the repairs of renovation of the temple which was probably carried out during the reign of Udai Singh.

At the entrance gate there are two dvarpalas standing with staff held in their hands. In the niches to the exterior of the temple the images of four-armed Durga seated on a lion and Vishnu in Vaikuntha form three faces-human, boar and lion-are depicted. The temple pillars are beautifully carved depicting various deities on them.

 The temple has a stone image of Mahishasuramardini, a form of Durga standing in alidha posture, placing her right foot over the asura emerging out of the buffaloes in human form carrying a sword and shield. The trident of the goddess held in the her right hand is shown pierced into asura's body. The goddess has eight arms. In her right hands she holds a trident, an arrow and chakra, while in her left hands she holds a shield, a bow and the tuft of the asura standing to the left. The fourth hand is broken. The image is not of great antiquity, but could be assigned to a date around 15-16th century A.D.

Chamunda Devi Temple at Chamba

This temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda in her terrific form. This temple is of a later class and is made in hill type architecture. It stands on small spur of Shah Madar hill. A beautiful and holistic view of Chamba town is obtained from the premises of the temple. It has pent-roof of ordinary type of temples in the area but has beautiful wood carvings preserved in it. In the ceiling several panels have been carved which make the temple artistically important. In those panels four-armed Shiva is standing wearing a tiger's skin, holding a trident and a cup in his two left hands and a damru in the upper right hand while the fourth one hands down. Then Yashodha while churning the butter milk and Krishana is trying to steal the butter. This scene has a lively representation in as much as Yashodha while churning the butter milk is seen looking backwards. The four armed Durga stands, holding a sword in her upraised rights hands and an object in the lower rights hand. The lion is in the background. She wears a mukut (crown) over her hand and other usual ornaments. Another hands shows Durga holding in her four hands a dagger and a sword, a shield and a trident. The lion is in the background. Besides, there are depiction of the goddess Mahishasuramardini, Vishnu and Ganesh.  

Hari Rai Temple

Shri Hari Rai temple (Vishnu temple) is located near Chaugan gate. The temple is in shikhara style built in stone. The image of worship is Vaikuntha form of Vishnu having three faces-human, boar and lion. The bronze image of the deity is in superb execution. Stylistically the image is certainly of earlier date than the second half of the 11th century A.D.

The central figure of the image, with a pronounced well-modelled chest and waist, is clad in dhoti with prominent but stylised folds, arrayed artistically. The fixture is elegantly decked in beaded anklets with pendants, bracelets, finger-rings, armlets with diamond-shaped central  pieces, a beaded garland, an elaborate necklace with pendants, flower-shaped kundals and mukut (crown). The hair is arranged in coiled locks falling on shoulders and back. The eyes are laid with silver. Of the four hands, the right hands hold the short stalk of fully blossomed lotus and the corresponding left hand a conch shell.

 There are number of niches in Hari Rai temple which project Brahmanical deities. These include Shiva seated on a bull with Uma seated to his left. The mounts of both the deities viz. Nandi and lion appear on the front over the pedestal. Surya is represented seated on a chariot holding lotus bud in upper right hand. The lower left hand is in varada-mudra while the corresponding hand displays abhaya-mudra. At the pedestal are shown Aruna-the charioteer driving seven horses. At the entrance of the temple are shown two female deities of Ganga and Yamuna. There are some erotic scenes as well at the temple exterior.  
The image of the deity was stolen by the anti-social elements in the year 1971 but was fortunately recovered in Bombay. The image was then re-enshrined in the temple much to the happiness of the Chambyals.

Bansi Gopal Temple, Chamba

This temple is also of shikhara style and is situated in the vicinity of Chamba palace. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishana whose image holding a flute is enshrined with Radha . In copper plate of Raja Balbhadra issued in A.D. 1595, mention is made of this temple. The occasion of the issue of the copper plate grant was the conservation ceremony performed by the King at the temple of Gopal now called Bansi Gopal. This shows that some repairs or renovation had been done to the temple and the completion of the work occasioned the ceremony. It is indicated in the inscription that the donated village was formerly granted by Ganesh Verman to a Brahman named Rama.

The entrance gate of the temple depicts Ganga and Yamuna standing holding a vase. A curious feature of the temple is the depiction of amorous scenes of Khajuraho type on the exterior of the temple. In the niches outside the temple are depicted various deities, including Surya, Hari-hara, Krishna with flute, Hanuman, Mashishasuramardini, Anantasayi Vishnu, Vishnu with three faces (those of hanuman, a lion and a boar), Uma Maheshvra, Narsimha and Varaha.

Chandershekhar Temple at Saho

 There is a beautiful temple devoted to Lord Chandershekhar in the heart of Saho village. According to one belief , this temple was constructed by Raja Sahil Varman and according to the other belief, the temple was constructed by Satyaki, the son of King Bhagota. the inscription on a slab discovered from the village now preserved in Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba town unfolds that Satyaki had married to Somprabha, a daughter of Kishkindha royal family. Kishkindha finds mention in Ramayana as the realm of the monkey king Sugriva but here it denotes Himgiri pargana. Satyaki is said to have built this temple to establish unshaken friendship between Somprabha and mountain daughter, Parvati. 

Here is an interesting legend as to why the deity came to be called as Chandershekhar. There are two streams called Saredi and Karedi converging at a point about one kilometer from the village on Saho-Kiri road. On the bank of this confluence, there lived a sadhu (hermit) who took his bath regularly in the early hours of morning at the confluence. He made it sure that no one bathed before he bathed. But soon he discovered that some one took bath before him. To known the secret he hid himself behind a boulder one night. To his surprise, there children bearing resemblance emerged and started taking bath very early. he ran to get hold of the children. He could get hold of one child while the other two managed to escape. Sadhu tried to have some information from the child. Hardly had he taken some introduction, the child in custody also vanished from the scene and appeared in the form of a linga in a place where Chandershekhar temple now stands. This linga is about five feet in length and is biggest in size in the district. The names of the Children where Mahesh, Chandergupat and Chandershekhar. The children who had run away where Mahesh and Chandergupat. Mahesh reached Bharmour and Chandergupt in Chamba. These are worshipped as Manimahesh in Bharmour and Chandergupt in Chamba town, and shikhara style temples stand at these places. The third child Chandershekhar is worshipped at sahoo as Lord Chandershekhar. The temple is in shikhara style and has a slate roof.

The Nandi (bull) in front of the temple has been carved out of stone and is exquisite not only in its appearance but also in the fact that when the throat portion of the bull (Nandi) is tapped it sounds like the jingle of the bell.

The temple is not only the pilgrimage centre but also a centre for all social gatherings like fairs and festivals. The Baisakh fair is celebrated with full festivity and enthusiasm at the temple site.

Vishnu Temple, Saho

 A small shrine opposite the temple of Chandershekhar of Saho is dedicated to Vishnu. The image of the god has three faces. The central one is that of a human, while those on the right and left are those of a lion and a boar respectively. The image is besmeared with Ganges sand. The deity is standing with two of his four hands resting on the heads of two chowrie-bearers. One of the remaining two hands hold a lotus while the other one is broken. The bust of a female figurine believed to be of Lakshmi appears from the base between his feet. the four-armed Brahma and Shiva are found seated on both sides. The remaining figures probably represent the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

Mindhal Temple in Pangi

Mindhal Devi temple is located in Mindhal village, twelve kilometers from Killar (in Pangi) towards south. The legend associated with this temple as given in the District Gazetteer and is as follows:

The spot where the temple stands was originally occupied by a house, consisting of an upper and lower storey, as is usual in Pangi, belonging to a widow with seven sons. One day in early autumn while she was cooking in the upper storey, a black stone appeared in the chulah (hearth) causing her much annoyance. She tried to beat it down but in vain. At last she was seized with a trembling, and thus knew that the stone was a Devi . Rushing outside she called her sons, who were ploughing in a field with two oxen to a plough, and told them that a Devi had appeared in the house. They made light of the matter and asked tauntingly if the Devi would enable them to plough with one ox or give them a sasan, Immediately, the widow and her sons were turned to stone, she in the house and they in the field. From that time only one ox to a plough has been used in ploughing at Mindhal and the place has been a sasan grant for many centuries.

People believe that if two oxen are used for plugging, one of them will die. Sasan stands for revenue-free grant of land which the temple enjoyed for centuries. With the coming of H.P. Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, the land belonging to temple has been given to tenants who are being charged land revenue as is charged to the other land-owners elsewhere.

A fair is held here in the month of Bhadon and is visited by people from all over the valley. Scores of of sheep and goat are sacrificed on the occasion keeping in with sukhna (saying of wish) of people to the deity. It is believed that blood of the sacrificed livestock flows through a hole at the temple door to a pool at the foot of Kulal village. The pool is said to be tinged red owing to this.

Mindhal Devi temple is also known for wood carvings. the temple has a slanting tin roof. It is a great pilgrim centre for the pangwals who worship the deity for better crops and fortune.

Bhader Kali (Sri Bhalei mata ) Temple

The temple of Bhader kali popularly known as sri Bhalei Mata is located on a beautiful squr of 3800 feet height at a place called Bhalei which is now a sub-tehsil headquarters. The temple can be approached either from Chamba or from Dalhousie side and is at a distance of 40 kilometers from Chamba and 35 kilometers from Dalhousie.

The deity is in the front of an image of black stone of two feet height and is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Bhadar Kali draw a large number of pilgrims from far and wide. A big havan ceremony is performed during navratras of Ashwin and Chait months.

The temple of Bhadar Kali seems to have been built originally by Raja Pratap Singh during his reign. He was a religiously disposed king and has to his credit construction, repair and renovation of many temples in the district. The legend is that the deity appeared to Raja Partap Singh in dream and told him that she was lying hidden in a place called Bhran about three kilometers from the present site of temple. The deity asked the Raja to bring her from there and erect suitable temple for her. The Raja with his officials went to the site and discovered the image. The Raja and his team were very happy they had already decided to constructed a temple for the deity in Chamba town. So they  started their journey back. On way back they stopped for rest at Bhalei and when they resumed their journey, the bearers could not left the palanquin of deity in which she was being taken to Chamba. A Brahman from Kilod village was invited to interpret this peculiar incident. The Brahaman interpreted that the deity did not want to go to Chamba, rather she desired her temple to be erected at the site.

According to another belief, the people of this area were not happy over the idea of the deity being taken to Chamba, so they requested the Raja to construct the temple at Bhalei.

Whatever be the reason, the temple was built at Bhalei by Raja Partap Singh and later renovated by Raja Sri Singh. Recently a lot of renovation work has been carried out by Jai Prakash Associates who constructed the dam at Chohra for Chamera Hydro-electric project. The image of Bhader Kali was unfortunately stolen in the year 1973 by antique thieves but happily recovered at Chohra near the present dam site. The image of the deity has been seen to be perspiring since that event of theft took place.

Chamunda Devi Temple at Devi Kothi

This temple was built by Raja Umed Singh in A.D. 1754 at Devi Kothi in Churah tehsil and is known for wood carvings and well paintings. The English version of the inscription incised on wooden door jambs is as under:

"In the year 30 (th month of) Bhadra 21, on that date the illustrious Maharaja Umed Singh has built the temple of the goddess Chamunda. The Superintendent ( sadar) of the temple, illustrious Mian Bishan, The steward Ghamyan of Nilheri and Jagru of Sungal, the carpanters Gurdev and Jhanda, stones mason Debu of Hali and the cela(?) Dayal written on 29th of ph. Bliss."

The door lintel has seated image four-armed Ganesh, seated over a simhasana.

The isolated shrine of Chamunda Devi built in a local Pahari style is situated in the lower part of the village Devi Kothi. The pent-roof superstructure of the temple comprises of a square sanctum sanctorum decorated with murals depicting the themes of Bhagvat Puran (Krishan Lila) and Devi Mahatamya the exploits of the great goddess. the ceiling of the temple is embellished with splendid wood-carvings in relief.

Trilochan Mahadev

This temple of Trilochan Mahadev is located on a rock near Gehra on way to Bharmour along the bank of Ravi. The temple has no archaeological importance. The legend associated with the temple is however interesting and engages our attention.

A chela (disciple) named Trilochan while swimming across Manimahesh lake disappeared and happened to reach piyalpuri, an underground abode of Lord Shiva. Shiva asked the chela about his skill. The chela replied that he was an adept tailor. Shiva appointed him as his personal tailor and gave some clothes to him for stitching. The chela continued to work for six months and then intended to go back to his home. Shiva allowed him to leave but before he left, he was given a khardu (sack) full of woolen pieces. Shiva enjoined up on him not to disclose the fact of his stay there to any one failing which he would turn insane.

The chela came back to the village where the villagers were taken back to see him after a long spell of disappearance. His wife importuned him to reveal the secret to her. He tried to put her off initially but had to give in due to her persistent requests. As soon as he revealed the secret, he turned mad. The wife opened the khardu (sack) and found gold instead of woolen pieces offered by Shiva.

The mad chela left his house and jumped in to the Ravi where his body got converted in to a rock. A temple in the name of Trilochan Mahadev was built on this rock by the Raja of Chamba where the worship takes place in the month of Bhadon or Asuj every year.

Chhatrari Devi Temple

Two-third way between Chamba and Bharmour with a diversion of eight kilometers from Luna bridge on Chamba Bharmour road is a village with fertile land called Chattrari. In the heart of this village is the famous temple of Adashakti, more popularly known as Chattrari Devi temple which looks like any ordinary house of the village from outside but once you enter, you find it a real wonder.

Chattrari temple is regarded as one of the holiest sanctuaries of the hills competing with those of Lakshana Devi at Bharmour and Bhavani at Kangra. Centainly, it is one of the oldest temples. Tradition attributes its foundation to Mushan Varman, the legendary ancestor of Brahampura (Bharmour) dynasty. But the inscription on the temple mentions that meru varman, the founder of brahmpura (Bharmour) buit the temple in A.D. 700.

Devi Chattrari has an iteresting legend attached to her. a land-owner suspected his cowherd of milking his cow in the forest. So he kept a which on this. But he discovered that cow gave her milk at spot beneath a certain tree. Thereafter the goddess appeared to him in dream and desired him to bring her to light. Searching at the spot, where the cow was found to give her milk, the man came accross a stone pindi or image which he caried on his way home. As he reached where the temple now stands, he could not move any further and this way an indication to him that Devi wished to settle at that spot.

The workman who build this temple is referred to as Gugga. There are two legends about this master artisan. The frist being that he after erecting some temples at Bharmour, built a residence for a local rana of Kothi Ranhu. He showed too good skill in its construction that his right hand was cut off to prevent him from constructing a similar building. His hand is believed to have been miraculously restored by the Goddes Shakti when he was called up on to build her temple.

Manimahesh Temple, Bharmour

This is one of the most famous temples of the Chaurasi temple at Bharmour. The temple is in shikhara style dedicated to Manimahesh, in the name of Lord Shiva. the idol of worship is a shivalinga placed in side the temple surrounded by a number of other small images including those of ganesh and Durga with a child in her lap.  

The bull Nandi, the mount of Shiva stands in front of the temple. The bull is considerable in size, its height being five feet while the pedestal is 13 inches high, the tail,right ear and the bell suspended from the neack are broken. There is found an inscription on the  pedestal of Nandi, the English rendering of which provided by S.L. Nagar is reproduced below :

"After that he had himself built a temple like unto Mount Meru on the top of Himvat through the manifold bliss of (his) good works, an upper Chamba (Chandrasala) delightful to the eye, was added to it with various arches (Mandapas) and numerous oranaments (chitras) turned towardes the east, in front of it (was set the bull, fat of cheeks and body, compactof breast and hump, the exalted vehicle of god Shiva). This is the glorious work the illustrious Meruvarman (famous) over four oceans (tending) continually to increase. The (spiritual) fruits of his parents and himself made by the workman Gugga."

About the founding of the temple by Meru Varman, Vogel observes"unfortunately it is by no means certain that the present temple was founded by Meruvarman. Its style is that of the ordinary shikhara temple, whereas at this early period and such close proximity of Kashmir, one would expect to find the style of ancient Kashmir temple which, as we known was also in vogue in the plains. The facade of the Lakshana templee has the trifoiled arch enclosed in triangular pediment, which form such a typical feature of kashmir temples". This would indicate that Kashmir was known in Chamba in the days of Meru Varmen, who it could be remembered, was well nigh contemporaneous with the great Lalitaditya, the founder of the famous temple of Martand. It should also be noticed that our inscription seems to imply that the temple of Meru Varman was provided with mandapa, whereas the present shrine consists only a cella entered through a porch, to which the appellation can hardly be applied. This shows that the temple is of later period through the bull could undoubtedly belong to a period of Meru varman.

Chaurasi

According to another legned, shortly after Sahil Varman's accession, the ruler of Brahampura (Bharmour), 84 yogis visited this place. They were greatly pleased with the Raja's piety and hospitality. As Raja had no heir, they (yogis) promised him ten sons. They were requested by the Raja to stay back in Brahampura till the prediction was fulfilled. In due course of time the Raja was blessed with ten sons and also a daughter, namely Champvati at whose liking  the new capital Chamba was establashed. It is a commemoration of this visit by the 84 yoghis that the temple arena of Barhampura (Bharmour) is believed to have been called Chaurashi. Uptil today there are 84 big and small temples in this place.

Chaurasi is a spacious level ground where the galaxy of temples mostly in the form of Shivlingas exist. Important temples which desreve mention as described by Shri Thakur Sen Negi in the district Gazetteer of chamba are:

While each and every temple in Chaurashi complex is of highly valuable archaeological intrest, the temple of Lakshana Devi is remarably impressive in the extremely fine wood-work.  

Kunjar Mahadev

Kunjar Mahadev is a great pilgrimage centre situated in Tundi pargana in Hatli Dhar range falling in Sihunta sub-tehsil. At Kunjar  Mahadev is a Shiv pindi and a water well. pilgrims draw water from the well and take bath. Pilgrimage to this place synchronises with the date of Manimahesh fair. It is believed that those who can not go to Manimahesh, can drive the blessing of Lord Shiva right at this place. Kunjar Mahadev is regarded by the local people as substitute for Manimahesh.

Ardha Gaya

There is a bowli (water reservoir) situated within the Chaurashi area. Besides being a great water source, it has attached to it self a holy significance and is called Ardha Gaya. There is an interesting legend about this bowli. Once in the hoary past, Lord Shiva accompanied by Parvati and their son Ganesh were strolling at this place. Parvati remembered that the day was auspicious for heaving a dip in the holy water at Gaya. So,she longed to go there but Lord Shiva expressed his inability to fulfit her desire. Parvati was dismayed and dismayed and dejected. Finding his mother desperate, ganesh shot an arrow at the spot and water gushed out from seven spouts. It is believed that this bowli is made up of waters of all holy rivers and springs of India and a dip would wash of all sins. It was therefore named as Ardhgaya meaning half as sacred as Gaya.

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