Chamba – ecoheritage.cpreec.org

Chamba is a town in the Chamba district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in northern India. According to the 2001 Indian census the town is situated on the banks of the Ravi River (a major tributary of the Trans-Himalayan Indus River), at its confluence with the Sal River.

The town has numerous temples and palaces and hosts popular jatras (fairs) which last for several days of music and dancing.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE

Regarded as the Main and oldest as well as the largest one in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, the Laxmi Narayan Temple attracts a whole lot of visitors. This temple was built in the 10th century by Sahil Verman in Shikara style.

It has been built to suit the local climatic conditions with wooden chattris and has a shikara, and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), with an antarala and a mantapa. A metallic image of Garuda, the vahana (mount) of Vishnu is installed on the dwajastamba pillar at the main gate of the temple.

The six temples in the Laxmi Narayan Temple complex are arranged from north to south and are dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu. There are also some other temples housed in the complex which together make it extremely attractive. These other shrines include the temple of Radha Krishna, the Shiva Temple of Chandragupta, and the Gauri Shankar Temple.

CHAMUNDA DEVI TEMPLE

Chamunda Devi Temple is located in a prominent position on the spur of the Shah Madar range of hills, opposite Chamba town. It was built by Raja Umed Singh and was completed in 1762. It is the only wooden temple with a gabled roof (single-storied) in Chamba, while all others in the town are built from stone in the north Indian Nagara architectural style.

The temple is dedicated to the wrathful form of Goddess Durga. The temple is around seven hundred years old and it houses a tank that is used by devotees for bathing. The temple has a cave-like scoop on the backside of the temple, where a stone phallus and the symbol of Lord Shiva are kept. Statues of other gods are also kept there.

The temple is popular as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham among devotees as it is believed to be the home of Shiva and Shakti. Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairav adore the main shrine as both are assembled on each side of the statue and are considered the guards of the Goddess.

The interiors of the sanctum of the deity have been beautified with carved silver sheets. The temple complex also has a handicrafts center, containing items of woodcarvings, wooden toys, black pottery, honey, Kangra tea, and world-famous Kangra Paintings. During the Navratras, people from all over India come in hordes into the temple. Pilgrims from far and near come to visit this temple of great legacy and religious importance. Chamunda Devi blesses all her true devotees.

CHAMPAVATI TEMPLE

The temple of goddess Champavati is shikhara style. This temple is after the name of Champavati, daughter of King Sahil Verman who built this temple in her memory. It is said that Champavati influenced her father to set up the Chamba city, at the present location. This temple is constructed in Shikara style, with a wheel roof and stone curving.

An idol of the goddess Mahishasuramardini (Durga) is worshipped in the temple. The walls of the temple are full of exquisite stone sculptures. On account of its historical and archaeological importance, the temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

SHRI HARI RAI TEMPLE

Shri Hari Rai Temple is an ancient temple of Chamba, situated next to Chaugan Gate in Chamba. Built in stone, this temple is designed in the shikhara style and many tourists visit here to worship Lord Vishnu who has four faces, a lion boar, and a demon, made up of 8 different materials.

The main idol is artistically adorned with finger-rings, armlets, mukut, necklaces and kundals. It dates back to the 11th century and was built by Salabahana. The temple rests in the northwest corner of the main Chaugan, which is now considered the official entrance to the town. The finely carved Shikharas and the stunning sculpture of Vishnu ranging six horses offer a captivating view.

Various niches in Hari Rai Temple project Brahmanical deities including Shiva seated on a bull with Uma seated to his left. The mounts of both the deities namely lion and Nandi appear on the front over the base. While Surya is seated on a chariot holding a lotus bud in the right hand. The lower left hand is in varada-mudra while the corresponding hand displays abhaya-mudra.

SUI MATA TEMPLE

Sui Mata Temple stands as an honor to the sacrifice of Queen Sui- the wife of King Sahil Varman. The temple is situated in the Saho village of Chamba district and is a paradigm of sacrifice. It’s decorated with a beautiful painting that depicts the life of Sui.

There was once a heavy scarcity of water in the region. Disturbed by this issue, King Sahil Varman tried several ways to impress the gods and carried out religious affairs and offerings to the gods. Anguished, he left his throne to fulfill the need but there was no water for years. Then, he consulted Brahmins and religious advisors who told him that the king would have to sacrifice his son or wife to bring water to this town. With a heavy heart, the king decided to sacrifice his son. But the queen could not see this happen and readily sacrificed herself instead. This queen and her close maidens were buried around this temple’s premises. Soon after, water began to flow and the village has never seen scarcity of water again.

This temple is built on Shah Madar Hill and it has three parts. The main temple has steps made by Rani Sarda, wife of Raja Jit Singh which leads to the nearby Sarota stream. The second is a conduit and the third is a memorial of Queen Sui. The shrine has been created as a temple and people make offerings here.

A fair is held every year with great valor in remembrance of the sacrifice made by Queen Sui and her maidens. This fair is conducted in Chaith month (April) till Baisakh (May). Women and young girls dress up and visit the temple with offerings to pay reverence to the great queen.

Source:

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