Laxmi Narayan Temple ,Chamba Himachal Pradesh

                                                                Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the oldest temples and also the largest one, situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. There are six temples that are situated in the complex of the Laxmi Narayan Temple. These six temples are situated from north to south. They are dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. Some of the temples located in the complex are the Shiva temple, Gauri Shankar temple and Radha Krishna.
Laxmi Narayan Temple was constructed in the tenth century. The Shikhara style of architecture is evident from the temples situated in the complex. The rulers of Chamba took care to maintain these temples. Each of the rulers also contributed to the construction of the different parts of the temples. The ancient legends presume that Raja Sahil Verma built the temple of Laxmi Narayan Temple. The temple is kept for the tourists and the devotees from 6 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 to 8.30 pm. Laxmi Narayan Temple in Himachal Pradesh is the recognized Religious Place of India.

Architecture Of Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

Besides being historically significant, this holy shrine is also an architectural masterpiece. Raja Sahil Varman built the temple in Shikhara style. There is a Shikhara or the Bimana and a Garbhgriha with a small Antralya. There is also a Mandapa like formation in the temple premise. There are exceptionally admirable effigies of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Narsimha and Lord Krishna. All these are the residing deities of this temple.

There are wooden umbrellas and the shell roof on the top of the temple. The wheel shaped roof keeps the cold away. This was constructed keeping in mind the local climate as snowfall is an inevitable part of this land’s weather.The Shiva temple in the complex has been constructed by King Sahil Varman whereas the Gauri Shankar temple is said to have been added by his son Yugkara. The Radha Krishan temple was later added by Rani Sarda in 1825.


History Of Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

Laxmi Narayan and Hari Rai Temples of Chamba stand as a testimony to the architectural brilliance and execution that existed thousands of years ago. Laxmi Narayan Temple is the main temple of Chamba town which was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Laxmi Narayan Temple has many small temples within the complex. Among these are Radha Krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandragupta and Gauri Shankar Temple. The temple has a finely crafted wooden roof with Shikara and a chamber housing the idols. The design and architecture of the temple is such that it suits all kind of climatic conditions. The majestic door of the temple has a grand metal idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, which welcomes every tourist and devotee inside the temple. One can feel richness, culture and grandeur in every stone of the Laxmi Narayan Temple.
The Hari Rai Temple is another ancient temple of Chamba. The temple is located in the north-west direction and has become the official entrance to enter the Chamba town. This temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is carved in a Shikara style and stands majestically on a stone platform. The temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti (four faces). Hari Rai is the only temple that has been beautifully coated with saffron and can be prominently seen among all the other temples.
Both these temples of Chamba are soaked in grandeur and beauty and take you back to those ancient days where the culture and tradition reigned the historical era. So grab your cameras to capture the beauty of these temples amongst the setting sun of Chamba and come back home with album full of memories.

Significance of Lakshmi Narayan Temple:-

Lakshmi Narayan Temple is the most famous temple of Chamba. It is both an architectural marvel as well as a place of great historical significance. Built by Raja Sahil Varman in the Shikhara style, it was first erected in the 10th Century.Wooden Chhatris or umbrella-like structures are built to keep the snowfall off the roofs. There is also a wheel shaped roof that staves off the cold. Every following ruler of Chamba added to the temple. A Radha-Krishnan temple was built by Rani Sarda, the wife of Raja Jit Singh in 1825.
A Shiva Temple in the temple complex was built by Sahil Varman and the Gauri-Shankar Temple is said to have been made by his son Yugkar Varman. A Garuda (the mythical eagle) statue in metal watches over the main gate, placed there by Raja Balabhadra Verma.The latest addition to the temple in historic times was in answer to Mughal threat. Apparently Aurangzeb the Emperor ordered that the temple be demolished and Raja Chhatra Singh, to prove that he wasnt afraid, added gilded pinnacles to the temple in 1678. There were also some shrines built in the temple complex. All of which you will see when you visit this most revered temple in what is known as Himachals Holy Valley.
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex is opened first between 6 am to 12.30 pm and then from 2.30 to 8.30 pm.The ‘garbhagriha’ or the innermost shrine houses a mandapa (altar) that is prohibited to the public. It also has idols of several other deities.
The entire complex consists of six temples in a row from the north to south direction. They are mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva or Vishnu. The other important ones here are of the Gauri Shankar Temple, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and temple of Radha and Lord Krishna. Divine symbols and images of deities adorn the outer walls of these temples.The shell roofs or the umbrella like structures made of wood was built keeping in mind the climate of the place. Snowfall is inevitable in this part of the state.

Timings Of Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

Laxmi Narayan Temple remains open from early 6 am to 12.30 pm and then from 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm. It remains open twice a day for the devotees in two halves.

Prime Attractions of Chamba:-

Bhuri Singh Museum:-

Bhuri Singh Museum was opened on 14th September 1908 and is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. This museum is very near to Chamba's Chaugan.

Champawati Temple:-

Close to the royal palace at Chamba, there is a stone sikhara temple dedicated to Goddess Champavati. Tradition holds that the town of Chamba was named after her.

Chaurashi Temple:-

The main temples of Lakshmi Devi, Ganesh and Manimahesh and Nar Sing in Bharmour are known as Chaurashi temples.

Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary:-

It's possible to trek 30-km from Dalhousie to Chamba along the eastbound road from Gandhi Chowk. A short but steep ascent leads to the Kalatope wildlife sanctuary, from which one can walk into a pleasant track.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple:-

To the north of the palace at Chamba, there is a group of six stone Sikhara temples arranged in a row from north to south. Three of these temples are dedicated to Vishnu and three to Shiva. The northern most is that of the Lakshmi- Narayana- the principal temple of Chamba.

Lama Dal:-

Held Sacred to Lord Shiva, this lake lies amidst bare rock. 'Lamba Dal means "a long lake".

Markula Devi Temple:-

'Markual' or 'Marul'-ancient Markul is a small village in Chamba-Lahaul at the junction of 'Miyar Nala' with the Chandrabhaga.

Pangi Valley:-

Pangi Valley in the upper part of Chamba District is a remote world in itself. This hidden valley located between Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan Zanskar ranges is cut off from the rest of the world.

Parbati Valley:-

Hemmed in by giant pinnacled mountain peaks, the Parbati valley, twists west from the glaciers and snowfields on the Spiti boader. Picturesque hamlets perch precariously on its sides, amid lush terraces and old growth pine forests.

Rang Mahal:-

In Chamba, situated the beautiful Rang Mahal palace, which was built by Raja Umed Singh in the mid 18th century. The palace walls here are lined with exquisite examples of wall paintings in the Punjab Hills style, all of which depict the life and times of Lord Krishna.

Shakti Temple:-

The villages of Chatrari possess a famous Devi temple, founded by Meruvarman about A. D. 700 and the oldest one in area.

Chamba:-

Chamba valley is also known as Ravi valley. The scenery is of a picturesque and varied character presenting many delightful sights.

Chamba Minjiar Mela:-

The famous Minjiar fair was started in 935 AD when the Raja of Chamba defeated the ruler of "Trigarta," now known as Kangra. On his return, a celebration was held, and he was greeted by people with sherfs of paddy and maze.

Chamera Lake:-

In district Chamba, this is the famous reservoir of the Chamera dam is built over the river Ravi, offering numerous water sports facilities to the visitors.

Chaugan:-

This public promenade situated in the heart of the town is a grassy maidan less than one-kilometre in length and about seventy-five metres wide is a busy local trading centre for villagers from the surrounding hills. Each year Chaugan is the site for the 'Minjar' procession, a fair that lasts a week and comprise of large number of sports and cultural activities.

Gaddis:-

The Gaddis are famous shepherds who move their flocks of sheep from lower pastures in winter to higher ones after snow melt. To them the Dhauladhars are not just a mountain range but like their mother.

Ghadhasaru Lake:-

Ghadhasaru Lake lies in the Churah tehsil of Chamba and is 24-km from Tissa, at an altitude of 3,470m.

Katasan Devi Temple:-

: Another popular temple of the Chamba district, it is about 30-km from the town near Baira Siul Project. This calm and peaceful spot is ideal for picnic lovers and one can witness a full view of the valley from its premises.

Killar:-

Located in the deep narrow gauge of the Chenab River, Killar can be reached through the Sach Pass and is also known as a Trekker's Paradise.

Maharaja's Palace:-

This palace belongs to the erstwhile rulers of Chamba and the most outstanding buildings in the town. Of these, Rang Mahal or 'the Painted Palace', with towers on either side, is undoubtedly the most interesting one. There is one room in the building, the walls of which are painted with murals depicting episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Narayana Temple:-

The Narayana temple at Udaipur, is situated nearly 5-km below Chamba. There are two other images of white marble, flanking Narayana, which represent Raja Uday Singh and his brother Lachhman Singh.

The Chamba Rumal:-

The other craft of Chamba is its unique embroidery style. The Chamba 'Rumal' or handkerchief about 2 to 6 feet in length is an important part of a Chamba bride's trousseau. This handkerchief is also known as 'Kashida'. The embroidery is same on both sides and the threads used are silken and colorful.

Excursion Tours from Chamba:-

Bharmaur Tour:-

Enveloped within the high mountain ranges, the original capital of Chamba district, Bharmaur also known as Brahmour, is a famous little town. Mainly popular for its several ancient temples and monuments that reflect the towns glorious past. This small hill resort is famous for Manimahesh Yatra tour and for many options availabe for taking up adventure trekking trips on the higher ranges and mountain treks. and for various marvelous treks in the region.

Bandal Valley:-

(83Km.)
A Travel tour of 27-km. from Salooni, this is where the Himachal border meets Jammu and Kashmir. Bandal valley is also gaining much tourist importance due to a nice view of snow clad peaks of Himalayan ranges.

Manimahesh Kailash Excursion Tour:-

(97Km.)
A tour of the glacier lake of Manimahesh will take you to towered mountain Manimahesh Kailash, which is held sacred by the Shivites, who worship at the banks of lake and follow the ritual of Manimahesh yatra or pilgrimage, following a circumambulatory path around the dramaticrock and ice peak.

Salooni:-

(56Km.)
Situated at a height of 1,829m.(6,000 ft.) and 56-km away from Chamba, Salooni offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the snow-covered hills and peaks.

Sarol:-

(11Km.)
23-km from Shimla and named after the little temple that stands on the links, is a 9-hole golf course. Lord Curzon was so much enchanted by this spot that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. During the monsoons, several golf tournaments are also held over here.

Fairs & Festivals Celebrated in Chamba:-

Chamba's annual 'Suhi Mata Festival', is the very famous in Chamba which lasts for 4 days ( early April ) is celebrated to commemorate Rani Champavathi, the wife of the Raja Sahil Verma ( 10th century ). This festival is attended by only women and children who dance on the Chowgan before processing towards Suhi Mata Temple with the banners of the Rajput Solar Emblem and an image of Rani Champavathi.
Another interesting festival celebrated here is the 'Manjar Fair' for about a week long ( early August), celebrated by singing and dancing during the cultivation of Maize.
Other festivals celebrated in August are Chrewal, Patroru or Badronjo the festival of fire and flowers which is also the time for purification of these fields.
The 'Manimahesh Yatra Festival' - the sacred tarn of Manimahesh is celebrated which falls after the festival of Janamashtmi. Chamba people also celebrates the Gugga Fair in the same month August - the Worship of 'Gugga' ( Nag Devatha ).

How To Reach Chamba:-

By Road:-

There are plenty of buses available daily for Dalhousie along with jeeps also.

By Air:-

Gaggal in Kangra valley, is the nearest airport which is  around 180 km from Chamba. The Indian Airlines operates its flights on the Delhi-Dharamsala sector.

By Train:-

Pathankot has the nearest railway station to Chamba town which is around 122-km to it and is linked with direct trains to Amritsar, Calcutta, Delhi and Bombay as it is well-connected with these places.