Chamba town is a famous headquarter of District Chamba and is located in Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges of mountains. Chamba’s rich flora and fauna, majestic snow-covered mountains, dense alpine forests, rivers and historical temples are the main attraction among tourists throughout the world.
The name Chamba was termed after the name of Champavati, the daughter of the then ruler Raja Sahil Varman. The town was ruled by many kings and Britishers, and in 1948 Chamba became a part of Himachal Pradesh. Chamba is famous for Chamba Rumal, Pahari paintings and fairs like Minjar Mela and Suhi Mata Mela.
Location: The town is located at an altitude of about 1,006 meters above sea level on the banks of River Ravi and River Sal. One can reach Chamba through roads, railways and air.
By Road: Chamba town is well connected by buses and cabs to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Pathankot which is about 580 km, 350 km and 116.6 km respectively. Many HRTC buses run between Chamba connecting other districts of Himachal Pradesh.
By Railways: The nearest Broad Guage railway station is Pathankot and is about 120 km.
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, which is at a distance of 150 km.
Apart from picturesque valley, Chamba is rich in its traditions, culture, fairs and its rich history which is well preserved by the people of the town. The town is well famous for its historical and architectural temples, which attracts large number of tourists from throughout the world.
Also read Temples of Kangra District and Temples in Shimla District
List of famous Temples in Chamba District:
1. Chaurasi Temple
The temple is located in the Bharmour town of district Chamba which is about 59.4 km from Chamba, and is around 1400 years old. The temple complex consists of 84 rock cut temples. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and among other shrines Lord Narasimha, Lord Ganesha, Laxmi Devi are being worshipped. This is the only temple where Lord Yamraj is worshipped, and it is said that after a person dies then according to his karma his soul was liberated.
It is believed that the place belonged to Devi Brahmani, and Legends said that when She was away, Lord Shiva with 84 Saints who were on their way to Manimahesh Kailash, stopped here and started mediating. When she returned, she got furious and asked them to leave. Then Lord Shiva blessed the place by telling Her that whosoever start their journey to Kailash, will dip in the Holy Brahmani pool first then their visit will be fulfilled.
All the 84 saints refused to leave the place, hence Lord Shiva proceeded to Manimahesh alone. It is said that these 84 Saints became Shivalinga’s, hence the name Chaurasi temple. According to another belief, it is said that Raja Sahil Varman was blessed by ten sons and a daughter by the 84 Saints who visited the place and were impressed by his love and kindness. The temple is surrounded by mountains from all sides making it a scenic attraction.
2. Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The famous Lakshmi Narayan temple of Chamba was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the 10th century, and is of great significance. The temple complex consists of six small temples of different idols starting from north to south but Lord Shiva and Vishnu are mainly worshipped here.Theidol of Lord Vishnu is carved out of rare marble imported from Vindhyachal Mountain.
The temple was built in shikhara style with wooden chattries (umbrellas) on top and is an architectural marvel, as the environment is always enjoyable regardless of the climate outside. The metallic structure of Garuda is also placed at the entrance of the temple. Archeological Survey of India is taking care of the temple.
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3. Champavati Temple
The temple is located in Chamba and Goddess Mahisasuramardini, who is the incarnation of Goddess Durga is worshiped here. There are many small temples dedicated to Vasuki Naga and Wazir. The temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the loving memory of his daughter Champavati, in the 10th century.
Champavati was very religious and spiritual who used to visit temples and ashrams regularly. Raja was annoyed with the frequent absence of her daughter from the palace. One day, out of doubt Raja followed her to a sadhu’s place, but couldn’t find anyone there. While he was returning, he heard a voice warning him to build a temple in her name to avoid future calamities. The temple is an archeological marvel, built in a shikhara style with a chattari on top and many beautiful carvings on the walls. Navaratri festival is celebrated here every year.
4. Narsingh Temple
Also known as Narsimha temple was built in 10th century by Rani Tribhuvan Rekha, queen of Raja Yugakarvarman in Bharmour town of Chamba. A brass idol of Lord Narsingh (Half Lion-Half Man), an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is worshipped here. Locals believed that Lord Narsingh is protecting them from any evil.
5. Hari Rai Temple
This is the ancient temple, built in 11th century by Salabahana in north-west direction of Chaugan in Chamba. The temple was built in shikhara style with beautiful carvings on walls and the only temple coated in saffron color in Chamba. The temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu with three faces; Human, Lion and Boar, decorated with heavy jewelry and ornaments. Apart from this the temple has idols of Lord Shiva seated on a bull, Goddess Uma and Lord Surya seated on a chariot with lotus on right hand, which are carved out very minutely and is a pleasure to watch. The temple is a perfect blend of religion, culture and traditions.
6. Bansi Gopal Temple
The temple was built in 11th century by Chamba Royal Family. Lord Krishna with flute in his hand along with Radha Rani is worshipped here by the devotees. Apart from this the temple has idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanumana, Surya etc. The architect of the temple reminds one of Khajuraho temples, which is made in Nagara style shikhara with beautiful carvings on the walls.
7. Brajeshwari Mata Temple
Also known as Bajreshwari temple, the temple is located at Jansali Bazaar in Chamba and is 1000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Mata Brajeshwari, who is the also known as Goddess of Lightning. It is believed that Mata Brajeshwari is a form of Goddess Parvati.
Temple is well famous for its architectural design and very delicate carvings on stone walls. The pillars are beautifully carved in many idols, and the outer walls has 18 tiny inscriptions and few short inscriptions carved on the pillars. Festivals like Navratri and a fair dedicated to Goddess is celebrated here at a large scale.
8. Chamunda Devi Temple
This is an ancient temple built by Raja Umed Singh in the year 1762, and is about 3km away from Chamba. The temple has a picturesque view, which is surrounded by Shah Madar Range, forests of Pathiar and Lahla. The architect of temple is in Pahari style situated at a hilltop from where Chamba town is clearly visible. Goddess Kali is worshipped here, and it is believed that she is protecting the whole town. According to Legends, once Goddess Ambika was meditating on the hills, then two demons named Chanda and Munda came and started interrupting Her meditation. Being furious Goddess with anger, took Kali’s form wearing tiger skin saree and a garland of human skulls in Her neck and killed both of them. Since then, Goddess Kali is being worshipped here. Every year Navratri is celebrated here.
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Also read Temples of Hamirpur District and Temples in Kullu District
9. Suhi Mata Temple
The temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of his wife Queen Sui, in the Saho village of Chamba. The temple is of great significance among locals, because Queen Sui sacrificed herself for the welfare of the people and is worshipped here in the form of Mata Sui.According to Legends, there was a drought like situation in Chamba. Raja did lot of efforts but was not able to bring water to the town. One day, he met with many Brahmanas and they told him that he has to sacrifice one of his sons or his wife to bring water. After thinking a lot, he decided to sacrifice his son but his wife refused and sacrificed herself by burring herself alive in the ground.
It is said that water started to pour out from ground. A small shrine was made by Raja in her memory at the same spot, and after that a temple was constructed, where her idol sits in the Garbha girah. Every year in the months of April and May, a huge fair is celebrated in the memory of Mata Sui.
10. Khajji Nag Temple
Built in the 12th century by King Prithvi Singh, the temple is located near the Lake in Khajjiar. Lord Naga is worshipped here and there are many idols of snakes in the temple. The temple was built with limestone wood in Hindu-Mughal style. Temple is also related to Pandavas of Mahabharata, who in their exile stayed there. The carvings of five Pandvas can be seen on the walls.
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