Laxmi Narayan Temple

Location

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex in Chamba was built in the 10th century by Raja Sahil Varman. Designed in the Shikara style, this temple is considered to be the oldest and largest temple in Chamba.

The six temples within the complex are arranged from north to south and consist of 3 shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and 3 dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple consists of Garbhgriha, Shikhara and mandapa. The white marble idol of Lakshmi Narayan in the main temple was bought to this temple from Central India in the 10th century. There are carved panels on the temple walls with carvings of mythological scenes and animal and floral motifs.

The other temples within the complex are Radha Krishna temple, Shiva temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar temple.

Though the temple was constructed in the 10th century, its decoration was continued over time by different rulers of Chamba. Raja Balabhadra Verma is said to have added the metallic image of Garuda seen on a high pillar at the main gate of the temple while Raja Chhatra Singh is believed to have put gilded pinnacles on the temple tops in 1678.

It is the most famous tourist attraction place in Chamba.There are six temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.Three temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and another three to Lord Shiva.
Brajeshwari Devi Temple:This is the temple dedicated to goddess Durga and is famous for the fine carved sculptures.The style which makes the temple different from others is the shikara style and in top there is a wooden amalaka.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/varunshiv/6132477447/in/photostream