Religious/ Spiritual

Hatkeshwari Mata Temple Complex

Location

The Hatkoti temple complex was built between 6th and 9th century AD during the Gupta period and its architecture and design were originally in classical Shikhara or tower style which represents ancient structure. Shikhara is conical at the top with a wide base.

The temple complex on the banks of the River Pabbar has a main temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and a smaller temple dedicated to Lord Shiva., both standing side by side.

The sanctum sanctorum called as Garbagriha is dark and the idol of Goddess Mahishasurmardini also called as Mata Hateshwari, is a bronze idol, eight armed and riding a lion as she drives her spear though the heart of demon Mahishasura. On one side of an image is an inscription which is a variation of the Brahmini script and has been undeciphered till date.

Church of St John

St John’s Church, an emotional memorial of British colonial rule, is placed in the forests area of Dharamsala. The mortal remains of Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy, who died in 1863 in Dharamsala is enclosed in this Church. This is a masterpiece of architecture made out of stones of variety of colors.

The church itself is placed in a scenic location covered by Deodar trees. Stained glass windows and memorial plaques are some of the attractions of the church. Many tourists visit this church to have the feeling of British cultural ambience.

Protestant Church

Location

The most conspicuous edifice of the British regime, the Protestant Church in Dalhousie is a reminiscent of the Victorian era. This soaring formation is a replica of the Roman Catholic Church of England. Built in the year 1863, the protestant church happens to be the oldest shrine in the city. Situated at the busy Gandhi Chowk, this elegant building bears enormous historical connotation.

Chaurasi Temples

Location

The main complex have temple of Lakshana Devi, Ganesha, Manimahesh and Narsingha. According to a legend, 84 Yogi's visited Bharmaur during the region of king Sahil Verman. Pleased with the king's humanity and hospitality, the yogis blessed the king with ten sons and a daughter Champawati. The temples dating back to the 9th century, are one of the most important early Hindu Temples in Chamba valley. The distant of 65 km. from Chamba to Bharmaur is covered by road. Special buses ply only during Chhari Yatra days in September.

Image Credit:

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Kailash Manimahesh

Location

( 4,170 metres ) Mani-Mahesh is 28 kms. from Bharmour. During mela days efficient bus service is available upto Hadsar. This lake is supposed to be blessed by goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims journey here to bathe in its sacred water, on the fifteenth day, following the festival of Janamashtami. A fair is held every year at this lake during the month of August or September. This is the must seen place in Chamba.

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.

Hari Rai Temple

Location

Located northwest of the Chaugan, the Hari Rai Temple in Chamba was built in the 11th century by Salabhana. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti. This stone temple built in the Shikara style stands on a stone platform and has beautiful carvings.

The 3 headed bronze statue of Lord Vishnu at the temple is made out of 8 different materials. At the back of the temple there is a beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu astride on 6 horses. The temple is also the abode of other deities including Lord Shiva, Surya and Aruna.