Chamba Temple Luxmi Narayan

annithisweek

The history of Himachal has played a great role in shaping up the monumental heritage of the state. Thanks to the multi cultural influence that has made it possible for Himachal to give the tourists everything that they can seek for. The most dominating as well as the most highlighted monumental attractions are that of the British landmarks. It is an inevitable fact as they were the ones who ruled this state for the maximum stretch of time. But however, you will find significant effect of Mughal and Hindu architecture as well. This week we are taking you to some more temples of Chamba.

Temples of Chamba Architectural Wonders in Stone and Wood

The temples of the Himalayan town Chamba have been talked in human history for centuries. These temples are the major physical and spiritual links of Chamba town and its inhabitants with the past. The functional temples, where service is held in a regular way, are examples of “living heritage”, places where tradition is continued with the same reverence as in the past days. These temples are architectural wonders in stone that personify the age dyeing faith that creates the most intimate relationship between human beings and eternity. These temples that have proven their architectural strength and durability are proof of the technical expertise of the builders. The aesthetic beauty of these superbly carved temples attracts tourists from all over India and also from abroad.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple Complex

One of the largest and the oldest temples at Chamba stands proudly in the form of Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Housing six different temples in its complex, the temple was built in the 10th century. Arranged from north to south, all the temples in the complex are dedicated to either Lord Shiva or Vishnu. Some additional temples are also housed in the complex including Radha Krishna Temple, Shiva Temple of Chandragupta and Gauri Shankar Temple.

Timings of the Temple

The temple opens up twice a day for the devotees in two halves. The first half is from 6 am to 12.30 pm and the second one is from 2.30 to 8.30 pm. In between this period the deities are supposed to be taking rest and at night they retire to the interiors of the temple for rest.

Constructed in the Shikhara style, the temple has a Bimana (Shikhara), garbhgriha and a mandapa. The shell roofs and wooden umbrellas at the top of the temple reflect the climactic condition of the place where snowfall is quiet expected. The temple continued to be decorated by various kings of Chamba at different times. King Balabhadra Verma added a metallic image of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s vehicle on a high pillar at the main gate of the temple. King Chhatra Singh contributed the gilded pinnacles on the temple tops. This was done to protest the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to destroy all the Hindu temples in the country.