Mathi Temple Chhitkul Kinnaur

bisheshwar  negi  rampur 

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 Kinnaur

Perfect Example of Mountain Architecture and Craftsmanship

There are several Buddhist monasteries and temples in Kinnaur’s breathtaking beautiful setting. Upper Kinnaur has more of a Buddhist influence and lower Kinnaur has more Hindus but Buddhism is also practiced here which shows a unique blend of the two religions. The temples are well known for their unique mountain architecture and craftsmanship. The local Devtas who reside in the temple have evolved out of the various religious practises and beliefs with due course of time. The earliest inhabitants worshipped only forest spirits being represented by trees, rocks, lakes etc. The hindu influence brought with it the, Devtas who are the imprints of Gods like Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Vishnu. The Devtas can be broadly classified into four major categories, the Banasur clan, the Narayans, the Nagas and the miscellaneous group.

Maheshwar Temple at Sungra

The portals of Maheshwar temple of Sungra have superb wood panels on either side. Deeply cut images of prominent Hindu deities are a treat for the art historian. On the eastern wall are panels depicting the Vishnu Avatars and the symbol of the Hindu Zodiac. The friezes on the eaves are beautiful and the buildings around the temple courtyard are similarly embellished. A small stone shrine of eighth century stands a short distance from the temple doorway, evidence of the site’s antiquity. The Sungra Maheshwar was once said to have been attacked by an enemy of superhuman strength, often linked to the Pandava hero, Bhima. Bhima hurled a huge boulder at the temple from the mountain tops across the Satluj. The Maheshwar deflected the missile to one side. It now lies close to the road, a short way from the temple and still shelters the alpine flowers found only in the high mountains.

Mathi Temple at Chhitkul

Mathi is the local goddess of the people of Chhitkul having three temples the main one said to have been constructed about five hundred years ago by a resident of Garhwal. The square ark of the goddess is made of walnut wood and is covered with clothes and surmounted by a tuft of yak tail. Two poles called bayanga are inserted into it by means of which it is carried. Her legend goes that she started from Brindavan and passing through Mathura and Badri Nath and many other places reached here. After her arrival, people had plenty of food, animals had sufficient grass and the village began to proper. She had also a priest. In the morning the priest bring water from the nearby spring and worship goddess by burning incense, while musical instruments are played by Domangs.

Chandika Temple at Kothi

A handsome temple dedicated to goddess Chandika, more especially designated as Shuwang Chandika has spread the fame of village Kothi in greater part of the district.The local people hold the goddess in great reverence and consider her to be one of the most powerful goddess. For want of social contact by the local people with their more advanced and brahmin ridden brethren they have evolved their own peculiar procedure of ritual and worship to this presiding deity