Chamba is one of the charming districts of Himachal Pradesh. Its name and fame are mentioned in so many songs, Can’t resist me to mention one of them “Shimle ni vasna Kasauli ni vasna Chambe jana Zaroor”…According to folks it’s such a marvelous place and there is so much to traverse that one must visit this beautiful district of Devbhoomi. This glorious place is located between the Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges which border Jammu and Kashmir. Chamba is an enchanting valley of Himachal that is a cache of lakes, streams, grasslands, wildlife, and prolific valleys. Situated on the banks of the river Ravi it converges into the Sal River. Chamba has an archaeological and historical significance that is reflected in the Temple’s architecture which is purely Pahari based. Raja Sahil Varman founded this in 920 AD. And it’s named after his daughter Champavati’s name. To fulfill his daughter’s desire he shifted his kingdom from Bharmour to Chamba. Chamba is famous for its two jatras, Fairs. One is Suyi Mata Mela and the other is Minjar Mela.
This serene and calm town has so many temples. Here is the List of the Top Temples in Chamba :
1. Chamundi Devi Temple
2. Laxmi Narayan Temple
3. Sri Hari Rai Temple
4. Suyi Mata Temple
5. Manimahesh Temple
1) Chamundi Devi Temple
This Famous Chamba temple is snuggled among the snow-laden ranges and banks of the river. Chamundi Devi temple is a 300-year-old holy place which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Temple has astounding surroundings. It is Chamba’s sole wooden temple with a gabled roof (roof having two sides sloping from a ridge and forming a gable at each end). On the grounds of the temple, there is a tank where pilgrims prefer to take a holy bath. There is a handicraft area inside the premises where one can buy tea, paintings, wooden crafts, etc.
2) Laxmi Narayan Temple
This one of the biggest and oldest temples in Chamba was constructed by Raja Sahil Varman In 11 th century. This Shrine has six temples that are devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The chief statue of Lord Vishnu is composed of very expensive marble. This marble was excavated in the Vindhya mountain ranges. There are three more temples other than these six temples. Radha Krishna Temple, Shiva Temple of Chandragupta, and Gauri Shankar Temple. So many temples in a row make Laxmi Narayan Temple a unique one. This is the only temple having Bimana that includes Shikhara and Garbhagriha with small Antarala and Mandapa. There are wooden chhatris (umbrellas) and a shell roof at the top of the temple to protect from snowfall. The wheel-shaped terrace is a shield from the cold.
3) Shri Hari Rai Temple
Shri Hari Rai Temple is an authentically remarkable temple of Chamba which was constructed by Salabahana. It is placed on the Northwest corner of the main Chaugan, the town’s prescribed gateway. It is made of stone in Shikhara-style architecture. Devotees come to visit this temple to worship Lord Vishnu with three human faces, a Lion and a Boar. It is made of eight different materials. The idol of Lord Vishnu is bejeweled with finger rings, armlets, crowns, necklaces, and kundals (earrings). This mind-blowing carving of the idol of Lord Vishnu has six horses too. Other than Vishnu there are various Brahmanical deities like Shiva along with Uma (Parvati) seated on the left side mounted on a bull and Lion respectively. Surya Dev idol seated on a chariot and holding a lotus in his right hand and another hand with Abhay-Mudra.
4) Suyi Mata Temple
This Famous Chamba temple is dedicated to Queen Suyi, wife of King Sahil Varman. It is built on Shah Madar Hill in the village of Saho and has three parts. The first part is the main entrance with temple steps that was constructed by Rani Sarda, wife of Raja Jit Singh and it is continued to Sarota stream. The second part includes the passage and the last one is the memorial of Suyi. Sanctum has been created as a temple and pilgrims make contributions here, Usually married women or girls gather at this place and make offerings. The temple is beautifully accessorized with paintings that reflect the life of Queen Suyi. The annual fair is organized in the temple that starts on March 15th and ends on April 1st..
5) Manimahesh Temple :
Manimahesh Peak is considered the abode of Mahadev. This Famous Chamba Temple is also known as Chamba Kailash and is at a height of 5,653 meters located on Manimahesh Lake. It lies in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district. It’s not only a chief holy expedition site but also a famous trekking terminus. Manimahesh range is 26 km away from Bharmour in the Budhill Valley. On the 8th day of the new moon day in Bhadon month, a fair is held every year near the boundaries of Manimahesh Lake. There are so many stories related to this holy place. Some legends say that Shiva constructed Manimash after he got married to Parvati whom people worship as Maa Girija. Some say that the rock, Shivling, which is self-made of snow is the embodiment of Mahadev. Snow covered area around this peak is named Chaugan of Shiva.
Frequently asked questions about the temples in Chamba :
Q. Which temple is most popular in Chamba?
A. Shikhara style Laxmi Narayan Temple built by Raja Sahil Varman in the 10th century is the most popular temple of Chamba.
Q. Which is the best time to visit Chamba?
A. March to June is the best time to visit Chamba as these months have pleasant weather.
Q. What are the things to do in Chamba?
A. Adventurous Trekking, Camping, nature walks, wildlife sightseeing, bird watching, and picnics are the things that one can enjoy other than visiting these famous temples of Chamba.
Q. Suggest some best hotels to stay in Chamba?
A.Hotel The Florence, Jannat Hotel, Hotel Heaven Hills, Rajveer Hotel, Wolfandwoods, Shepherd Hills Resort, Colors of Himalaya, and Aanantham Country Resort are some of the best hotels in Chamba.
Q. How can we reach Chamba?
A.You can reach by bus, train as well as by air. Pathankot Railway Station (103.1 km) and Pathankot Airport (107.8 km) are the nearest to Chamba.
Why wait ! A beautiful religious expedition is awaiting , knock its gateway, experience serenity and rejuvenate your soul.