History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Laxmi Narayana Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India
One of the oldest and largest temples at Chamba, that proudly stands out as an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus, is the Laxmi Narayan Temple. It enriches the beauty of Himachal Pradesh through its magnificent charm and splendour. The large complex has six different temples built in the tenth century under the reign of King Sahil Varman. These temples are beautifully arranged from north to south and are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The uniqueness of the temple lies in its architectural style and the fables associated with it that strengthens its spiritual quotient.
Historical Legend of Laxmi Narayana Temple, Chamba
A popular legend believes that the image of Lord Vishnu housed in this temple is made of a rare marble imported from the Vindhyachal Mountains. Sahil Verma, the erstwhile king of the region, constructed this temple and had to sacrifice eight of his sons to get the required marble. Finally, his eldest son, Yugkara, succeeded to fetch the marble. Although he was also attacked by robbers on his way, but he managed to save himself with the help of a sage and with great efforts, the idol of the Lord could be installed.
The rugged hilly terrain of the temple and its subsequent isolation is believed to have been a contributing factor to this unusual state of security. Even Mughal emperors like Akbar and Aurangzeb also attempted to annex Chamba but were unsuccessful in subjugating the territory into their kingdoms.
Architecture of Laxmi Narayana Temple, Chamba
The Lakshmi Narayan temple's design and architecture are done in such a way that it suits all types of climatic conditions. The roof is in shape of wheel which helps to protect from cold. Image of Garuda made up from metals, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu is also placed here. The temples in the complex are arranged from North to South, which is either dedicated to God Shiva or Vishnu. The temple has statues of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and Lord Krishna. Image of Supreme Lord Vishnu in the temple is made up of a rare marble of Vindhyachal Mountains. The idol inside the temple is vast and impressive. Umbrella like structures (wooden chhatris) are built to keep the snowfall off these roofs.
Laxmi Narayana Temple, Chamba Daily Darshan Timings
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple opens up twice a day for the pilgrims in two halves - first between 6 am to 12:30 pm and the other being from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The best season to visit Chamba for the temple is between the months of April and October as the weather conditions become favourable.
Festivals celebrated here at Laxmi Narayana Temple, Chamba
Two important fairs, known as the Jatras, are noteworthy in Chamba. They are popularly called as the Suhi Mata Mela and Minjar Mela. The Suhi Mata Mela is annually held in between the months of March and April for four consecutive days. The legend associated with this festival relates to the the Sui Mata temple, which was built in memory of the queen, who was the wife of Raja Sahil Varman. The queen fulfilled a prophecy in a dream, which said that water from the stream named Sarota could only be accessed through an aqueduct if the queen or her son was sacrificed for it. Rather than killing her own son she sacrificed her own life for the town. Women and children take a lead role in the festival to commemorate the important event.
The “Minjar Mela” is held on the second Sunday of the Shravana month, corresponding to the month of August in the Gregorian calendar. The fair is organised to mark the victory of the King of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta and is celebrated through worshipping the paddy and maize crops grown at this time of the year.
How to Reach Laxmi Narayana Temple, Chamba, Major Tourist Center of Himachal Pradesh, India
Chamba being one of the major tourist center along with important district and city of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Thousands of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Chamba more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Chamba is Pathankot airport which is located just at a distance of around 107 km from the city. Pathankot railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 120 km from city. Chamba is located at 53 km from Dalhousie, 22 km from Khajjiar, 59 km from Bharmour, 120 km from Pathankot, 219 from Amritsar, 127 km from Kangra, 336 km from Manali, 300 km from Kullu, 359 km from Chandigarh, 342 km from Shimla, 581 km from Delhi, 250 km from Vaishnodevi, 153 km from Palampur, 271 km from Mandi.
