History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India
Considered as one of the good specimens of the Shrines of hills, one of the famous temples of Bharmour, Chamba region in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shakti Devi Temple, was constructed during the same period when the Lakshana Temple was constructed. Also called as “temple of Chhatrari”, it is one of the holiest shrines located in Himachal Pradesh. People from distant places visit this temple in Himachal to take the blessings of Maa Shakti. As per archaeological experts the other four figures, two each and two ends acts as guardian to four regions. Being one of the famous temples of Bharmour, this place is an important pilgrimage centre. The other idol figure present inside this temple includes six-faced Kartikeya, four-armed Brahma, three-faced Vishnu, Shiva and Durga.
History of Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba
Chhatrari Devi temple, which was built by King Meru Verman of Bharmour in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level. Every year on the third day of the Manimahesh Yatra, devotees bring water from Manimahesh Lake and the idol of Shakti is bathed in it, with pious rituals.
Scholars View on Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba
Scholars have the opinion that Chhatrari might once whole complex of temples. Currently there are only two other shrines here – a small shrine with a Shivling and a slightly bigger one to the Trimurti (three-headed) Shiva, accompanied by his vahana, Nandi and his consort Parvati.
Some Important Facts about Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba
The current temple is believed to have been built in the 8th or the 9th century AD
The stunningly beautiful murti of Goddess Shakti was sculpted in the seventh century and is much older than the temple building.
The temple is located at an altitude of 6000 meter.
The murti of Shakti Devi worshipped in the temple is attributed to the legendary Gugga, who sculpted on behalf of Meru Varman. Chhatrari Shakti Devi temple is under the jurisdiction of the archaeological survey if India.
The main murti is 4 feet 6 inches tall.
The temple has 30 more murtis including that of Annapurna.
Architecture of Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba
The architecture of the temple starts with the entrance which depicts two crouching lions, and within is the radiant Shakti Devi. The pradakshina walkway of the temple has 12 grand wooden pillars which are elegantly decorated. Goddess Shakti Devi stands on a lotus, her slim body has three folds on the belly – traditional marks of beauty. From the waist down, idol is covered with a shimmering skirt, and a belt of pearls encircles her waist. Jewellery covers entire idol – a grand crown on head, earrings and richly formed flowers around the ears, a large, flat necklace. Idol holds a lance, a lotus, a bell and a snake in four hands. Post Gupta period influences are observed in the sculptures of the temple by historians, who also notice the decorated ceder columns of foliage motifs and pots.
The walls and ceilings are covered with carved details along with few mural paintings. These include depiction of Vishnu’s ten avatars, as well as various tales of the life of Sri Krishna. The temple also has a number of small brass figures. These include a bust of Shiva, made in the ‘authoritative, imperial style’ of 8th century Kashmir. There is a small brass image of Mahishasura Mardini, standing on the vanquished demon, the sculpture worn smooth by centuries of worship.
Major Inhabitants of Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
The residents of the village of Bharmour are mostly Gaddi people. The Gaddi people are basically the shepherds who earn their living from rearing of goats and sheep in the hilly areas.
How to Reach Shakti Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Chamba, Major Tourist Center of Himachal Pradesh, India
Chhatrari, the small but very popular village of Himachal Pradesh which is located at just 50 km from Chamba and 27 km from Bharmour. Thus tourist can easily reach to Chhatrari by road. 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.
