Glory of Chamba.

Of bygone era.

Hello,

I hope you’re having a good week so far.

I had the opportunity to travel to Chamba this week. The district is usually famous for its Minjar Mela and Dalhousie is a more popular destination among the tourists in summers.

While I was travelling for work, I could see the Minjar Mela being wrapped up and the last of the merchants winding up their stock of goods that they get from different parts of the country. I wish I could have made it for the fair also.

I have been to the Chamba city a couple of years back and each time I go there I am awe-struck by the place because of its sheer beauty and rawness.

I always make it a point to go to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in the heart of the city every time I get a chance. It has a great historical significance and is an archeological marvel. The temple is built in a Shikhara style and is built out of stone and wood.

As per historical records the temple was built in the 10th century by Sahil Verman, the founder of the city.

Inside the complex there are a set of 6 temples standing in a row from north to south dedicated to Lord Vishnu and lord shiva.

The main shrine is that of lord Vishnu that is said to have been built of rare marble imported from the Vidhyanchal. The history says that 8 sons of the then king sacrificed their life to procure the marble as they were killed by dacoits on the way and it was the 9th son of the king who finally managed to get the marble of which the main shire was sculpted.

There are other small temples also inside the premise that have been added later on by the members of the then ruling family in Chamba.

What catches the eye is a beautiful metallic sculpture of Garuda, lord Vishnu’s mount.

There are a few small shops on the way to the temple selling the famous chamba Thaal and some good metallic sculptures that one can indulge on.

If you get a chance to travel to Chamba, do add it to your go-to list. :)

Sharing a few images.

Are there any temples in your city that date back hundreds of years ago? Have you had a chance to ever visit? Do let me know.

Happy weekend.