 Located in the Khokhan village, about 5 km from Bhuntar in the lower Kullu Valley, the Adi Brahma Temple is one of only a handful couple of sanctuaries of Lord Brahma in the nation. The Adi Brahma Temple is more significant because it is the fourth temple so far identified with Lord Brahma in the Kullu Valley. The other 3 temples are at Phati- Kanaun, Rahala and Shilpihar villages.
Architecture of Adi Brahma Temple The Adi Brahma Temple is a magnificent 4 tiered pagoda structure about 20 m tall. The formal arrangement of the temple as a whole is graceful but the bottom tier is disproportionately wider which has impaired the architectural harmony of the structure. The upper 3 tiers are richly ornamented with the high raised supporting brackets of the roofs. These lend an aura of sublime dignity to this edifice. Unlike most of the pagoda structures of the western Himalayan region, which have conical roofs, the Adi Brahma Temple is surmounted by a pent and gable composite roofing. This type of roofing is rarely seen on pagoda structures hence it makes the Adi Brahma Temple a unique structure. The roofs of the temple were once covered with wooden planks but now have been replaced with slates. It is said that it took almost a decade to complete the construction of the temple and the main architect got all directions for its design from Adi Brahma in his dreams. Inside the temple is the Garbhagriha where the body of Lord Vishnu carved in stone is kept. The Rath of Adi Brahma is kept in the outer room before entering the Garbhagriha. There are also 14 Mohra made on the Rath of Brahma, and of this one is made of Asht Dhatu, which is basically 8 mixed metals – 2 of brass and 11 of silver. The decorated Rath is kept in a temple along with the main carved statue. There are several small temples on both sides. On the right side there is a small wooden temple of Jogini which is said to have come from the Manikaran valley. There was a natural spring nearby named Narol Bai which has run dry as all pipes have been broken and damaged. The source of this spring water is about 250 meters from temple. Water from this spring is used for all works of the temple. There is a small temple on the left side where statues of 24 avatars are found. Festivals of Adi Brahma Temple The Adi Brahmna Temple celebrates a number of festivals in a year. These include Naagni Birshu, Mohal festival, Rohlgi Kafu, Bhulang Birshu, Shrihagiinauli festival, Kokhan Festival, Rohlgi festival, etc. The Khokhan festival is the most important festival of all and it is celebrated as the day of revelation. Visiting Information on Adi Brahma Temple Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station to Kullu and is at a distance of 115 km from the Adi Brahma Temple. The Kullu Manali Airport is at a mere distance of 3 km from the Adi Brahma Temple. (Last Updated on : 19-11-2018) |
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