Chaurashi temples are situated at Bhramour, 65 kilometres from Chamba Valley in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. The name is derived from the Hindi word Chaurasi which is a term for number eighty four. It is named so owing to the 84 shrines constructed in the periphery of Chaurasi Temple. The temples were built around 1400 years ago. These temples are interesting places for the visitors and the pilgrims to enjoy.
Attractions of Chaurashi Temples
The Chaurasi temples are nestled amidst a picturesque landscape and they offer a delightful and clean scenic view. Moreover, Bharmour is known for its scenic beauty which is an added advantage. These temples are major tourist attraction of the place. Life of people in Bharmour revolves around these ancient temples.
The major temples at Chaurasi temple complex are Manimahesh temple, Ganesha temple, Lakshana Devi temple, Swami Kartik temple, Maa Chamunda temple, Hanuman temple, Maa Sheetla temple, Dharameshwar Mahadev temple, Nandi temple, Jai Krishan Giriji temple, Nar Singh temple, Ardh Ganga, Trameshwar Mahadev, Surya Linga Mahadev and Kuber Linga Mahadev.
The temple of Manimahesh is the main temple and it occupies the centre of the complex. It is built in the beautiful shikhara style and enshrines a huge Shiva linga.
Lord Ganesha temple is situated near the entrance of Chaurasi temple. It is home to a magnificent life size bronze image of Ganesha with both legs missing. The deity is seated on a lion throne bearing a snake as a sacred thread.
The temple of Lakshana devi is the oldest temple at Chaurasi Temple. It is built on the rectangular plan and if seen from outside it looks like a modest hut having rubble and mud walls. The temple enshrines the astadhatu image of Lakshana devi.
The Narsingh temple is home to the deity, Narasimha who is an incarnation of Vishnu. This god is represented in therianthropic form as half man and half lion.
Dharmeshvar Mahadev temple is situated on the northern corner of Chaurasi. It is believed to be the court of Dharamraj and is locally called `dhai-podi`.
The temple of Trameshvar linga is situated on the western side of Chaurasi. It is called Trameshvar because its pitha is encased in chase copper sheet once inlaid with silver flower rosettes.
Mythological Story of Chaurashi Temples
Legend has it that shortly after Sahil Varman`s accession of Brahampura (ancient name of Bharmour), 84 yogis visited this place. They were pleased with the humbleness and hospitality of the King. They blessed the King with ten sons and a daughter. It is believed that the king built the temples in Bharmour to honour these 84 Yogis and named Chaurasi after them.
Connectivity of Chaurashi Temples
The temples are well connected via buses. Tourists can avail bus services that regularly ply from Chamba to this place. Bharmaur can also be accessed from Shimla, Manali and Chowgan.
