The Chaurashi temple is located at Bharmour and is one of the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh. There are 84 big and small temples in Chaurasi temple complex.
About Bharmour Temple – The Chaurashi temple of Bharmour
The Chaurasi Temple was constructed around 1400 years ago. The Chaurasi temple complex, named for the 84 shrines constructed around it, is the focal point of life in Bharmour.
The Hindi word for the number 84 is chaurasi.
The complex’s focal point is the stunning Manimahesh temple, which is built in the shikhara style.
The Chaurasi temple complex was constructed sometime in the ninth century. The temple was meticulously decorated with 84 old, artistically carved pillars, earning it the name Chaurasi chamba temple.
Legend of Chaurashi temple of Bharmour
According to legend, 84 Siddhas from Kurukshetra who were travelling through Bharmour to see Manimahesh fell in love with the tranquilly of the town and decided to get together to meditate here.
The Chaurasi Temple Complex was probably constructed in the seventh century, however many of the temples have since undergone restorations.
As per another legend connected to the Chaurasi temple complex. 84 yogis are said to have visited this location soon after Sahil Varman took control of Brahampura (the former name of Bharmour).
They were extremely happy with the King’s generosity. Yogis blessed King for ten sons as he was without an heir.
The King asked them to remain in Brahampura until the Yogis’ prophecy was realised. The king was eventually blessed with ten sond and a daughter.
Champavati, the name of the daughter, led to the establishment of Chamba as the new capital. It is said that the Chaurasi temple complex in Bharmour was created in their honour and given the name Chaurasi.
The main Chaurasi temples are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Manimahesh and Narasimha.
At the entrance of the Chaurasi Temple you will find Lord Ganesha temple. The temple of Ganesha is enshrined in a bronze image of Lord Ganesha.
The shrine stands near the entrance to the Chaurasi compound and hence the first temple you find as soon as you enter the premises..
The Chaurasi Temple’s oldest temple is that of Lakshana Devi. Many of the original wooden temple architecture’s elements are still present.
Raja Maru Varman was in charge of building the temple. The temple has a rectangular design. This tiny cella houses the goddess Lakshana devi’s astadhatu picture. This temple has a slate-thatched roof that slopes laterally from the main ridge.
Manimahesh temple which stands in the centre of Chaurasi temple. Manimahesh Temple is main temple in Chaurashi complex, enshrining a huge Shiva Linga.
So there are 84 big and small temples in Chaurasi temple complex.
How to reach the Bharmour Chaurashi Temple
- Gaggal (Kangra), which is nearby Dharamshala and 190 kilometres from Bharmour, has the closest airport. From Gaggal Airport, there are buses and taxis that may take you to Bharmour.
- Pathankot Cantt Railway Station (PTKC) and Pathankot Railway Station (PTK), both 180 kilometres from Bharmour, are home to the closest railway terminals. From these train stations, there are taxis and buses that go to Bharmour.
- Road connections between Bharmour and major Himachal Pradesh cities like Chamba, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, etc. are excellent. It is located at a height of 2195 metres above sea level, 60 kilometres from Chamba and about 200 kilometres from Dharamshala. There are taxis and buses available.
