Lakshana Devi Temple – An epitome of women power against all evils

The lush green mountain surrounding the small town of Chamba, named Bharmour remained as the capital of Chamba for about a period of more than 400 years. The ancient temples located in this region are considered as the pilgrimage destinations for many devotional tourists from other parts of India. One of the popular temple in Himachal, located in Bharmour is of Lakshana Devi.

This temple is also popular in the name of Lakshana Devi temple. This temple is considered as one of the oldest temples present in the Chaurasia temples area. People from distant regions of India visit Lakshana Devi temple, to take the blessings of the almighty Lakshana Devi.

In this temple you will get to see many old architectural carvings which are part of the old retains of temple. The rest temples present in Chaurasia temples area are of later period.

A rectangular designing plan was selected while deciding about the construction of the temple way back in the history. When you take a look at this temple in Himachal, you will get the feel of a hut having mud and rubble walls. The roofs slides sideways in this temple and slates are used in the thatched roof.

Square columns are present in the doorway to temple. Both these Columns and roof of the temple are of old period. Raja Maru Varman took the initiative for the construction of this Lakshana Devi temple during 680 AD. Classical motifs were used for decorating the pillars of the temple.

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in form of four armed Mahishasuramardini. The idol of ma Durga is armed with sword, trident, demon’s tail and a bell in fourth hand. This famous temple is visited in large number of devotees every year. The idol gives the look of earlier period Chalukya images.

The idol of Lakshana Devi in this temple is a perfect description of the appearance of Mahishasuramardini, as mentioned in Vishnudharmotra purana. The Buffalo that attacked the Devi is present in a floating position by tail in this temple. This Buffalo was later killed by Devi with pressure created by Bhadrakali’s Right Leg.