Gauri Shankar Temple, Dashal, Himachal Pradesh

Gauri Shankar Temple, Dashal, Himachal Pradesh

Gauri Shankar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dashal Village in Kullu Tehsil in Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is believed to be built in 11^th century CE. The temple is situated on the banks of Beas river. 

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and built over a raised platform. The temple is about 11.5 metres tall and is one of the largest monuments in the valley. The temple consists of sanctum and an entrance porch. The roof of the entrance porch is supported by two fluted columns. The sanctum is square and pancharatha in plan. The sanctum is triangabada in elevation and has bhadra, pratiratha and karna projection.

The doorjamb has five bands of decoration with floral motifs. An image of Ganesha can be seen on the lalata bimba flanked by Navagrahas. The lower portion of the doorjamb has carvings of river goddess Ganga & Yamuna and dvarapalas on either sides. The sanctum enshrines the Linga within a circular yonipitha. Sculptures of Vishnu, Lakshmi Narayan and Kartikeya can be found in the sanctum.

The shikara is of nine tiers and decorated with ardha ratna motifs and ornamentations. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. The shikara is crowned with an amalaka at its top. The exterior walls of the sanctum has three niches, but the sculptures housed in the niches are missing currently.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Naggar, 17 Kms from Manali, 17 Kms from Manali Bus Stand, 28 Kms from Kullu, 37 Kms from Kullu Manali Airport, 41 Kms from Bajaura, 110 Kms from Mandi and 234 Kms from Shimla. The temple is situated close to Naggar on Kullu to Manali route.

Location