Bansi Gopal Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Bansi Gopal Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Bansi Gopal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in Chamba Town in Chamba Tehsil in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is also called as Radha Krishna Temple. The temple is situated close to the Chamba Palace. Chamba is located at an altitude of 1,006 metres (3,301 feet) above mean sea level. Chamba is situated on the banks of the Ravi River (a major tributary of the Trans-Himalayan Indus River), at its confluence with the Sal River.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 16^th century by the rulers of Chamba state. There is a copper plate inscription of King Balabhadra Varman dated to 1594 CE recording the renovation activities carried out in the temple and the land grant given to the temple. It also records the consecration ceremony after the renovation works completed. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple follows nagara style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by a pair of pillars and pilasters. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines a stone image of Lord Krishna and Radha. He is depicted in standing posture holding a flute. The image of Radha is said to be of later addition. The sanctum door way is plated with copper sheets and bears an image of Ganesha on the lintel.

The sanctum is crowned with curvilinear tall shikara. The niches on the external walls of the temple enshrines the images of Surya, Harihara, Navaneetha Krishna, Hanuman, Mahishasura Mardhini, Anantasayi Vishnu, Vishnu with three faces (Hanuman, a lion and a boar), Uma Maheshwara, Narsimha and Varaha. The external wall has depiction of amorous scenes similar to the one found in the Khajuraho temples. Stone panels found during the excavations in and around Chamba are kept in this temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Chamba Old Bus Stand and 1 Km from Chamba New Bus Stand. Chamba is located at about 43 Kms from Dalhousie, 45 Kms from Banikhet, 60 Kms from Bharmour, 83 Kms from Nurpur Road Railway Station, 103 Kms from Pathankot, 103 Kms from Pathankot Junction Railway Station, 108 Kms from Pathankot Airport, 116 Kms from Kangra Airport, 127 Kms from Kangra and 129 Kms from Dharamshala. Chamba is situated on Pathankot to Bharmour route (NH – 154A).

Location