Hari Rai Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Hari Rai Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Hari Rai Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Chamba Town in Chamba Tehsil in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated in the north western corner of Chaughan gate, the official entrance to the Chamba Town. 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 was constructed by prince Lakshmana Varman, son of Salavahana Varman in 11^th century CE. A joint copper plate grant of Soma Varman and Asata Varman, belonging to the Hari Rai and Champavati temples records the grant of lands to three temples, one of the temple is dedicated to Hari, founded by Lakshmana Varman. The shrine dedicated to Hari mentioned in the grant might be the present Hari Rai Temple. This grant was issued during the first regnal year of Asata Varman (1080 – 1105 CE), the brother and successor of Soma Varman. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and wooden mandapa. The antrala is supported by two fluted pillars with square bases. The base has three round bands and a pot decorated with miniature niches showing purnaratna. The fluted shaft is topped by a fine purnakumbha. then a round moulding and then a square carved with swirling foliage. It is capped by two round abacus mouldings. The brackets have small niches on the front, each enshrining a seated deity.

The lintel, above it has been carved with dancing figures. The sukanasa shows Trimurtis (bhadramukha) in a medallion. The doorjambs of the sanctum has three bands of decoration. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines an ashtadhatu image of Chaturmukha (four faced) Vishnu. He is famously called as Vaikuntha. His four faces are boar, human, lion and demon. He is shown riding on six horses. The image stands over a pedestal and is adorned with rings, amulets, mukut, necklaces and kundals.

The bhadra niches enshrines Surya in the north, Shiva in the west and Parvati in the south. The shikara over the sanctum is of nine tiers each marked by the corner amalakas. The shikara is surmounted by an amalaka, kalasa and chhatri. Two umbrella type canopies have been provided above and beneath the amalaka. The exterior is decorated with images of various deities, reliefs of miniature nagara temples, geometric patterns and floral motifs.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 250 metres from Chamba New Bus Stand and 500 metres from Chamba Old 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