Shakthi Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Himachal Pradesh

Shakthi Devi Temple, Chhatrari, Himachal Pradesh

Shakthi Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple Complex to Lord goddess Shakthi Devi located in Chhatrari Village Bharmour Tehsil in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level. This temple is the oldest temple in the area and the only temple made of wood. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Once, King Balabhadra Varman of Mushana Rajput Dynasty (Chamba State) killed a cow mistakenly at this village. To get relief from the sin of killing a cow, he donated 36 larhis (1 larhi is equal to three acres of land) to the temple.

History

The temple was built by King Meru Varman of Bharmour in 680 CE. The image of the Shakti Devi was sculpted by Gugga during the reign of Meru Varman.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/shakthi-devi-temple-chhatrari-temple.html

Festivals

Chhatrari fair is organized every year in the month of September on the third day of Mani Mahesh Yatra in Bharmour. During this fair, the idol of Shakti Mata is bathed in the holy water brought from Manimahesh Lake. The local inhabitants, a Hindu Shepherd community locally known as Gaddi, dresses like a demon by wearing the masks and perform dances in the temple. They also offer sheep and goats as sacrifice to the goddess Sakthi Mata.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 200 metres from Chhatrari Bus Stop, 27 Kms from Bharmour, 29 Kms from Bharmour Bus Stand, 54 Kms from Chamba, 97 Kms from Dalhousie, 137 Kms from Nurpur Road Railway Station, 157 Kms from Pathankot, 162 Kms from Pathankot Airport and 182 Kms from Kangra. The temple is situated on Chamba to Bharmour route.

Location