Shakthi Devi Temple, Chhatrari – The Temple

Shakthi Devi Temple, Chhatrari – The Temple

The temple is situated at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level. The temple consists of a sanctum surrounded on the four sides by a pillared ambulatory. The ambulatory is supported by twelve massive wooden columns. The open space between the columns has later filled in with masonry of rubble blocks and clay, strengthened by a number of horizontal beams. This rubble masonry was renewed after the earthquake of 1905.

The temple has two intricately carved doors, one for the sanctum and other for the ambulatory through which the temple was entered. Both doors are elaborately carved with sacred images. The pillars and the ceilings are adorned with floral and geometrical designs along with figures of yakshas, birds and animals. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines an ashtadhatu image of Shakti Devi.

This idol is about four feet six inches tall. She is four armed and holding lance, lotus, bell, and snake in her hands. There is an idol of the sculptor Gugga situated next to the presiding deity. The exterior walls of the sanctum are painted with vegetable dyes depicting various forms of Vishnu and other deities of Hindu pantheon. The temple is covered by flat pyramidical roof of well-cut slates.

There is a row of flying figures seen just over the entrance of the temple. Four figures each on both sides and two in the center with a crown in hand can be seen. There are 6 more figures which are accompanied by female characters. Beneath these figures are thirteen figures which are cross- legged and nine of them are navagrahas. Idols of six-faced Kartikeya, four-armed Brahma, three-faced Vishnu, Shiva and Mahishasura Mardini can be seen in the temple premises.