Devi Docha Mocha Temple, Karjan, Himachal Pradesh

Devi Docha Mocha Temple, Karjan, Himachal Pradesh

Devi Docha Mocha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddesses Docha and Mocha located in Karjan Village near Manali Town in Manali Tehsil in Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Beas river.

History

The temple is believed to be built during later Guptas period. It is said that the idols of Docha and Mocha represent Scythian donors but currently worshipped as goddesses in the temple. The two tankri inscriptions on the masks from Karjan confirm the name of goddesses as Docha and Mocha.

The Temple

This temple is single storied and constructed in alternate courses of stone and deodar beams on a rectangular ground plan. The vehicle of goddess Durga, lion is kept in the courtyard of the temple. The sanctum enshrines stone sculptures of goddesses Docha and Mocha. The temple has six ancient wooden sculptures. The largest sculpture has been identified as Surya and the other male sculpture is Kuber. Both the male sculptures are carved as stand-alone statues.

These male sculptures are dated to seventh century CE. The balance four are female sculptures identified as Yakshis. These sculptures appear to be part of a pillar or wall of the temple. These female sculptures are dated to 10^th century CE. A new temple has been constructed recently near to the Docha Mocha temple. These wooden sculptures have been placed in this temple in a glass enclosure. There are four ancient stone idols kept in the new temple.

Festivals

A village fair known aa Chacholi Mela is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) during Chaitra month.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 8 Kms from Naggar, 14 Kms from Manali, 14 Kms from Manali Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Kullu, 40 Kms from Kullu Manali Airport, 137 Kms from Joginder Nagar Railway Station and 237 Kms from Shimla. The temple is situated on Kullu to Manali route.

Location