Chamba Valley (Himachal Pradesh) India

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Chamba Valley (Himachal Pradesh) India


The district as a princely State was under the rule of progressive and staunch Hindu Rajas and a large number of temples owe their origin to the princes. One of them, Raja Sahil Verman in the tenth century was particularly noted for his religious zeal and was apparently a staunch believer in Vishnu cult. Most of the Vishnu temples are concentrated in Chamba town and Lakshmi Narayan temple is the most important one. The temple of Nar Singh at Bharmaur, Thakur Murli Manoharji at Raj Nagar and of Nar Singh at Bart gal in Pargana Bhalai is some of the other important Vishnu temples.
The cult of Siva is more ancient and has a wider sphere of influence. This is natural because the Himalayan range, her many peaks, the Kailash mountain, lakes etc,. are taken to be the traditional home of Lord Siva. King Meru Verman in the seventh century A.D. is said to have built a number of Siva temples. A mountain peak Mani Mahesh Kailash and a small lake called "Dal" are supposed to be the permanent abode of Lord Siva and the whole Pargana of Bharmaur where they are located is known as Siva Bhumi. The principal Siva temples are those of Chander Gupt, Trimukha and Gaurishanker, The Mani Mahesh temple and the Ganesh temple at Bharmaur.
Whenever a new house is constructed some religious rites and homage to Lord Siva are done. This is known as Niwala, which is a corruption of Nav-Alay or consecration of newly built house. Niwala ceremony has been extended to other domestic events like births, marriages etc. Naturally because of Lord Siva his consort Durga or Parvati or Uma has also a very popular place. She is more popularly known as the Devi and faith in Devi and Devi worship is a part of the domestic life throughout the district whether there are Devi temples or not in the neighborhood.

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