Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chamba, Dalhousie

Laxmi Narayan and Hari Rai Temples of Chamba stand as a testimony to the architectural brilliance and execution that existed thousands of years ago. Laxmi Narayan Temple is the main temple of Chamba town which was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Laxmi Narayan Temple has many small temples within the complex. Among these are Radha Krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandragupta and Gauri Shankar Temple. The shrine houses a metallic image of Garuda, ‘vahanam’ (mount) of Lord Vishnu. This image on the dwajastamba pillar at the entrance grabs the attention of tourists. In later developments, Raja Chhatra Singh ornamented the shrine roof with gold plated pinnacles in 1678. The roof was destroyed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.