Laxmi Narayan Temple

mples of 'Mahakali' , 'Hanuman', 'Nandigan', Vishnu', 'Shiva' are also in this complex. This Laxmi Narayan Temple complex also some fine sculptures of residing deities, which include figures of Lord Vishnu (of the Hindu trilogy), Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of wealth), Narasimha (Lion form of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Krishna. This is one of the many temples that are virtually untouched by invaders. Temples dedicated to the Nagas (Dragon king or Serpent God) and to the Mother Goddess (Chamunda) represent the original cult of the hills. The other kinds of temples were built later, during the post-Aryan period. The temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and GarbhGriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayana Temple has a mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the shell roof, atop the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection against snowfall. Raja Partap Singh Varna extensively renovated it in the 16th century. The image of Lakshmi Narayan enshrined in the temple dates from the temple’s foundation. A small niche at the back harbours a beautiful sculpture of a goddess churning the ocean with Sheshnag, the snake of Vishnu, to bring the poison up from the bottom. The temple of Laxmi Narayana continued to be embellished by the Rajas who succeeded to the throne of Chamba. Raja Balabhadra Verma perched the metallic image of Garuda on a high pillar at the main gate of the temple. Raja Chhatra Singh place gilded pinnacles on the temple tops in 1678 as a reaction against the orders of Aurangzeb to demolish the temple. Later Rajas also added a shrine or two, thus enriching the complex. The Laxmi Narayan Temple is the main tourist attraction of the town. The local flavor is distinct and makes the carvings on these temples unique.