| Temples & Legends of Himachal Pradesh |
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| Temples & Legends Of India |
CHAMBA |
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inscription of Meru Varman at Chatrari dedicated the idol of Shakti Devi in gratitude for
his conquests. Meru Varman had extended his sway to Kulu State as well as another
inscription recorded by a feudatory of Meru Varman, named Ashadha at Gun village shows. We
have earlier referred to the temples erected by Meru Varman, which makes him a great
builder. There is a long inscription on the pedestal of the brazen Nandi bull in front of
the Mani Mahesa temple. This and the two other inscriptions in the temple of Lakshana Devi
and Ganesa ascribe the dedication of the idols to King Meru Varman. The temple known as
Suraj- Mukha shrine contained the patron deity of Chamba Raja. Meru Varman also built this
temple and the deity installed. Mushan Varman (A. D. 820) the posthu- mous son of Lakshmi Varman commemorated by the mouse story does not appear to have left any standing monument. But a later Icing SahilaVarman, referred to earlier founded the new capital town of Chamba and shifted the capital there.The sacrifice of his daughter Chama- pavati is commemorated by the Chamasni temple erected by the repentant but very affectionate father. The annual Suhi Mela commemorates Champavati when women assemble to sing her glory, devotion and sacrifice.The annual mela for about twenty- one days from the Ist to the 21st Baisakh has made the temple more than a family temple for the ruling family. It is a temple extremely popular with the entire area. Sahila Varman as mentioned earlier erected quite a few more temples as well as the original palace at Chamba. The rulers of Chamba along with the Hindu rulers of some other States are also to be remembered for their patronage of the artists who had expertise in wooden architecture and Paharia-paintings on the walls or roofs or separately. Apart from the paintings on the walls or ceilings of the temples we have a fairly large collection of old paintings, etc., on mythological and other subjects at the Bhuri Singh Museum. There are also portraits and miniature paintings. Some of the rooms in the palaces have still wonderful decorations with oil paintings on the walls. Some of the private families also have specimens. It appears that when the artists had to leave Delhi, Agra and other places better known for art due to persecution of some of the Mughal Kings these smaller ruling princes in Himachal area gave them shelter and patronage. |
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