Chamba is a city in Himachal Pradesh state of India. Chamba, of Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its delightful temples and handicrafts. Situated at an altitude of 996 meters on the banks of river Ravi, Chamba was the ancient capital of the hill kings. Chamba was established by Raja Sahil Varman in 920 AD. He named this city after his beloved daughter, Champavati. Surrounded by high hills on all sides, Chamba has preserved ancient culture and heritage. Many signs of ancient times can be seen in Chamba.Jab 'Jab' is the Arabic name of Chamba. It also has names like Jaff, Haab, Aab, and Gaon. Its ancient capital was Brahmapur (Vayaratpattana). While describing it, Huentsang has written that it is situated between the Alaknanda and Karnali rivers. After some time, the capital of this state became Chamba. On April 15, 1948, it was merged into Himachal Pradesh, governed by the Government of India.Arab writers have generally written about the Suryavanshi Rajput rulers of Chamba with the title of 'Jab'. Haban Rusta is of the opinion that this ruler belonged to the Saluki dynasty but there is disagreement among scholars regarding the origin of the dynasty. In 846 AD, Haban Khurraddbi first used 'Jab, but it seems that this word had originated earlier in Arab literature. Thus, it is considered authentic that Chamba city existed in the first decade of the 9th century. Ibn Rusta has written that the rulers of Chamba were often hostile to the Gurjaras and Pratiharas.
Champavati Temple
This temple is dedicated to the daughter of King Sahil Varman. This temple is located behind the city police post and treasury building. Champavati is said to have inspired her father to establish the city of Chamba. The temple is built in Shikhara style. The temple has beautiful carvings on the stones and the roof is wheel-shaped.
Lakshminarayan Temple
This temple is an excellent example of traditional architecture and sculpture. This temple is the largest and oldest among the 9 major temples of Chamba. It is said that initially this temple was located in Chaugan, Chamba but later this temple was established along with the Rajmahal (which is currently the Government College of Chamba district). This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu was built by King Sahil Varman in the 10th century. This temple is built in Shikhar style. The temple has a vimana and sanctum sanctorum.The structure of the temple is similar to a pavilion. The umbrellas and stone roof of the temple protect it from snowfall.
Bhandal Valley
This valley attracts wildlife lovers a lot. This beautiful valley is situated at an altitude of 6006 feet. This valley is connected to Saloni, 53 km away from Chamba. Jammu and Kashmir can be reached by trekking from here. On the way, you will get to see a beautiful view of nature. On the way to Jammu and Kashmir, you will also see a tourist place called Padhari Jot where you can feel the beauty of nature.
Bharmour
This ancient capital of Chamba was earlier known as Brahmapura. Situated at an altitude of 2195 meters, Bharmour is surrounded by dense forests. According to legends, 84 saints came here in the 10th century. He blessed the king here with 10 sons and one daughter, Champavati. The temple built here is known by the name Chaurasi. Lakshmi Devi, Ganesh and Narasimha temples come under Chaurasi temples. The best trekking route from Bharmour is to go towards Kugti Pass and Kalicho Pass.And in the world, only the temple of Dharamraj ji exists in Bharmour, whom we also know by the name of Yamraj. According to the legends, it is believed that any person belonging to any religion, community or country will have to come to this temple after death. In this temple, the deeds of every soul will be accounted and according to his deeds, he will go to heaven or hell.
chaugan
This is an open grassland. This ground, about 1 kilometer long and 75 meters wide, is situated in the middle of Chamba. Minjar fair is organized every year in Chaugan. Local residents come in colorful costumes to this week long fair. A large number of cultural and sports activities are organized here on this occasion. But now Chaugan has been divided into three or four parts.
Vajreshwari Temple
This ancient temple is considered to be one thousand years old. This temple dedicated to Vajreshwari, the goddess of light, is located at the end of Janasali Bazaar in the northern part of the city. Built in Shikhar style, the roof of this temple is made of wood and is situated on a platform. Excellent carving has been done on the peak of the temple.
Sui Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to Princess Sui, who sacrificed her life for the residents of Chamba. This temple is situated on the top of Shah Madar Hill. Here Sui Mata rested for some time. Here, in the memory of Sui Mata, every year the fair of Sui Mata starts from the month of Chait and continues till the month of Baisakh. This fair is celebrated by women and children. Queen's songs are sung in the fair and people go from Sui temple to Maluna, the place of queen's sacrifice, to pay tribute to her sacrifice.
Chamunda Devi Temple
This temple is situated on the top of the mountain from where a beautiful view of the slate built roofs of Chamba and the Ravi river and its surroundings can be seen. The temple is built on a high platform and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Beautiful carvings have been done on the doors, pillars and ceiling of the temple. There is a small temple of Shiva behind the temple. The temple is three kilometers away from Chamba, on the right side of the Chamba-Jammuhar road. The Archaeological Survey of India takes care of the temple.
Harirai Temple
This temple of Lord Vishnu was built in the 11th century. It is said that this temple was built by Salbahan. The temple is situated on the north west bank of Chaugan. Excellent carving has been done on the peak of the temple.
A wonderful bronze statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti is installed in the Harirai temple. This saffron colored temple is one of the oldest temples of Chamba.Lakhan Temple Bharmour... This is a very old temple of Himachal Pradesh built in Shikhar style. Goddess Lakshmi is shown here in the form of Mahisasurmardini. The brass statue of the goddess installed in the temple was made by Mugga, the master artisan of King Meru Varman. This temple is a major and sacred pilgrimage site of Himachal Pradesh. Manimahesh Yatra is organized here every year.
Rangmahal
This ancient and huge palace is situated in Surada locality. Now Himachal Emporium has been made in the palace. The foundation of this palace was laid by Raja Umed Singh (1748-1768). The southern part of the palace was built by Raj Shri Singh in 1860. This palace is a mixed example of Mughal and British style. This palace was the residence of the rulers here.
Akhand Chandi Mahal
This residence of the royal families of Chamba was built by Raja Umed Singh between 1748 and 1764. The palace was renovated with the help of British engineers during the tenure of Raja Sham Singh. In 1879, Captain Marshall built a Durbar Hall in the palace. Later, during the tenure of Raja Bhuri Singh, Zanana Mahal was added to it.Clear influence of the British and Mughals can be seen in the design of the palace. In 1958, the heirs of the royal families sold this palace to the Himachal government. Later this palace was handed over to the Education Department for the Government College and District Library.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is the most beautiful place of Chamba. It is 22 km from Chamba. It is at a distance of 1 meter. Every year lakhs of people come here to visit. There is a lake here which is quite old. And whose sight pleases the people. The grass growing on this lake produces so much. That people uproot this grass and grow it in the fireplace of their house. The grass of the famous Chaugan Chamba has also been brought from here and every year this grass of Khajjiar is grown in the Chaugan of Chamba.
Kura
Located at a distance of 53 kilometers from the district headquarters. People of Gaddi community also live in the said village. It is said that during the Mahabharata period, when the Kauravas sent the Pandavas into exile, the Pandavas had lunch with Mother Kunti, in whose name the village was first named Kuntapuri, which people gradually accepted as their own. To speak according to the calculations, he was given the name of Kunra. Kunra Panchayat has a population of about 1400. There is a Shiva temple built by Pandavas here. Along with this, many stone sculptures made by Pandavas are present.
chhatradi
This famous village of Chhatrari is 45 km away from Chamba by road. Most of the villages are inhabited by Gaddi people. Many are engaged in rearing sheep and goats. Situated at an altitude of 6,000 feet (1,800 m), the village is famous for its remarkable hill-style temple of Shakti Devi.
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