Shri Hari Rai Temple, Chamba

Shri Hari Rai Temple, Chamba

Shri Hari Rai Temple is an ancient temple of Chamba, situated next to Chaugan Gate in Chamba. Built in stone, this temple is designed in shikhara style and many tourists visit here to worship Lord Vishnu who has three faces-human, lion and boar, made up of 8 different materials. The main idol is artistically adorned with finger-rings, armlets, mukut, necklaces and kundals. It dates back to the 11th century and was built by Salabahana. The temple rests in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which is now considered as the official entrance to the town. The finely carved Shikharas and the stunning sculpture of Vishnu ranging six horses offer a captivating view.

There are various niches in Hari Rai Temple that project Brahmanical deities including Shiva seated on a bull with Uma seated to his left. The mounts of both the deities namely lion and nandi appear on the front over the base. While Surya seated on a chariot holding lotus bud in right hand. The lower left hand is in varada-mudra while the corresponding hand displays abhaya-mudra.

Moreover, this temple has been attractively coated with saffron and can be ascertained among all the other temples. It is imbued in magnificence and beauty that will simply take you back to square one where the tradition and culture ruled the historical era. So, take your cameras to capture the beauty of the temple and return back to home with full of memories.

Timings The temple remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM.