Champavati Temple

Champavati Temple is a popular temple located in the Chamba. Chamba is a small town located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in the memory of his daughter- the namesake Champavati. Champavati Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site and is also a major tourist attraction of Uttarakhand visited by thousands of tourists. The temple is Located in the heart of the city near the Treasury Building and Police Post.

The temple is dedicated to the hindu goddess Champavati, who is believed to be the daughter of King Sahil Varman, who was the founder of the Chamba dynasty. The temple is known for its unique architecture, built in both Hindu and Islamic styles. It is believed that the temple was built in the 11th century and was later renovated by Raja Umed Singh II in the 18th century.

It boasts of several rock carvings and has a magnified wheel on the rooftop which makes it unique from the other temples in the region. The temple is considered as one of the 68 Tirth in India. The temple is situated on the banks of the River Ravi and is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. It is a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists, who visit the temple in large numbers to seek the blessings of the goddess and to admire its stunning architecture.

The main deity of the temple, Goddess Champavati, is believed to be the protector of the Chamba valley and is worshipped by the local people as a symbol of their cultural heritage. The temple is also home to several other idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga.

History of Champavati Temple

The temple is named after Champavati, who was believed to be the daughter of King Sahil Varman who was king of the Varman dynasty and successor of Mushan Varman. The temple was built around 925-940 AD and holds great religious significance.

According to folklore, Champavati was quite spiritual and used to visit ashrams and temples. Once the king suspected his daughter and followed her secretly to an Ashram. On entering the place he realised that his daughter and sadhu disappeared due to his malign contemplation. Later, the king ridden with guilt commissioned the construction of champavati temple in the memory of his lost daughter and to remove the curse from the entire Chamba district.

Architecture of Champavati Temple

Champavati Temple in Chamba is built in the ‘hill’ style structure. Its a large stone structure with the curvilinear conical superstructure accompanied with a wooden mandapa. As the area faces heavy rainfall, the temple has a pent-roofed rectangular structure with slantin roofs made of rows of slates. An interesting feature of this temple is the peculiar arrangement of wood and stone in building the walls.

Wooden beams are laid at right angles of the walls and intervening spaces are filled with stone which gives a firm structure to this magnificent temple. Woodcarving on the outer walls of the temple is striking. Receding jambs and lintels carved with different patterns enhances the doorframes. Another wood-carved portion can be witnessed at the ceiling, showcasing the ‘lantern’ style with detailed wooden sculpting.

Significance of Champavati Temple

There is a legend behind the construction of Champavati Temple. This temple bears the name of Champavati, the daughter of King Sahil Varmana. She has a religious nature and often spent most of her time in the ashram by serving the sages and chanting the holy hymns.

When the king suspected her deeds, he silently followed her in disguise. He reached the ashram and the moment he entered, the ashram was empty. Sahil Varmana heard a voice that said of her daughter being taken away due to his worthless suspicion. He was ordered to build a temple dedicated to her to avoid the familial calamities.

Festival celebrated at Champavati Temple

The festival of Navaratri is the only festival that is celebrated here with great joy and enthusiasm at the temple. During Navratri the whole temple is decorated with flowers and lights. It is celebrated during sept- October month for a period of nine days and each form of goddess durga is worshipped each day.

Best Time To Visit

Champavati Temple is a famous tourist site in Himachal Pradesh that is visited by a large number of tourists. This place never fails to attract the visitors on a huge scale. The best time for visiting this temple is from March to and and August to November. It is the appropriate time as the weather is favorable for exploring other places near the temple.

Best places to explore near Champavati Temple

Chamera Lake

Chamera Lake is located near Dalhousie in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, the Chamera Lake also known as Chamba Lake is the man-made reservoir for the Chamba Dam. It is a popular picnic spot and boating location. It is one of the popular tourist attractions.

Thala waterfall

This popular waterfall is located at a distance of 9 km from Bharmour in Chamba, Thala Waterfall is a gorgeous waterfall that is a popular tourist spot.

Lakshmi Narayan temple

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is the oldest and largest temple built in Chamba, and built in the shape of a Shikhara. It houses six of the most stunning idols of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and goddess Laxmi.

Hariraya Temple

Hariraya Temple is one of the popular temples located in Chamba. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is a bronze idol covered in saffron, adorning all imaginable jewellery, from rings to armlets, kundals (earrings), crown, necklaces of Lord vishnu.

Akhand Chandi Palace

This temple was built in the mid 18th century, Chamba Palace or Akhand Chandi Palace is the stately white building in Chamba. It is one of the best tourist place to visit in Chamba.

Best places to stay in Chamba

• Mountain view
• Fortune Khajjiar
• Himalayan canvas
• Proto Hostel

Best Restaurant in Chamba

• Park view restaurants
• Cafe Ravi view
• Jagan Restaurant
• Tasty Tibet
• Chowgan Restaurant

Famous Food of Chamba

Chamba, being located in Himachal Pradesh has predominantly North Indian Cuisine. Madra, a native delicacy of Chamba, is made of lentils like Rajma and Kidney Beans, cooked in a lot of spices and dry fruits. Yogurt is a key ingredient, and made nearly everywhere with alterations and tastes heavenly.

How to reach Champavati Temple

Champavati Temple is located in Chamba which is a small town located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Chamba located at a distance of 75 km. Pathankot Airport is also near Chamba, located at a distance of 120 km. At airport you can book a cab or taxi to reach Champavati temple.

By Rail- Rishikesh Railway station is the nearest airport to Chamba which is well connected to other major cities and is located 58 km from Chamba. You can easily get a taxi or cab to reach Chamba at the station.

By Road- Chamba is well-connected via road through state run buses, cabs, autos and local rickshaws. Champavati Temple is located in the heart of the city and can be reached easily through any of the above modes of transport.

Frequently Asked Questions