Lakshana Devi Temple, Bharmour
The Lakshana Devi Temple in Bharmour is a post-Gupta era Hindu temple in Himachal Pradesh dedicated to Durga in her Mahishasura-mardini form. It is dated to the second half of the 7th-century, and is in part one of the oldest surviving wooden temples in India.
| Lakshana Devi Temple | |
|---|---|
7th century Lakshana Devi temple, Himachal Pradesh | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Chamba district |
| Deity | Durga, others |
| Location | |
| Location | Bharmour |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Country | India |
Shown within India Lakshana Devi Temple, Bharmour (Himachal Pradesh) | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32°26′32.3″N 76°32′14.7″E |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gupta era |
| Completed | c. 7th-century |
| Elevation | 2,135 m (7,005 ft) |
The temple is the oldest surviving structure of the former capital of Bharmour, also referred to as Bharmaur, Barmawar, Brahmor or Brahmapura in historic texts. Its roof and walls have been repaired over the centuries and it looks like a hut, but the Himachal Hindu community has preserved its intricately carved wooden entrance, interior and ceiling that reflects the high art of late Gupta style and era. The design and a late Gupta script inscription below the brass metal goddess statue in its sanctum confirms its antiquity. The wooden carvings include Shaivism and Vaishnavism motifs and themes.