Chhatrari Devi Temple is located in the village of Chhatrari, around 46 km from Chamba town, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a height of around 6,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by beautiful pine forests and mountain views. The temple lies near Bharmour, the ancient capital of the Chamba kingdom, and is part of the traditional pilgrimage route of Lord Shiva’s Chaurasi Temple circuit.
The main deity of the temple is Shakti Devi, also called Chhatrari Devi, a powerful form of Goddess Durga. The idol is made of ashtadhatu (an alloy of eight metals) and stands about 4 feet tall. She holds a trishul (trident), sword, bell, and a lotus in her four hands and is shown standing in tribhanga posture. Her face is calm yet powerful, representing strength and protection.
The goddess is worshipped as the protector of the village and is believed to be highly responsive to her devotees’ prayers, especially for good health, protection from natural calamities, and blessings for women and children.
Chhatrari Devi Temple is built in the traditional Himachali wooden style, using cedar (deodar) wood, with a simple but elegant structure. The temple has a sloped slate roof, richly carved wooden pillars, and a sanctum where the idol is kept.
The inner sanctum houses the famous brass idol of Shakti Devi, crafted by the legendary sculptor Gugga, who was also the court artisan of King Meru Varman of Chamba. The idol is considered a masterpiece of early Himachali metal art.
The temple was built in the 8th century CE by Raja Meru Varman, a ruler of the Chamba kingdom. He was a great patron of art and religion. It is said that after building the famous Chaurasi Temple complex in Bharmour, he established this temple in honor of the divine mother Shakti.
The temple and idol have survived for over a thousand years and continue to be central to the spiritual life of the people in this region.
According to local belief, Raja Meru Varman, the ruler of Bharmour (ancient Brahmapura) in the 8th century CE, was a deeply religious king and a devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. One night, during intense meditation and prayer, the goddess Shakti Devi appeared to the king in a dream. She instructed him to build a shrine for her in a peaceful village nestled among the Himalayan forests, called Chhatrari.
She said that the land was already filled with her divine presence, and she desired to reside there in a physical form to bless the people and protect the region.
Obeying the divine command, Raja Meru Varman traveled to Chhatrari and chose a sacred spot for the temple. He commissioned his royal sculptor, Gugga, a master artisan of the Chamba court, to craft a beautiful idol of Shakti Devi.
The sculptor made the idol from Ashta-dhatu (an alloy of 8 sacred metals). The goddess was depicted in tribhanga posture, holding a trishul (trident), sword, bell, and lotus, with a gentle and motherly expression. The sculpture was so exquisite that it was believed to be instilled with the goddess’s living energy (prana-pratishta).
After performing the rituals and installing the idol, the temple was established as a seat of Shakti worship in the region.
In the larger context, Chhatrari Devi is seen as a local manifestation of Durga or Parvati, closely connected to Sapta Matrikas and regional Shakti Peethas. Though not formally counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple is deeply respected as a Shakti Sthala (Power Spot) in Himachal’s spiritual geography.
The main festival celebrated at Chhatrari Devi Temple is during Navaratri (September–October), when devotees from across Chamba and nearby regions gather for special poojas, bhajans, and community feasts. The idol is decorated with flowers, red cloth, and turmeric during the celebrations.
During this time, folk dances and cultural programs are also performed by local villagers. Special offerings like sweets, rice, and fruits are made to the goddess.
