Lakshana Devi temple (Mahishasuramardini Temple) also called Lakhna Devi temple is the oldest temple at Bharmour in Himachal Pradesh. Lakshana Devi Temple is 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.
It is said to be constructed by Raja Maru Varman (650 AD. This temple of Maa Durga is probably the oldest temple of Durga Mata in India as Mahishasuramardini is the oldest temple of Maa Lakshana Devi in India.
Maa Durga is shown here as Mahishasuramardini, the four-armed slayer of the demon Mahishasura. She holds a trident, sword, bell, and the demon’s tail in her hands, standing in a posture typical of early Chalukya art.
The Lakshana Devi idol is the only known image that matches the description of Mahishasuramardini from the Vishnudharmottara Purana. In this depiction, the buffalo demon charges from the left but is lifted by its tail and defeated not by the trident but by the pressure of Maa Bhadrakali’s right foot.
The temple is built on a rectangular plan. 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 the late Gupta style and era.
The 7th-century Ashtadhatu idol of Mata Lakshana Devi is enshrined inside this small chamber. Ashtadhatu is used because it is considered highly pure.
The wooden carvings include Shaivism and Vaishnavism motifs and themes.
Mahishasura is a Sanskrit word. Mahisha means “buffalo,” and asura means “demon,” so it translates to “Buffalo Demon.” As an asura, Mahishasura waged war against the devas (gods), as they were always in conflict. He had received a boon that no man could kill him.
During the battles between the devas and asuras, Mahishasura defeated the devas, led by Indra. After their defeat, the devas went to Lord Shiva in the mountains and pleaded with Mata Parvati to save them. In response, Mata Parvati took the form of Goddess Durga, an incarnation of herself, to destroy Mahishasura.
Maa Durga, also known as Maa Lakshana Devi, rode a lion into battle against Mahishasura, ultimately killing him. From then on, she was called Mahishasuramardini, meaning “The Slayer of Mahishasura.”
Lakshana Devi Temple celebrates several important festivals with devotion. The most significant is Navratri, observed twice a year, when devotees worship Goddess Durga for nine days with prayers and rituals. The temple also plays a key role in the **Manimahesh Yatra*, as pilgrims visit before beginning their journey to Manimahesh Lake.
*Dussehra* is celebrated to honor Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, while *Diwali* sees the temple illuminated with lamps and special prayers. Various local fairs and regional festivals further enrich the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance.
