Chhatrari Village
Sub Place Details: Chhatrari Village is a remote and culturally rich hamlet famous for the ancient Shakti Devi Temple. This temple is one of the oldest in the region, dating back to the 8th century, and was built by King Meru Verman. The village itself is a beautiful example of traditional Himachali lifestyle, where houses are built with stone and wood. It is located on a mountain spur overlooking the Ravi valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The Shakti Devi Temple is renowned for its incredible wood carvings and a rare Ashtadhatu (eight-metal) idol of the goddess. The village is inhabited mostly by the Gaddi and Brahmin communities, who have preserved their ancient traditions and rituals. Visiting Chhatrari is a journey into the heart of Pahari culture, away from any modern disturbances. The silence of the village is only broken by the sound of temple bells and the occasional bleating of sheep. The temple is considered a masterpiece of early Himalayan art, and its architecture has survived several earthquakes over centuries. For those interested in archaeology and rural tourism, Chhatrari is an unmissable destination. The trek or drive to the village is adventurous, passing through narrow mountain roads and dense forests, providing a true sense of exploration in the middle of the Himalayas.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Religious, Cultural, and RuralEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the village or the Shakti Devi Temple. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and may offer small donations to the temple priest for maintenance. ...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the village or the Shakti Devi Temple. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and may offer small donations to the temple priest for maintenance.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The temple is generally open from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon is best as the sunlight illuminates the intricate wood carvings inside the temple more c...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The temple is generally open from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon is best as the sunlight illuminates the intricate wood carvings inside the temple more clearly.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Chhatrari Jatar: This is the local fair held after the Manimahesh Yatra in September. The idol of the goddess is given a holy bath, and traditional dances like the Dandaras are performed by the villagers in colorful ...Sub Place Special Event:
Chhatrari Jatar: This is the local fair held after the Manimahesh Yatra in September. The idol of the goddess is given a holy bath, and traditional dances like the Dandaras are performed by the villagers in colorful costumes.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Temple Facade: The ancient wooden structure with its tiered roof provides a dramatic and historical subject for heritage photography.
The Metal Idol: With permission, capturing the...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Temple Facade: The ancient wooden structure with its tiered roof provides a dramatic and historical subject for heritage photography.
The Metal Idol: With permission, capturing the details of the Ashtadhatu idol reveals the mastery of ancient Indian metallurgy and sculpture.
Village Panoramic View: Stand at the edge of the village to capture the settlement nestled against the backdrop of the massive Himalayan ranges.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Sub Place Things to Do:
Admire the Shakti Devi Idol: Witness the stunning Ashtadhatu idol and the intricate wood carvings that have stood for over 1,200 years.
Village Walk and Interaction: Walk through the stone-paved lanes of Chhatrari to see the traditional way of life and talk to the friendly local residents.
Photography of the Ravi Valley: Capture the breathtaking views of the river far below and the snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal range.
Observe Local Festivals: If you visit during local fairs, watch the traditional dances and listen to folk music that has been passed down through generations.
Study Archaeological Details: Spend time observing the different layers of the temple archi...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
The 8th Century Temple: Chhatrari is famous worldwide for the Shakti Devi Temple, which is a protected monument of archaeological importance. It is known for the master craftsman Gugga, who created the exquisite metal i...Why Famous Sub Place:
The 8th Century Temple: Chhatrari is famous worldwide for the Shakti Devi Temple, which is a protected monument of archaeological importance. It is known for the master craftsman Gugga, who created the exquisite metal idol and wooden carvings. The village is also a significant stop during the Manimahesh Yatra for certain rituals. Its remote location and well-preserved ancient heritage make it a site of pilgrimage for both spiritual seekers and art historians who want to witness authentic early medieval Indian art. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Pentroof Style and Craftsmanship: The Shakti Devi Temple features a unique pentroof style with multiple tiers. The dimensions of the sanctum are about 4x4 meters, housing the 4. 5-foot tall bronze-like idol. The wood...Sub Place Architecture:
Pentroof Style and Craftsmanship: The Shakti Devi Temple features a unique pentroof style with multiple tiers. The dimensions of the sanctum are about 4x4 meters, housing the 4. 5-foot tall bronze-like idol. The wooden pillars and ceilings are covered with intricate carvings of gods, floral motifs, and animals, showcasing the pinnacle of 8th-century Pahari craftsmanship. The use of local stone for the foundation and deodar wood for the structure has ensured its longevity through the ages. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Gaggal Airport is about 160 KMS away. A taxi from the airport via Chamba is the most practical way to reach the village.
By Train: Pathankot is the nearest railway station (14... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Chamba (48 km), 2. Bharmour (45 km), 3. Hadsar (58 km), 4. Khajjiar (70 km), 5. Dalhousie (90 km), 6. Saho (66 km), 7. Chamera Lake (88 km), 8. Bhalei Mata (100 km), 9. Jot Pass (98 km), 10. Mani Mahesh (71 km)
Tourism Tips
-
Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health and Safety: The road to Chhatrari is quite adventurous; ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Carry basic medicine for motion sickness.
Packing: Wear modest clothing out o...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(551+) of Himachal Pradesh Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Baglamukhi TempleBeas River Bank - Chamba PattanBir BillingBrajeshwari Devi TempleChamunda Devi TempleChintpurni Mata TempleDada Siba Fort / TempleGarli Heritage VillagePragpur Heritage VillageHaripur FortJwala Devi TempleKaleshwar MahadevKareri Lake Trek BaseMaharana Pratap Sagar Masroor Rock Cut TempleMcLeod Ganj NadaunPahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram HouseMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Akhand Chandi Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharmour
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhuri Singh Museum
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chamera Lake/Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Champavati Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chamunda Devi Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chaugan
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chhatrari Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Church of Scotland
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jhamwar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities