Naggar Gauri Shankar Temple- Himachal Pradesh

Address

Naggar Gauri Shankar Temple- Jok Rd, Naggar, Kullu ditrict, Himachal Pradesh 175130

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Gauri Shankar temple is located around 20 kms from Kullu town and around 25 kms from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is a classic example of shikhara type shrine. The temple dates to the early 12th century CE and is now under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance

Naggar Gauri Shankar temple is justly famed for its stunning sculpture of a four-armed Shiva with Goddess Parvati perched gracefully on his left thigh, sitting on Nandi, who turns his head to admire the divine couple. There is another statue of Nandi in standing posture outside the temple. The entire temple structure is set on a stone platform and is elaborately sculpted. Outside, the walls are decorated with deities – two pillars outside the mandapa bear remarkable carved motifs, and the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) has been painstakingly carved with images that include Ganesha, musicians and dancers and floral patterns. Ganesha is also carved on window lintels. The temple dates to the early 12th century CE and is now under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Survey of India. Smaller temple in the courtyard is dedicated to Vishnu.