India is known for its beautiful and ancient temples, temples with great history and heritage; we have a lot of temples dedicated to a lot of Gods and Goddess but it is fascinating to know that we just have a solo temple being dedicated to the "Lord of Death", Yamadharmaraj; yes, you read it right - One and only temple of Yamadharmaraj - Dharmeshvar Mahadev temple can be spotted in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Being one of the guardians among the eight guardians of directions Lord Yama just has one temple and this is really fascinating.
Image Courtesy : Varun Shiv Kapur
Regarded as the Lord of Justice in many Indian literature, it is believed that he was the first mortal who attained the celestial bodies and hence known as the ruler of death.
Image Courtesy : Varun Shiv Kapur
Dharmeshvar Mahadev temple
Legends say that, Yama Dharmaraj temple at Chaurasi is a pit-stop for all the souls once they leave their body; they may have to justify their deeds to the Lord here before they are directed to heaven or hell. Yama Dharmaraj is famously known as "Dharmeshvar Mahadev" in this place; this place is also called as Dhai-podi which literally means two and a half steps. This temple is said to have been built by the king Maru Varman.
Yama Dharmaraj temple is located in the complex of Chaurasi temple in Bharmour, district of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. There are many temples within the complex and is 1400 years old.
Image Courtesy : Varun Shiv Kapur
The moment we say Yama we always have another name lingering in our head; yes, it is Chitragupta; during your visit to this temple do not miss to seek blessings from the chief accountant of Lord Yama. You would get to see a stone slab with a wooden fencing which is dedicated to Lord Chitragupta. Legends say that Chitragupta is the younger brother of Yama and was born to Lord Sun and Neeladevi with the blessings of Lord Shiva.
You may get to hear a lot of stories narrated by old priests during your visit to this ancient temple complex; do not get scared, after all Yama Dharmaraj is also a God and his blessings are equally important.
Image Courtesy : Varun Shiv Kapur
- Chaurasi temple complex is at a distance of 65 km from Chamba valley
- Best time to visit this place : May to November - Snowfall makes this place really beautiful
- Other attractions in the complex : There are many other temples within the complex with great history. Manimahesh - dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapati, An abode dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, Hanuman temple, Lord Narasimha temple and many others.
- Accommodation : There are a lot of hotels and home-stays in and around Bharmour which offers great scenic view to its visitors.
Come on let's take a circumambulation of the Lord Dharmeshvar Mahadev and seek his blessings!