WOODEN CARVING:

The carve wood is an ancient, often difficult, irreversible task. Lakshana Devi Temple is the fine example of wood carving. This temple was founded during the regime of Meru Varman (680AD). the temple is considered one of the oldest temple present in Chaurasi Temple complex in Bharmour, Distt. of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India. Lakshana Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in form of four arms Mahishasurmardni.

Bharmour is known for some very old archaeological remains, primarily the temples. All these temples are called Chaurasi after 84 Siddhas, who were believed to have meditated  in Bharmour over 1000 year. Bharmour was the seat of power for some 400 years till 920AD, when a new capital was founded at Chamba by Raja Sahil Varman.

Carved Wooden structure of Lakshana Devi Temple are by far the earliest surviving specimens of carving in wood in the Western Himalayan Region. The Temple was originally founded around the turn of 7th century which fact is established from the undated inscription on the pedestal of the Goddess, recording making of the image by a work man named Gugga, under the orders of Meru Varman.

The Temple in which the image is presently enshrined, retain the interior layout & architectural work- carved wooden pillars, ceiling, facade etc. in their original form. They are carved beautifully with classical motifs and floral work. There is a small wooden Mandapa richly carved with figures of flying Gandharvas on the capitals of pillars.
 

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan

Source: Temple architecture of the Western Himalaya: Wooden Temples by  O.C Handa
             Wooden carving -A Bit History by Michael Keller