The family temple of the Bushahr rulers at Sarahan, a striking example of Himachal's Kath-Kuni style of layered timber and stone with pagoda-like roofs. It is revered locally as a Shakti Peetha.
HistoryDocumented history
Sarahan was the summer capital of Bushahr state and the temple was the royal family deity's home. Its alternate courses of deodar timber and stone make it flexible in earthquakes. Dates of the present structures need checking against state records.
Sthala PuranaTradition
In local tradition Sarahan is Shonitpur, the ancient capital of the demon king Banasura, devotee of Shiva. It is counted among Shakti Peethas as a place where a part of Sati's body fell (said to be the ear).
Aitihyas and storiesTradition and folklore
Stories of the goddess as protector of the Bushahr rulers and of Banasura's devotion are told in the valley; they should be gathered from local Pahari sources.
PhilosophyInterpretation
The goddess as a fierce mother (Bhima, 'the formidable') protects her people and their land, a theme common to Himalayan village religion.
Meaning todayInterpretation
Kath-Kuni is a vernacular, earthquake-resistant building tradition that modern Himalayan builders are rediscovering.
Timeline
- 1905damagedprobableThe Kangra earthquake tilted the older tower; worship moved to the newer one.
Videos
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Sources
- Wikipedia: Bhimakali Templetertiary
This entry is a draft. Traditional stories are presented as tradition, not as historical fact.