Early Temples of Himachal by Benoy K Behl

Online Event, India Habitat Centre, 17th June, 2023
Talk and Screening of Film Produced for Doordarshan.
By Benoy K Behl
Introduction by Sujata Chatterji 00:05; Subject Intro 02:31; Film 08:54; Talk and Q&A 31:48
This film takes us to lesser-known, early surviving temples of Himachal Pradesh. It also gives a perspective to the art of Himachal and shows the deep relationship with that of Kashmir.
In the 8th century at Masrur in Himachal Pradesh, a wonderful temple with five towers was being carved out of the rock. This sort of temple with five towers is mentioned in the Vishnu Dharmottara Purana. The only other temple like this was made at Angkor Wat in Cambodia four centuries later.
The district of Chamba lies immediately south of the present state of Jammu and Kashmir. The early temples here are in the secluded valley of the river Ravi, naturally protected by high mountains. It has enjoyed long periods of peace and stability. Many temples here are more than a thousand years old. These have brass images which have been worshipped continuously since they were consecrated. This makes them among the earliest of deities which have been under continuous worship in India.

[@Fire-zg7nx]

Thanks you sir ❤

[@rgb8139]

Thank you doordarshan, thank you sir,we r learning our own country through the video 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@artnbuddhism]

It is very good of you to appreciate these humble efforts. I am so glad that these films are being of some use to you. My warmest wishes.

[@ak-9353]

Thank you sir...❤❤

[@tushkoli]

Sanatan Dharma is the natural religion of Mankind! These beautiful and holy rituals must be preserved for eternity!

[@artnbuddhism]

This deeply thoughtful and philosophic heritage is a treasure which must always be preserved.

[@Dhartiputradhruva]

Thank you sir 🙏 For enlightening us with your knowledge

[@artnbuddhism]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it. It is my pleasure always to share my documentation of Indian art and culture. Warmest wishes to you.

[@rosevilla9194]

Stunning . Thank u for excellent video

[@artnbuddhism]

Thank you very much for your appreciation. It is my pleasure to share these treasures of Indian art and culture.

[@yashu05]

Sir, please visit the temples of Mandi. Triloknath temple, Panchvaktra temple, Ardhnareshwar temple & Maha mrityunjay temple are stunning to behold.

[@artnbuddhism]

Thank you. Yes, I have had the pleasure of visiting the temples at Mandi. My best wishes to you.

[@parijathande]

Very beautiful. Art has been great in India

[@artnbuddhism]

Indeed, ancient Indian art is among the most beautiful in the world.

[@parijathande]

@@artnbuddhism of course Sir. I have seen all your series so far! And have traveled personally everywhere. From north to south east to west! Thank you for educating!

[@artnbuddhism]

I am so happy to hear about your extensive travels. I am also happy to know that you have gained some knowledge from my talks and films. My best wishes to you.

[@parijathande]

@@artnbuddhism The honour is mine Sir. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@guldar360]

Temples of Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur and Kinnaur? These too are worthy of visit.

[@artnbuddhism]

Indeed. Perhaps I will cover them in a later film. Thank you very much for the suggestion.