The Durga Temple, also known as Chandika temple, located in Uttarakhand is a Valabhi temple in North India. It is situated to the south west direction, a little away from the main temple of Gopesvara. An image of Goddess Durga or Mahisasuramardini has been installed in the garbhagriha and is deeply revered. It is made of typical green stone that is available in the Himalayan region. The temple is presently in dilapidated state. The mandapa of this temple appears to have been added later in front of its garbhagriha. The temple is adorned with many beautiful stone images that have been installed in the mandapa. The doorframe of the temple consists of a trisaka dwara stambha that is of an ancient temple. On its right and left side the images of Ganga and Yamuna can be seen. Chandika temple is an east facing or purvimukha temple. The ground plan consists of a rectangular garbhagriha and an antarala or kapila. The garbhagriha on its internal and external side measures 1.44 x 1.74 m and 2.50 x 2.90 m respectively. The internal measurement of the antarala is 1.00 x 1.05 m.

The temple is elevated by a vedibandha that consists of the usual mouldings like khura, kumbha, antarpatra and kapotapali. The janghavbhaga is plain. The shikhara of the temple was in a damaged state. It has now been repaired and reconstructed. However, its skandhavedi that rests over the jangha is still in shape. Based on the style and architecture of the temple as well as the image placed in the garbhagriha it may be dated to 8th century A.D.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com