Lakshana devi temple (Mahishasuramardini Temple) also called Lakhna Devi temple is the oldest temple at Chaurasi Temple Bharmour. It retains many of the old architectural features of wooden temples.
It is said to be constructed by Raja Maru Varman (650 AD). Other temples of Chaurasi are of later date. This temple of Maa Durga is probably oldest temple of Durga Mata in India as Mahishasuramardini or as old as oldest temples of Maa Lakshana Devi in India
Maa Durga is represented here in her aspect of four armed Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. The goddess is shown with a trident, sword, bell and demon’s tail in her hands, in a posture characteristic especially of early Chalukya images.
Lakshana devi idol is the only image which answers the description of Mahishasuramardini as given in Vishnudharmotra purana. Here the buffalo who charges from the left of devi is held afloat by the tail and is killed not by the trident but pressure (mardana) exerted by the right leg of Maa Bhadrakali.
The temple is built on the rectangular plan. As seen from outside it looks like a modest hut having rubble and mud walls. The roof of this temple slides sideways from the central ridge and is thatched with slates. However the main gateway of the temple, square columns (Shakti Stambha) and ceiling are old.
They are carved beautifully with classical motifs and floral work. Outer door has richly carved frame on which rests a three storied pediment.
Just near the entrance there is a small wooden mandapa again richly carved with figures of flying gandharvas on the capitals of pillars. It appears that the ceiling and pillars of this temple were assembled several times and their position is somewhat changed. Immediately behind the mandapa is the sanctum sanctorum again with richly carved entrance, the circumambulatory path around the sanctum sanctorum is dark the only light wherein is provided through the small rectangular windows.
The ashtadhatu image of Mata Lakshana devi is enshrined inside this small cell. Ashtadhatu is used because it is considered extremely pure.
Lagend of Maa Lakshana Devi or Mahishasuramardini
Mahishasura is a Sanskrit word composed of Mahisha meaning “buffalo” and asura meaning “demon”, translating to “Buffalo Demon”. As an asura, Mahishasura started war against the devas, as the devas and asuras were perpetually in conflict. Mahishasura had gained the boon that no man could kill him. In the battles between the devas and the demons (asuras), the devas, led by Indra, were defeated by Mahishasura. Subjected to defeat, the devas went to Lord Shiva on the mountains where they asked Mata Parvati to save them form Mahishasura. Then Mata Parvati took birth as goddess Durga. Goddess Durga is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She took the avatar of Devi Durga to destroy Mahishasura. The Maa Durga or Maa Lakshana Devi led a battle against Mahishasura, riding a lion, and killed him. Thereafter, she was named Mahishasuramardini, meaning The Killer of Mahishasura.
