#1 Shikari Devi Temple Mysterious Roofless Wonder In Mandi

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Shikari Devi Temple, Mysterious Roofless Wonder in Mandi

Know About Shikari Devi Temple: The Shikari Devi Temple is a Roofless temple located about 18 Kms from Janjehli in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh and connected by a Bus able Forest road.. The temple is dedicated to Shikari Devi, the goddess of hunters. It is situated at an altitude of 3,359 meters (11,017 ft) on the Shikari peak, making it the highest point in the entire Mandi district and offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Thick forests on the way to Shikari peak are amazing. Being the highest peak of Mandi District it is also called Crown of Mandi.

Know About Shikari Devi Temple:-

The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, especially among hunters and trekkers. The trek to the temple is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. The best time to visit the temple is during the summer months (May to June and September to October) as the region receives heavy snowfall during winters, making the roads treacherous.

Vast green pastures, captivating sunrise and sunset, panoramic view of snow ranges make this place favorite to nature lovers. The place receives a lot of snow during winters. The place can be approached from Karsog which is just 21 Kms from Shikari Devi. On the Shikari peak, there is a roofless temple of Shikari Devi, the Goddess of hunters and this temple is said to be established (Sathapit) by Pandavas. It is said that sage Markanday also meditated at this place for number of years.

It has been observed that despite the fact that temple has no roof, no snow is spotted in temple premises during winters when the entire region around this temple is covered upto several feet by snow. Visitors can trek to Chindi, Karsog, Janjehli through different trek routes from Shikari.

Kamrunag to Shikari Devi Distance:

Adventurists can visit Kamrunag by undertaking a day long journey of 16 Kms by trekking the vast spread pastures on this hill top route with breathtaking scenic beauty and perfect calmness.

Here are some additional details about the temple:

Location: Janjehli, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude: 3,359 meters.
Dedicated to: Shikari Devi, the goddess of hunters.
Legend: Established by the Pandavas.
Uniqueness: Roofless temple; no snow accumulates inside the temple premises during snowfall.

Shikari Devi Temple History

The history of Shikari Devi Temple is shrouded in myth and legend, adding to its mystique. Here are the two prominent stories surrounding its origin:

The Pandavas and Shikari Devi: The most popular legend associates the temple with the Pandavas, the five heroes of the Mahabharata. During their exile, the Pandavas are said to have sought refuge in the Himalayas and reached the Shikari peak. Here, they prayed to Shikari Devi, the hunter goddess, for blessings to win the war against the Kauravas. Pleased with their devotion, the goddess appeared before them and granted their wish.

The Pandavas, in gratitude, established a temple for her. However, there’s a twist. It is said that the goddess desired to remain under the open sky, and so the temple was built without a roof, a tradition that continues to this day.

Sage Markandeya and the Roofless Temple:

Another legend mentions the sage Markandeya meditating at this location for many years.
The temple itself might have existed even before the Pandavas’ arrival.
The reason for the roofless structure remains a mystery.
One interesting legend suggests that attempts were made in the past to construct a roof, but they all failed. This is seen as a miracle of the goddess who prefers to remain under the open sky.

Additional Details:

The Markandeya Purana, a Hindu scripture, also mentions this place, suggesting the temple’s antiquity. Sage Markandeya is believed to have meditated here.
The temple is dedicated to Shikari Devi, the goddess of hunters. In the past, hunters from the region would worship here for successful hunts.

Local Folklore and Legends of Shikari Devi Temple

The Elusive Deer: One story tells of Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, encountering a mystical deer while hunting in the dense forests around the peak. Despite his skills, he couldn’t capture the deer. Recognizing the deer’s divine nature, the Pandavas prayed for the celestial power to reveal itself, leading to the manifestation of Shikari Devi.

The Unyielding Roof: A popular legend associated with the temple’s unique roofless structure claims that attempts were made in the past to build a roof over the idol. However, these attempts supposedly failed due to strong winds or mysterious circumstances. This reinforces the belief that Shikari Devi prefers to remain under the open sky.

Blessings for Hunters: Traditionally, the temple held significance for hunters in the region. They would pray to Shikari Devi for success and ethical hunting practices before venturing out.

Divine Protection: Locals believe the temple offers divine protection from the elements. The legend of no snow accumulating within the temple premises, despite heavy snowfall, exemplifies this belief.

Markandeya’s Meditation: The mention of the temple in the Markandeya Purana adds another layer to the local legends. It suggests the site’s sanctity and potential for spiritual growth, attracting figures like Sage Markandeya for meditation.

How to Reach Shikari Devi Mandir:

By Bus: HRTC bus runs daily from Sundernagar to Shikari Devi Temple in the morning. You can take HRTC bus from Sundernagar. This bus leaves for Janjehali-Sundernagar-Haridwar after a 3-hour halt at Mata Shikari Devi site.

By car: The last 15 kilometers of the road to Shikari Devi Temple is challenging and requires an experienced driver. You can park your car at the base of the hill and then climb the approximately 550 steps to reach the temple.

By trekking: There are several trek routes to Shikari Devi Temple, some more challenging than others. The most popular routes are from the towns of Karsog or Janjehli. Both towns have hotels, homestays, and ATMs. You can hike the whole way or hire a car or taxi for part of the journey.

These legends passed down through generations highlight the deep connection between the local people and the Shikari Devi Temple. They not only explain the temple’s unique features but also showcase the reverence for the goddess and the spiritual significance of the location.

what is the story behind Shikari Devi Temple?

On the Shikari peak, there is a roofless temple of Shikari Devi, the Goddess of Hunters and this temple is said to be established(sathapit) by Pandeva’s.