Shikari Devi Temple

Shikari Devi Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Durga in the form of Hunter's Goddess (in Hindi: Shikari Devi). The temple is located above 18 kilometres (11 mi) from Sanarli in Karsog valley and at the same distance from Janjheli which is on the other side of the hill, through steep road to the temple. It is believed that the temple was established by the Pandavas during their exile at the time of Mahabharata.

Shikari Devi Temple
शिकारी देवी मन्दिर
File:Shikari Devi Temple.jpg Shikari Devi Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Mandi
Deity	Durga
Festival	Navratri
Location
Location	Shikari Devi Sanctuary, Shikari Peak, Janjheli, Karsog
State	Himachal Pradesh
Country	India
Coordinates
Architecture
Creator	Pandavas on their exile during Mahabharata
Established	original structure: Ancient (unknown)
Specifications
Elevation	3,332.6 m (10,934 ft)

History and legends

Origin

It is believed that the temple dates to the time of Mahabharata, when the Pandavas during their exile visited many places in Himalayas as this was one of them, and according to tradition they started worshiping Shikari Devi here and constructed the shrine.

Connection with sages

It is also believed that Rishi Markendeya also meditated here for many years, as goddess was pleased by his devotion appeared to him and as by her direction, the shrine was built by him.

Divine visions leading to temple

According to another legend, the Pandavas once during their hunt came across a mystical deer that disappeared into the forest, as they approached the deer, they realised that this deer is the goddess herself came in the form of a deer to guide them, and as her guidance they meditated here and subsequently built the temple.

Worship by hunters

Historically, the local hunters used to worship the Shikari Devi for their success in their hunts, hence the epithet, "Shikari Devi" (in English: the goddess of hunters). The goddess was invoked for protection against dangers by wild animals during their hunting. This reflects how nature, faith and livelihood merged in this region.

Architecture and unique features

Roofless shrine

The temple is totally unusual apart from other temples generally as it is roofless. Many people as well as politicians tried to built a roof over it since many years but none have stayed. Always this used to happen like as the roof is made over the temple, after a while by sudden storm the roof breaks down. The former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr.Virbhadra Singh, also tried to built roof over the temple many times but none was success. It is believed that the goddess prefers the sky as her canopy, not any roof.

Snowfree premises

Another remarkable phenomena associated with the temple is that, whenever the snowfall happens in the region, the entire region is buried in several feet of snow but the temple's premises especially the interior, remains free of snow. This is a mystery as no one got to know the reason behind it till now. The belief is that it is nothing but the miracle of the goddess Shikari Devi.

Belief

It is believed that whatever is prayed here by true self, it manifests reality. It is also believed that who often come here with any sort of problems in one's life, the goddess removes all and gives whatever is asked.

Navratri pilgrimages

The temple receives a large influx of devotees during the festival of Navratri, both in spring and autumn. People come here to seek the blessings of the goddess Shikari Devi.

Traditional offerings

As per local custom, devotees bring offerings like ghee lamps, coconuts and Dhvajas (traditional in Hinduism). Many people whose wishes got fulfilled by the blessings of the goddess come to the shrine bare feet, and present offerings to the temple such as cash, Chattra, or any form of offerings the pilgrims like and as then Pandit of the temple describes them. In earlier times, animals were offered in sacrifice as a practice tied to older hunter traditions, though by the time, it was increasingly viewed with disapproval by many in older times.

Geography

File:Shikari Devi temple.jpg

Scenic views from Shikari Devi Temple

The temple stands atop the Shikari Devi peak, the highest peak in Mandi district. The region around the temple is a natural sanctuary region called as Shikari Devi Sanctuary. Often it is called the 'Crown of Mandi'. The temple attracts the tourists through it's miracles as well as through the scenic views of nature. From the temple many other peaks, valleys and places can be seen, as it is situated at the top of Shikari Devi peak and it is one of the highest peaks in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, Kasauli, Solan, and Rewalsar can be seen from the temple. In valleys Kangra valley, Kullu valley, Satluj valley, Solang valley, Balh valley in Mandi, etc can be seen. The peaks which can be seen from the temple are Mul Mahunaag, Kamrunaag, Dhauladhars, Parvati Parvat, Mulkila, Indrasan, Shrikhand Mahadev in Himachal Pradesh and Yamunotri, Kalanag, and many peaks of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand can also be seen from the temple. In plains, Punjab plains can be seen when the weather is clear.

Accessibility

File:Shikari Devi In Winter.jpg

Views from temple in winters during snowfall

The temple is situated at the top of the Shikari peak. It is about 31 kilometres (19 mi) from Thunag. It is accessible through two major roads which are from Janjheli and another from Snarli in Karsog valley, both are 18 kilometres (11 mi) ride to the temple and both roads have forested terrain and steep roads which lead to the temple. The temple is also accessible by a trek from Karsog valley, as it is steep trek so many prefer the journey by road. Below the temple, the parking is allotted and from there 600-700 stairs are there to the temple.

From the temple, the panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan ranges, dense oak and conifer forests, vast meadows, and sometimes snow-laden landscapes can be seen.

Religious and cultural significance today

File:Snow On Trees.jpg

Shikari Devi wildlife sanctuary during snowfall

Shikari Devi Sanctuary, surrounding the temple, is itself a protected forest and wildlife area. The sanctity given to the temple and the deity encourages local ecological balance. The forest is revered, the wildlife respected, reflecting a traditional harmony between spirituality and nature.

As for many believers in Himachal Pradesh and beyond, Shikari Devi is not just a deity, but a guardian of the forests, wildlife, and mountain travellers. The religious importance, natural beauty, and mystery, draws pilgrims as well as trekkers and nature lovers.