Shikari Devi Temple
Shikari Devi Temple is situated about 18 Kms from Janjehli and linked by a jeepable Forest road. The temple is located at a height of 3359 Meter. On the way to the temple is a thick forest which is a noteworthy spot for the visitors. This temple has the highest peak of Mandi District and it is also called Crown of Mandi. Huge green gazing land, captivating sunrise and sunset, panoramic view of snow ranges make this place favourite to nature lovers. Shikari Devi Temple is the place which receives a lot of snow during winters. This beautiful area can be approached from Karsog which is just 21 KMs from Shikari Devi. People say that there is a roofless temple of Shikari Devi on the Shikari peak of the hillocks. However, Goddess of hunters and this temple is said to be established (Sathapit) by Pandavas. According to the mythology, It is said that sage Markanday also meditated at this place for many years. Despite of 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. Tourists and the visitors can trek to Chindi, Karsog, Janjehli through different trek routes from Shikari. Pilgrims 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.
Best
Time to Visit:
Tourists can visit Shikari Devi during peak summer season only. Shikari Devi is covered by a thick layer of snow Ffr more than 6 months.
How
to Reach:
Mandi-Dadaur- Chailchowk-Thunag-
Janjehli-Shikari- 94 Kms.
Distance From Major Cities
Mandi-80KM
Kullu-155KM
Manali-200KM
Shimla-180KM
Dharmshala-240KM
Chandigarh-300KMz
History
In the holy book ‘Markandya Purana’ and the great
epic Mahabharta, it has been depicted that the temple was established
(Sathapit) by Pandavas. Legends stated that Sage Markandya mediated at this
place for years. As per the hindu mythology, during meditation he desired to
see the worldly form of Goddess Durga(Mahishasur mardani) who killed the demons
like Mahishasur, Rakata Bija, Madhu Kaitaba etc. This desire of Sage ‘Markandya’
was fulfilled by Goddess Durga. And the Pandava brothers during their period of
exile also mediated at this place and afterwards were blessed by Goddess Durga
for their victory against their cousins Kauravas. At the time of epic battle of
Mahabharta when no one could stop legend Bhishma Pita mah from the mass carnage
in the battle ground, Arjuna was discontented. Later on,Goddess Durga appeared
and pacified Arjuna and requested him to follow the instructions of Lord
Krishna whom she referred to as Naraina- God . The Goddess assured him to
victory against the evil, a battle which she said is to be fought in every
Yuga. During the Navaratra days fair is held here, which attracts a large
number of devotees from all over the world every year.
Architecture
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