AlfonzoEsh at 22:24, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T22:24:41Z

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{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple|name=Shikari Devi Temple|native_name='''शिकारी देवी मन्दिर'''|image=Shikari Devi Temple.jpg|caption=Shikari Devi Temple|deity=[[Durga]]|tradition=[[Hinduism]]|festival=[[Navratri]]|location=[[Shikari Devi Sanctuary]], [[Shikari Peak]], [[Janjheli]], [[Karsog]]|district=[[Mandi district|Mandi]]|state=[[Himachal Pradesh]]|country={{flag|India}}|creator=''[[Pandavas]]'' on their exile during ''[[Mahabharata]]''|coordinates={{coord|31.478716|77.165572|display=title,inline}}|map_type=India Himachal Pradesh#India|map_caption=Location in Himachal Pradesh|religious_affiliation=[[Hinduism]]|established=original structure: Ancient (unknown)<br />|elevation_m=3,332.6|elevation_ft=10933.8}}
'''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 {{Convert|18|km|mi}} from Sanarli in [[Karsog|Karsog valley]] and at the same distance from [[Janjheli]] which is on the other side of the hill, through steep road to the temple in [[Mandi district]] of the [[North India|North Indian]] state of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. It is believed that the temple was established by the [[Pandava]]s during their exile at the time of [[Mahabharata]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=15 July 2021 |title=“Elusive, Only Roof-less Shikari Devi Temple in India” |url=https://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000758592.78456.74 |journal=Spine |volume=46 |issue=14 |pages=i |doi=10.1097/01.brs.0000758592.78456.74 |issn=0362-2436|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Janjehli - Shikari Devi Temple {{!}} District Mandi, Government of Himachal Pradesh {{!}} India |url=https://hpmandi.nic.in/tourist-place/janjehli-shikari-devi-temple/ |access-date=10 December 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== History and legends ==

=== Origin ===
It is believed that the temple dates to the time of [[Mahabharata]], when the [[Pandava]]s 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.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bharatvarsh |first=TV9 |date=23 August 2024 |title=Shikari Devi Temple: यहां खुले आसमान के नीचे विराजमान हैं देवी की मूर्ति, जहां मार्कंडेय ऋषि ने किया था तप! |url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/religion/mandi-shikari-devi-temple-where-sage-markandeya-did-penance-interesting-temple-located-in-himachal-seraj-valley-2795620.html |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=TV9 Bharatvarsh |language=hi}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=3 July 2019 |title=रहस्यों से भरा है माता शिकारी देवी का मंदिर, पांडवों के अज्ञातवास से जुड़ी है रोचक कहानी |url=https://himachal.punjabkesari.in/himachal-pradesh/news/mata-shikari-devi-temple-1019003 |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=Punjabkesari}}</ref>

=== Connection with sages ===
It is also believed that [[Markandeya|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 July 2022 |title=Shikari Devi - Shikari Mata Temple Karsog Mandi Himachal |url=https://devbhumi.in/shikari-devi-temple-history/ |access-date=10 December 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Himachal: मां शिकारी देवी के मंदिर, मूर्तियों पर नहीं टिकती बर्फ, पढ़ें रोचक जानकारी |url=https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/snow-does-not-last-on-the-temple-and-idols-of-maa-shikari-devi-know-its-history-and-mythological-beliefs |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

=== 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.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=A Guide to Himachal Pradesh {{!}} Your Gateway to Himalayan Adventure and Cultural Marvels – Explore Himachal Pradesh Like Never Before! |url=https://aguidetohimachal.com/ |access-date=10 December 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Shikari Devi Temple, Mandi - Timings, History, Pooja & Aarti schedule, |url=https://www.trawell.in/himachal/mandi/shikari-devi-temple |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=Trawell.in}}</ref>

== 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]], [[Virbhadra Singh|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.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" />

=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sood |first=Jai |date=2 May 2022 |title=Shikari Devi temple:Where miracle happens every year |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/lifestyle/shikari-devi-templewhere-miracle-happens-every-year-1503066810.html |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=The Statesman |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" />

== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 October 2024 |title=Shikari Devi Temple {{!}} Amrit Katha |url=https://amritkatha.in/shikari-devi-temple/ |access-date=10 December 2025 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Navratri pilgrimages ===
The temple receives a large influx of devotees during the festival of [[Navaratri|Navratri]], both in spring and autumn. People come here to seek the blessings of the goddess Shikari Devi.<ref name=":3" />

=== Traditional offerings ===
As per local custom, devotees bring offerings like ghee lamps, coconuts and [[Dhvaja]]s (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, ''[[Chatra (umbrella)|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.<ref name=":0" />

== Geography ==
[[File:Shikari Devi temple.jpg|thumb|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 its 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, India|Rewalsar]] can be seen from the temple. In valleys [[Kangra Valley|Kangra valley]], [[Kullu Valley|Kullu valley]], [[Satluj Valley|Satluj valley]], [[Solang Valley|Solang valley]], [[Balh valley]] in Mandi, etc. can be seen. The peaks which can be seen from the temple are [[Mul Mahunaag]], [[Kamrunag Lake|Kamrunaag]], [[Dhauladhar]]s, [[Parbati Parbat|Parvati Parvat]], [[Mulkila]], [[Indrasan]], [[Shrikhand Mahadev]] in Himachal Pradesh and [[Yamunotri]], [[Kalanag]], and many peaks of [[Uttarkashi district|Uttarkashi]] in [[Uttarakhand]] can also be seen from the temple. In plains, [[Punjab Plain|Punjab plains]] can be seen when the weather is clear.<ref name=":0" />

== Accessibility ==
[[File:Shikari Devi In Winter.jpg|thumb|Views from temple in winters during snowfall]]
The temple is situated at the top of the Shikari peak. It is about {{Convert|31|km|mi}} from [[Thunag]]. It is accessible through two major roads which are from [[Janjheli]] and another from Snarli in [[Karsog]] valley, both are {{Convert|18|km|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.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trekking to Mandis Shikari Devi temple hills banned |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/trekking-to-shikari-devi-temple-hills-banned-566553/ |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":0" />

== Religious and cultural significance today ==
[[File:Snow On Trees.jpg|thumb|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ – GKToday |url=https://www.gktoday.in/shikari-devi-wildlife-sanctuary-esz/ |access-date=10 December 2025 |website=www.gktoday.in}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":0" />

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Hindu temples in India]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Himachal Pradesh by district]]
[[Category:Hindu temples by deity]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Durga temples]]

Shikari Devi Temple - Revision history

AlfonzoEsh at 22:24, 31 March 2026