Located nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, the Shikari Devi Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the Goddess of Hunters. With a spectacular view of the surrounding Himalayas, this temple offers devotees and adventurous travelers a place to meditate and enjoy nature. Discover the history behind this religious site so that you can add it to your Northern Indian vacation itinerary.
Learning About the Geography
The Shikari Devi Temple is located in the Mandi District of Northern India. Indeed, it resides on the "Crown of Mandi," which is the tallest mountain peak in the region. From afar, you can see the temple with its surrounding meadows on this peak. Once you reach the temple's elevation, you can look out at the surrounding mountain ranges, too.
Nearby, cedar and oak trees form a dense forest around this attraction. For Hindu followers, the temple's location offers a quiet place to meditate, worship and find inner peace. Although isolated at this elevation, the temple remains accessible by car or trekking during the warmer months.
Diving Into the Temple's Legendary Story
Several legends have been passed down through the generations to explain the temple's creation and importance. Most legends revolve around the five Pandavas during their exile. One legend recalls the Pandavas hunting a deer. During their efforts, goddess Shikari Devi appeared to them as the Goddess of Hunters.
Another legend describes the Pandavas and their penances. They impressed Shikari Devi so much that they won a war and founded the temple in celebration. Another legend involved the Maharishi Markandeya and his penance. With Shikari Devi looking on, she decided to stay in this land in gratitude for his efforts. Regardless of the legend's multiple tales, the temple houses an idol or pindi as an abstract representation of the Goddess of Hunters. Today, visitors can see this sacred object and reflect on this Hindu legend.
Understanding the Two Miracles
According to legend, the Shikari Devi Temple doesn't have a roof because the Goddess of Hunters prefers the sky as her enshrinement. Reportedly, many people have tried to construct a roof but without success. This first miracle translates to a temple with idols flanking the walls instead of the room's center point.
The second temple miracle revolves around the region's snowfall. According to legend, snow won't accumulate on Shikari's idol. It simply falls away. Although the temple is often closed during the winter season, irregular snowfall during the other seasons gives you a glimpse of this miracle up close.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Shikari Devi Temple is early summer. For Hindus, they often travel during May and June to participate in summer darshan or deity viewing. Typically, the temple has colorful decorations to commemorate these pilgrimages.
During late summer, the temple is prone to monsoonal storms. These storms can produce mudslides, which create treacherous conditions around the temple. Alternatively, visit in October and November for drier conditions.
Because of the temple's mountainside location, several feet of snow are possible during the winter. Oftentimes, the temple remains closed during the snowiest periods. Ideally, plan your trip with the weather in mind so the temple is accessible during your stay.
Traveling to the Temple
Luckily, the temple is only a few minutes away from the main road. For example, take a bus or car down the Chandigarh-Manali Highway to the temple's access road. A smaller road connects the main highway to the temple. However, this road can have rough terrain. If you opt for a vehicle, consider renting an all-terrain car or SUV.
Because the temple resides on a hillside peak, wear comfortable shoes to climb the moderate hill. With several hundred stairs leading to the temple, the climb is worth the effort with a picturesque view at the peak. Naturally, bring water and food with you so that you can replenish your energy before exploring the temple.
As you plan your trip to the Shikari Devi Temple, bring several clothing layers for the changing weather. Although sunny in the summer, the temple's elevation means that cool weather is often the norm. With warm clothing and comfortable shoes, you can hike to this unique property and enjoy Himachal Pradesh's culture and landscape.
