Shikari Devi Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The nearest airport is at Bhuntar in Kullu district, about 118 km away.

• By train

  The nearest rail link is the narrow gauge line at Joginder Nagar, about 152 km away.

• By road

  Janjehli is reached by road from Nerchowk on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway. Two steep roads through forest, each about 18 km, reach the temple from Janjehli and from Sanarli in Karsog valley.

Why devotees come here

Shikari Devi Temple stands on the highest peak of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, about 18 km from Janjehli. It is dedicated to Devi Durga in her huntress form as Shikari Devi, and the temple is roofless.

Shikari Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Durga, worshipped here in her huntress form, known as Shikari Devi in Hindi. It stands on the highest peak of Mandi district and is also called the Crown of Mandi. The temple lies 18 km from Janjehli and 18 km from Sanarli in Karsog valley, on the other side of the hill. Locals believe that a deer led the Pandavas to this spot, and that the deer was Devi herself, come to guide them. Rishi Markendeya is also believed to have meditated here for many years.

Local belief holds that the Pandavas established the temple during their exile in the Mahabharata time. The temple is roofless, which sets it apart from most temples. Local traditions say many people have tried to build a roof over the shrine over the years, but none of the roofs have stayed intact. The temple receives a large influx of devotees during Navratri, both in spring and autumn. The premises, especially the interior, are said to stay free of snow.

Festivals

• Spring and autumnNavratri

  Large numbers of devotees come during both Navratri seasons.

Tips for your visit

• Parking is allotted below the temple, and 600 to 700 stairs lead up from there.
• About 10 feet of snow falls every winter, which can deny access to the Shikari Devi hills.

Questions people ask