Shikari Devi Temple: Difference between revisions

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”’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 {{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. It is believed that the temple was established by the [[Pandava|Pandavas]] during their exile at the time of [[Mahabharata]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2021-07-15 |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}}</ref><ref>{{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=2025-12-10 |language=en-US}}</ref>

”’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 {{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. It is believed that the temple was established by the [[Pandava|Pandavas]] during their exile at the time of [[Mahabharata]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2021-07-15 |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}}</ref><ref>{{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=2025-12-10 |language=en-US}}</ref>

{{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|map_caption=Location in Himachal Pradesh|religious_affiliation=[[Hinduism]]|established=original structure: Ancient (unknown)<br />}}

{{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|map_caption=Location in Himachal Pradesh|religious_affiliation=[[Hinduism]]|established=original structure: Ancient (unknown)<br />}}

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.^[1][2]

Hindu temple in Himachal Pradesh, India

History and legends

Ancient Origin

It is believed that the temple dates back 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 worshioping Shikari Devi here and constructed the shrine.^[3]

Connection with sages

It is also believed that Rishi Markendeya also meditated here for many years, as goddes pleased by his devotion appered to him and as by her direction, the shrine was built by him.^[4][5]

Divine visions leading to temple

According to another legend, The Pandavas during their a hunt came across a mystical deer that disappeared into the forest, as they approched the deer, they came to know that this deer the goddess itself came in the form of a deer to guide them, and as her guidance they meditated here and subsequently built the temple.^[6]

Worship by hunters

Historically, the local hunters tmof the region used to worship her 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.^[7]

Architecture and unique features

Roofless shrine

The temple is totally unusual, 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 happeded, 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 perfers thr sky as her canopy, not any roof.^[8]

Snowfree premisis

Another remarkable phenomena associated with the temple is that, whenever that snowfall happens in the region, the entire region gets burried in several feets 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.^[9]

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 recieves a large influx of devotees during the festival of Navratri, both in spring and autumn. People come her to seek the blessings of the goddes Shikari Devi.^[10]

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 blessing of the goddess come to the shrine bare feet, and present offerings to the temole such as amount of money, Chattra, or any form of offerings the pilgrims likes 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 is increasingly viewed with disapproval by many in older times.^[11]

Geography

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 as it is top of the one of the highest peaks in Himachal, state’s capital Shimla, Kasauli, Solan, Rewalsar, etc places can be seen. In valleys Kangra valley, Kullu valley, Satluj valley, Solang valley, Bahl 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. In plains, Punjab plains can be seen if the weather is clear.^[12]

Accessibility

The temple is situated at the top of the Shikari peak. It is accessible through two major roads which are from Janjheli or from Snarli in Karsog valley, both are 18 km ride to the temple and both roads have forested terrians 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 by road journey. Below the temple the parking is alotted and from there 600-700 strais (steps) are there to the temple.^[13]

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. It’s a convergence of spiritual significance and raw Himalayan beauty.^[14]

Religious and cultural significance today

Shikari Devi Sanctuary, surrounding the temple, is itself a protected forest and wildlife area. The sanctity given to the temple and the deity plays a role in encouraging 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 unique combination of religious sanctity, natural beauty, and mystery, draws pilgrims as well as trekkers and nature-lovers.^[15]

References