Located in the mesmerizing district of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, The Shikari Devi Temple is an important tourist attraction. It is at a height of 2850 meters above the sea level and requires a small trekking towards the temple. This temple is a roofless and is known for its beautiful and mesmerizing pathway. You can find a number of flowers that are lining the entire pathway leading to the temple. You can find plenty of flowers and natural beauty along the way to the Shikari Mata Temple, Mandi. You can get a picturesque view of the entire mountain ranges from the top of the temple.
History
The Shikari Devi Temple in Mandi is believed that it has been existing since the time of Mahabharata. T was here when the Pandavas existed on the face of earth. The reason why this temple is called the Shikari Devi Temple is because of the fact that it was worshipped by the hunters or Shikaris. In the archaic days, the hunters would worship the Goddess in the Shikari temple to seek blessings for a successful hunt. It is believed that the temple has no roof as no one has ever been able to build a roof over the top of this temple. Sage Mandala is believed to have meditated in this beautiful temple.
Best Time to Visit
Mandi is located on high altitude and is usually cool in most parts of the year. The best part about visiting the Shikari Devi Temple in Mandi is that it is very pleasant throughout the year. You can reach here at any point of time. The best time to visit the Shikari Temple, Mandi is between the months of October and June.
How to Reach
Mandi is a popular tourist attraction that is near to Kullu Manali and Dharamashala as well which is located in Himachal Pradesh. The Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh is one of the easiest to reach. If you are traveling via road, the roads are well-paved and can be reached easily. It can be reached from Chandigarh and Delhi very easily. There are many Volvo buses that are plying from the nearby cities. You can also drive to Mandi as well to reach here conveniently. By rail, the nearest railway station us Summer Hill in Shimla which is 71 kilometers away from the district. By flight, you can get down at the Bhuntar airport which is just 31 kilometers away from Mandi. Taxis and local buses are regular from the railway station in Summer Hill or the airport in Bhuntar. Once you are in Mandi, Shikari Devi Temple is easily accessible.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About
The most interesting fact about the Shikari Devi Temple, Mandi is that this temple does not have a roof over the head. It is believed that the Shikari Devi or the Goddess in the temple does not let any follower to build a roof on top. Many believers have tried to build the roof over the head but it has turned out to be a complete failure. This temple has its mentions in different mythological books like Mahabharata and Markandeya Purana.
Nearby Attractions
Mandi is a very popular destination for tourists and houses a number of attractions that one can visit apart from the Shikari Devi Temple. Some of the attractions that one can visit in Mandi are Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Rewalsar Lake, Panchvaktra Temple, Tarna Temple, Sunken Garden, and Triloknath Temple. If you are visiting the Shikari Devi Temple, there are some of the other attractions like Bhimakali Temple, Kamaksha Devi Temple, and Chauntra Valley.