Shikari Devi Temple
Also known as Shikari Mata Temple, Shikari Devi Mandir, Shikari Devi Sanctuary
Shikari Devi Temple near Mandi, HP, has no roof, as local belief holds any built here collapses; the goddess is worshipped in the open amid Himalayan views.
Photos of Shikari Devi Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Devi
- Established
- Legendary Mahabharata-era origin
- Architecture
- Roofless, open-air Himalayan hill shrine — the goddess is enshrined as a pindi (stone form) directly under open sky at 3,332 m
- Address
- Khauli, Shikari Devi, Himachal Pradesh 175047
- Timings
- Open 24 hours
History of Shikari Devi Temple
Local tradition traces the shrine to the Mahabharata era: the Pandavas, during their forest exile, are said to have encountered a mystical deer that vanished and revealed itself as the goddess, who asked to be enshrined atop the peak — hence Shikari ("hunter") Devi, protector of hunters and forest wildlife. An alternate account credits the sage Markandeya, who meditated here seeking a vision of Durga. Every attempt to roof the shrine has reportedly failed, reinforcing its sacred open-air status.
Festivals Celebrated at Shikari Devi Temple
- Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad)
How to Reach Shikari Devi Temple
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~90-118 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge station, ~80 km. By road to Janjehli via Mandi (~92 km), then a ~15 km, roughly 5-hour trek, or a jeepable road to Sanarli followed by several hundred steps to the shrine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shikari Devi Temple
Where is Shikari Devi Temple located?
- Shikari Devi Temple is located at Khauli, Shikari Devi, Himachal Pradesh 175047, in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Shikari Devi Temple?
- The presiding deity at Shikari Devi Temple is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Shikari Devi Temple?
- Shikari Devi Temple is generally open Open 24 hours. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shikari Devi Temple built?
- Shikari Devi Temple was established Legendary Mahabharata-era origin. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shikari Devi Temple?
- Shikari Devi Temple is built in the Roofless, open-air Himalayan hill shrine — the goddess is enshrined as a pindi (stone form) directly under open sky at 3,332 m style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shikari Devi Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shikari Devi Temple include Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shikari Devi Temple?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~90-118 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge station, ~80 km. By road to Janjehli via Mandi (~92 km), then a ~15 km, roughly 5-hour trek, or a jeepable road to Sanarli followed by several hundred steps to the shrine.
Why is Shikari Devi Temple significant?
- Shikari Devi Temple near Mandi, HP, has no roof, as local belief holds any built here collapses; the goddess is worshipped in the open amid Himalayan views.
Is there an entry fee at Shikari Devi Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Shikari Devi Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Shikari Devi Temple?
- Shikari Devi Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.