Shikari Devi Temple of Yogini Mata in Mandi

On every summer vacation, we Himachal Pradesh people love to travel to the Deities and other famous places related to our Hindu Gods, Mata Shikari Devi temple is one of the most scenic locations and is located at one of the topmost hills of Janjehli Mandi.
The temple is located at a height of 11000ft in the middle of the deep forest and Meadows Valley. Everyone travels there in summer to seek blessings and in winter the hills are covered with snow of about 6-7ft including the roofless temple and the magical statues of Mata Shikari Devi always remain visual throughout the whole winter.
As per Historians and Local people, Rishi Markande visited this place and meditated for several years and asked Devi Durga Mata to stay in Janjehli hills and bless everyone later the temple was built by Pandwas of Mahabartha with stones and wood without a roof because Devi Maa didn’t allow a roof on her temple, later many pujari and local people want to build a rooftop on the temple but Devi Mata always denied for the roof. So this is the only temple without a roof.
Locals and many believers sacrifice sheep, and Goats as a Bali for the well-being and Happiness of their family and others carry Coconut with Prasad and Chuni to get blessings.

Jai Maa Durga

Contents

1 Why is Maa Durga Called Shikari Devi?

Why is Maa Durga Called Shikari Devi?

When Pandaws came to Mandi for Agyatvas at that time they tried to hunt wild animals in Janjehli and near Durga Devi Temple established by Rishi Markande, So the Pandaws were not able to hunt in their hunting then they prayed to Maa Durga for blessings. they were able to get darshan from Devi Maa who blessed them, and then they hunted down a wild animal in Shikari Dhar Hill. After that, they built a small temple in Shikari Dhar Hill and called it Shikari Mata Temple.

Shikari Devi Entrance

Where is Shikari Devi Temple Located?

District:- Mandi

State:- Himachal Pradesh

Country:- India

Continent:- Asia

Currency:- Rupees

Language:- Pahari, Hindi, Punjabi, English

Shikari Devi Temple Stairs

How to reach Shikari Devi Temple?

By Air:- From India Delhi International Airport you have to book further flights to Bhuntar Airport which is 100km from Janjehli and another option is Gaggal Airport which is 202km from Janjehli. Now from the Airport, you will easily find Cabs/Taxi and Rental Cars for your further journey towards Mandi (Janjehli).

By Train:- From Delhi International Airport you can take the metro to Delhi Railway Station and then towards Jogindarnagar Railway Station Mandi which is 130km from Janjehli. You will easily find Cabs/Taxi outside the railway station for your journey towards Janjehli.

By Road:- From Delhi International Airport hire any Cab/taxi or book Rental Cars and Rental Bikes towards Janjehli, Mandi. Delhi to Shikari Devi Temple journey by road is 510km approx.

You can also travel on ordinary Buses and book Volvo tickets for an Overnight journey towards Mandi from Kashmiri Gate (Majnu ka Tila). Now to reach the bus Station you can take the metro, a local taxi, and an Autorickshaw.

Distance covered: Delhi to Mandi 400km via NH 152D.

Bus Route:- From Delhi ISBT to Mandi ISBT Himachal Pradesh you can travel by Volvo or Ordinary bus and then take local buses from Mandi ISBT to Janjehli. Mandi ISBT to Janjehli Buses start from morning 06:00 AM to evening 05:00 PM. So you have to adjust your travel timing to catch more buses and vehicles. After that, you must travel to Shikari Devi Temple Gate by Taxi/Cab or ordinary bus.

Distance Covered: Mandi ISBT to Janjehli Main Bazar – 100km approx

Janjehli to Shikari Devi Temple – 20km.

Now you have to hike towards the Shikari Devi Temple for about 20-30 minutes if you are a hiker otherwise hike at your own pace on a well-maintained road with many benches underway to hault and 400 stairs approximately to reach Shikari Devi Maa Temple.

Shikari Devi Benches

Now for the Old Temple established by Pandawas, you have to hike more than 200m from the main temple, once you reach there you will see the meadows and 360-degree view. You will only find some red flags, iron nets, statues, and many tridents (trishools) to identify the temple.

Note:- Do not dispose of Plastic wrappers and water bottles underway. Keep them with you and dispose of them in a proper dustbin.

What is the best time to Visit Shikari Devi Temple?

In the Summer season, you will see the best views and amazing hike routes, a cool breeze, and the best climate to visit there.

As per Officials 15th March to 15th November you can visit there but I suggest you avoid the rainy season and always check for weather conditions because Shikari Hill is the topmost hill where you will feel cold and the road conditions will be bad in the rain.

Winter season is not a favorable time for any visitor due to cold and snow up to 6ft and it is also a Wild Life Sanctuary full of many dangerous wild Animals so kindly hike with a companion in the off-season.

Shikari Devi Valley View

Where to stay and Eat in Shikari Devi?

We have many Eating and Staying options underway at Shikari Devi Temple.

Starting from Janjheli 20 km from Shikari Devi Temple you can easily find many options and one of the best Valley to explore. The Nature parks, Apple Valley, and some beautiful water bodies and waterfalls to explore.

If you want to camp or stay near Shikari Devi Temple you must get permission from local authorities, Temple Pujari otherwise camp in the jungle.

We also have Sarai options for accommodation given by Temple authorities for free stay and you will find a small Dhaba and shops for food near Shikari Devi Temple and at the starting point of the Hike.

Experience Travel Itinerary and Experiences

We booked a 14-seater traveler and started our journey early morning with a group of 15 people mostly female and a few males including a driver from Ani, Distt. Kullu. the whole route was full of scenic views and natural beauty.

Underway to Shikari Devi Temple

After travelling 20kms we entered in Mandi district from Showard Bridge, and then we proceeded to Chatri station in Karsog Valley. Now after spending some time and refreshment in Chatri Station, we headed towards Janjehli Valley.

Route may Ani to Shikari Devi Temple

We reached Janjehli around 10:00 AM then we directly headed towards Shikari Devi Temple which is 18km from Janjehli Valley. When we reached there we directly started our hike toward Shikari Devi Temple and underway bought some essential things for pooja, It took 30-40minutes to reach Shikari Devi temple, After reaching the Temple we prayed Mata Kali and took blessings from Pujari and Devi Maa, and then proceeded to eat some food in a nearby dhaba. After some photoshoots and rest we head back towards the vehicle parking area. The whole group enjoyed the trip.

Shikari Mata Group Tour