Shikari Devi Temple

History

Local belief holds that the open sky itself forms the temple roof, making Shikari Devi one of the more unusual Devi shrines in Himachal. The peak doubles as the highest point in Mandi district, drawing both pilgrims and trekkers who accept the long forest and ridge approach from Janjehli.

District tourism literature highlights the contrast between deep winter snow on neighbouring ridges and the windswept, often dry summit — a phenomenon that has fed the shrine's mystical reputation for generations.

Stories

The Deer and the Pandavas

Tradition says that the Pandavas, during their exile, were hunting here when a mystical deer vanished into the forest. They realised that the deer was the goddess herself, guiding them, and they meditated at the spot and built the shrine.

Another account says the sage Markandeya meditated here for many years until Durga appeared and told him to build a temple. Both stories are local belief and cannot be dated.

A Temple Open to the Sky

The shrine on the summit has no roof. Local tradition holds that attempts over the years to roof it, including by a former chief minister, did not last, and that the goddess prefers the sky as her canopy.

It is also reported that the shrine's premises stay free of snow even when the surrounding region lies buried in several feet of it. The reason has not been established, and devotees attribute it to the goddess.

Crown of Mandi

The temple stands on Shikari Devi peak, the highest in Mandi district, which is why it is called the crown of Mandi. HP Tourism gives its height as 3,359 metres, and the surrounding area is a wildlife sanctuary.

Local hunters once worshipped the goddess for success and protection in the forest, which gave her the name. Devotees come in large numbers at both Navaratri seasons, and on clear days the view reaches many Himalayan peaks.

Good to know

Roofless hilltop Devi temple at 3,359 m — “crown of Mandi” (HP Tourism)

Summit often clear of deep snow despite surrounding winter cover

101 km from Mandi; 15 km from Janjehli by road/trek combination

Getting there

Road to Janjehli from Mandi (~85 km per Mandi destination page), then approx. 15 km to the peak approach (HP Tourism). Nearest airport: Bhuntar.