Kamarunaag to Shikari
Many temples of Devbhoomi are still full of many mysteries. The things of God's faith related to these temples surprise everyone. However, there are scientific aspects to it as well, but the faith of God dominates these scientific aspects.
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| Trek from Kamarunaag to Shikari |
Among such temples, the temple of Goddess Maa Shikari of Saraj Valley is also one. In the winter season, snow falls from six to seven feet here, but even this heavy snow cannot stand on the idols of the roofless temple of Mata, nor does the roof stand on top of this temple.
It is believed that the wishes of all the devotees who come here are fulfilled. This place of Mata is situated at an altitude of eleven thousand feet in the Saraj area.
Kahan Singh, the priest of Maa Shikari Mandir, said that the idols do not get snow. It is seen as a divine miracle. This temple of Shikari Mata is the only temple in Mandi which does not have a roof.
Here the goddess is revered under the open sky. The idols are installed only on the walls in the temple. It is believed that God does not like to stay inside the temple by putting a roof.
People associated with the faith of God say that many times an attempt was made to put a roof in the temple, but according to the mother, permission has not been given.
The idols of Shikari Devi are set on a scaffold of stones. Shikari Mata is also called Yogini Mata. The idols of Navadurga Mata, Chamunda, Kamrunag and Parashuram have also been installed here.
Special fairs are held here during Navratras. It is believed that Markandeya sage did penance here for years and being pleased with his penance, Goddess Durga was established here in the form of Shakti.
After some time the Pandavas built the temple during their exile. The Pandavas performed penance here, pleased Mother Durga and blessed the Pandavas with victory in the war against the Kauravas.
This temple of Shikari Mata is situated on a hill situated at an altitude of eleven thousand feet. The hill ranges of Shimla, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti are visible from the temple situated on this hill.
On the way, the secluded environment and deodar forests fascinate the mind. It is not advisable to visit this place between May and September as the region remains covered with snow during these months.
The roofless temple is visible on foot and on bright sunny days, you also get to see the wonders of the Pir Panjal Himalayas.
The roofless temple is visible on foot and on bright sunny days, you also get to see the wonders of the Pir Panjal Himalayas.
The major peaks seen from this level are Dev Tibba, Indrasana, and Papasura - Dharmasura.
Now some information about the temple, no roof has been built on the temple. It is said that many attempts have been made. Everything has failed.
There is heavy snowfall here. In the past year, four tourists have got their work done by getting stuck in snow here.
A story behind the name Shikari Mata came out that people used to come to hunt in this area. Even today, this entire area falls under the hunter wildlife sanctuary.
This temple is built on the highest peak in the dense forest. People have come here to play hunting. The hunting forest gradually became known as the mother of the hunter.
The strange story behind its name is that it is said that Pandavas came here to play hunting during exile. They saw some deer here. They gave chase but could not catch the deer.
Then, in the dream or some other way, the Pandavas came to know that the deer was not an ordinary deer. The goddess of this area was traveling in a deer form. The Pandavas got an idol which was founded on the top of this mountain. Because of this its name became hunter mother.
As stated earlier, this temple is built on the highest peak of this district, and the view from here looks very attractive.
One more thing, from here up to the Kamarunag Temple and the lake, there is a foot trekking route up and over the hills.
In which only landing is unloading. This route further meets Kamarunag on the road leading from Rohanda Sundar Nagar to Karsog.
A rough road connects the Shikari Mandir with Janjaihali Town. Can also walk through the forest which does not take more than 2 hours.
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| On the way to Shikari Temple |
I decided to take a walk through this forest, which is well marked and in case you wander, have a cushioning hut as Landesty. There is a huge cave popular, which is known as Buddha Kedar.
