Shikari Devi Temple Himachal Pradesh

Shikari Devi Temple, Mandi
Shikhari Devi Temple is situated at an altitude of 2850 meters above sea level amidst snow capped mountains and dense pine trees. According to legends, this temple is believed to have been in existence since the time of the Pandavas. People even say that there will be no snowfall on the top of the temple.Traces of this temple can be seen right from the Mahabharata period and it is also mentioned in the holy book Markandaya Purana. It is also said that sage Markandya had meditated at this place for a long time. During meditation, he had a desire to see the earthly form of Goddess Durga (Mahishasura Mardani), who had killed the demons like Mahishasura, Rakta Bija and Madhu Katavab.It is also said that the Pandava brothers performed penance here during their exile and were later blessed with victory by Goddess Durga. Every year a fair is held here during Navratri days, which attracts a large number of devotees from all over the world.