Sukrala Mata Mandir Billawar
The famous shrine of Sukrala Mata is located in Billawar in Kathua district – Jammu-Kashmir, at a height of 3500 feet from sea level. According to local belief, the temple is abode of goddess Mal Devi, re-incarnation of Sharda Devi. It is believed to have been built by Madho Singh, exiled prince of Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of devotees throng the shrine during Navratras.
The goddess has manifested herself here in the shape of a Shilla (Stone Slab) seated on a Brass Lion with a silver mounted head. Behind it is also an image of Mahishasur Murdini (re-incarnation of Maha-Luxmi) standing on the body of Mahishasur, the Demon King. The Goddess is four armed with a sword in one of her hands.
The Holy Shrine is believed to have been built by Madho Singh and exiled Prince of Chamba (Himachal Pradesh).
The story goes that used to live a renowned saint at Basohli who had received his education in Kashmir and Kashi there he visited many shrines including those of Shri Amarnath, Sharda, Hari Partvati etc. He was a strong devotee of Gods and Goddesses. During, his arduous penance and devotion, the Mother Goddess was very pleased and so he had holy dream. When asked by Mata ji as to what he wanted. The devotee prayed that he wants that she should be at his place so that with locals can be relieved of the pains and agony and are blessed by her Shakti. Mataji granted him the boon that she will appear at the time of his grandson and so the devotee disclosed to the locals. The devoted Brahmin had number of sons amongst whom two most pious and learned were by name Amolak Ram and Mahadev Shiv Nandan. They preferred and adopted Billawar and Basohli as their residence.
Exactly in the time of Mahadev (Shiv Nandan), a Shila (stone slab) miraculously started emerging out from a spring at Sukrala. The people of the area only started realizing the prophecy of the grandfather as had earlier been disclosed. They (the inhabitants) accepted it as an emblem of the goddess and as such started worshipping it regularly.
Pilgrimage to the Shrine is increasing every year especially during During the Navratras.
