Road to Shikari Devi temple restored
The Public Works Department (PWD) has successfully restored road connectivity to Shikari Devi, situated in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district. The road had been blocked for several months due to heavy snowfall in the region. However, with the onset of Navratra festival today, the doors of the Shikari Devi temple have opened to welcome devotees and tourists once again.
The Shikari Devi temple, located at an altitude of 11,000 ft, is a renowned religious and tourist spot in the region. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Shikari Devi, has been a centre of spiritual significance for the locals and visitors alike. Due to heavy snowfall during winter, the road to the temple is often blocked, leading to a seasonal closure. As a result, the administration had prohibited access to the temple since November of last year, prioritising public safety.
The reopening of the road has brought relief to both local residents and tourists. The temple’s accessibility is expected to significantly boost tourism in the area, especially as it coincides with the Navratra festival, a time when thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from Goddess Shikari Devi. The festival, which is celebrated with great devotion across the country, has attracted a large number of devotees to the temple, eager to participate in the religious ceremonies and enjoy the picturesque natural beauty that the region offers.
Local residents are optimistic that the restoration of the road will not only facilitate spiritual visits but will also contribute to the economy of the region by increasing tourist footfall.
Rajesh Kumar, a local resident, said the scenic beauty of the Shikari Devi region, known for its dense forests and snow-capped peaks, is expected to draw more visitors, benefiting the local economy and promoting the area as a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
With the temple now open for the Navratra celebrations, the administration and local authorities are taking necessary steps to ensure the smooth and safe movement of devotees and tourists. The region’s rejuvenated accessibility is expected to bring a renewed sense of vibrancy to the area as it continues to be a key cultural and tourist hub in Mandi district.
