Shikari Mata temple in Mandi witnessing heavy tourist influx

Dipender Manta

Mandi, July 1

With the mercury rising in plains tourists are making a beeline to hills. Among the places attracting tourists is the famous tourist place Shikari Mata temple in Mandi district. A large number of tourists from different parts of the country are thronging this sacred place to pay obeisance to local deity Shikari Mata.

The Shikari Mata temple is situated in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district at an elevation of around 11,000 feet above sea level.

This place is blessed with a bounty of nature, which is a major attraction for tourists. In order to develop this place for tourism purpose, the temple has been connected with the road facility. Earlier, this place was not easily accessible to tourists and they had to trek long and tough terrain to reach temple premises.

Raj Kumar, a tourist from Delhi, who visited the Shikari Mata temple along with his friends, said, “It was an amazing experience to visit this place during summer, when hot temperature is unbearable in plains. The hills of Shikari Devi were very soothing. The climate in the region was very good and the area is blessed with a bounty of nature.”

Balwant Sharma, another tourist from Shimla, said that “I was keen to visit this place for a long time but got an opportunity to visit this year along with my friend. The pathway leading to the temple is a paradise for nature lovers. Besides, it has medicinal herbs and beautiful flowers on the way.”

“Temple of Shikari Mata is roofless, which also arouses curiosity of visitors. The place offers a spectacular view of the mountains and hilly areas around,” he added.

Suresh Kumar, a local resident of Seraj valley, said the temple, it is believed, was in existence during the time of Pandavas. The temple has a great significance in the holy book Markandeya Purana and the Mahabharata.

“The temple has many trekking places in the vicinity. It has dense greenery and soothing flora. It is a wonderful place for sightseeing. Tourists can also visit the Shikari Devi sanctuary located close to the temple,” he said.