Sarthal Mata Mandir | A journey of faith

Devi Sarthal Mata Mandir (Kishtwar)

Sarthal Mata Mandir , considered as re-incarnation of Goddess Durga, is the chief deity of Hindus in Kishtwar (Jammu and Kashmir) and adjoining areas. Originally made from the stones by locals under patronage of Raja Agar Dev of Kishtwar, this holy temple was renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1936 from the wood of Dayalwan and Deviyun-van forest. Situated at approximately 6000 feet, this scenic temple is covered with snow during winters 

History (Legend)

According to the local legend, Shri Paul who was the first saint from Kishtwar region, had directed his disciples to worship goddess durga in the form of Mother with 18 Arms. The legend goes on to say that one of the locals was able to invoke goddess in the form of a young girl who pointed towards the eighteen armed idol of goddess. King Agar Dev of Kishtwar is then believed to send his courtiers to make a temple for the idol at an appropriate place. It is said that the Idol became too heavy to be carried beyond its present abode at Sarthal where a Stone Temple was constructed.

Annual Pilgrimage

Annual pilgrimage (in the month of July) to the Sarthal Mata Mandir (temple) is an important event in the local calendar when people from nearby villages throng the temple to receive blessings of the goddess. The annual pilgrimage starts from Gori Shanker temple in #kishtwar To #agral_sarthal Where the temple id located. People bring in tridents (trishul) to the temple. The temple boasts of trident collection that is hundreds of years old. During the Dogra Rule, this pilgrimage was known as “Sarkari Yatra” during which there was a 3-day holiday in entire Doda district for celebration of this yatra. It is considered auspicious to have Mundan (First Hair removal of a baby) at the temple. It has a dedicated vehicular road starting from Hasti (Near Kishtwar) that leads unto the base of temple. The temple is situated on the top of a hillock, and has some difficult stairs to be climbed to reach the top.