History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Maa Sharvari Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali is not just blessed with natural beauty but also many shrines and religious places. One such religious shrine is the Maa Sharvari Temple. Maa Sharvari temple is not just a religious place but also a place where you can visit for peace, solace and serenity, away from your daily busy life. Read this article to know more about the temple and its history along with events and things to do here
Maa Sharvari temple is a must place to visit in Manali which offers a peek into the culture and history of the hill stations of Kullu Manali. The main deity of the temple is said to be an incarnation of Durga Devi. Maa Sharvari Devi is one of the most popular ancestral deities of the rulers of Kullu, also a demonstration of Durga Devi.
About the temple
Maa Sharvari Temple is located at Shaminallah Village, a place located about 5-6 km away from main market place of Manali.
The temple stands near the ever flowing Beas River. If you love to trek then coming up to this temple can be a treat for you, if you trek to the temple you'll be able to experience the surrounding panoramic view of the valley and mountains. The temple sees devotees and visitors throughout the year from all over the country especially during Dussehra.
The idol is another form of Devi Durga. who is also the Kuldevi of the Kullu rulers. During Dussehra the idol of Kuldevi, dressed in colorful attire and decorated gracefully is taken to meet Lord Ram to the Raghunathji temple, hundreds of devotees come to visit this temple during Dussehra and be a part of this ritual being followed since years.
Things to do near Maa Sharvari Temple, Manali.
Offer your prayers to the age-old deity.
Take photographs of the panoramic view of the surrounding.
If you are visiting the temple in winter, play with the snow lying all around.
The lovers of adventure can even go for a trek in a group accompanied by a local guide.
After the darshan of Maa, you can do many things to spend your time at this beautiful place.
Tourist attraction here at Maa Sharvari Temple
You can enjoy shopping the local items like woollen rugs, sweater, jewellery items, shoes etc. from the nearby markets Manu Market, Tibetan Market, Old Manali Market or the retail stores of Himachal Emporium. You can also pay a visit to Solang Valley, which is an excellent place for paragliding and hand-gliding during the summer months. Skiing and skating can be enjoyed during the winter months at this Solang Valley. The place is also surrounded by beautiful waterfalls like the Jana Falls, an excellent place to enjoy picturesque beauty of Manali with family picnics.
Availability of Guides
You will not come across a professional guide there. However, the local people are very good and would gladly help you out with the way. The priests at the temple will also narrate the history of the ancient temple if they are free.
Temple timings
The temple timings is: In Morning 5 am to 12 pm and in Evening from 4 pm to 9 pm daily.
Best Time to Visit
The Maa Sharvari Temple can be visited at any time of the year. However, as Maa Sharvari is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the best time to visit the temple is during the 10 day festival of Dussehra.
Interesting Facts of Sharvari Maa Temple, Manali
Maa Sharvari is an important incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is the deity who was worshipped by the Kullu Kings since time immemorial.
The temple is decorated at its best during the festival of Dussehra.
The idol of the Goddess is taken to Raghunath ji temple, during Dussehra.
Maa Sharvari temple stands today as a place of worship which has been revered since ages, the faith that prevailed during the time of Kullu rulers, still prevails and is respected by all pilgrims. The serene and divine place is a must visit, when you come to Manali.
How to Reach Maa Sharvari Temple, Manali, Major Tourist Destination of Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali being one of the major tourist center along with important town of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Manali more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 50 km from the city. Joginder nagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 140 km from city. Manali is located at 40 km from Kullu, 300 km from Chandigarh, 238 km from Shimla, 537 km from Delhi, 450 km from Vaishnodevi, 182 km from Palampur, 123 km from Mandi and 135 km from Joginder nagar.