Mandi, March 19: On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, special prayers were performed at the revered Shikari Devi Temple despite heavy snowfall in the region.

Devotion Continues Amid Snowfall at 11,000 Feet

Situated at an altitude of around 11,000 feet, the temple witnessed continuous snowfall as priests and temple committee members reached the shrine to conduct rituals.

Snowfall has been ongoing in the valley since the previous night, creating a challenging yet spiritually significant atmosphere for the beginning of Navratri.

Temple Remains Open Only for Priests in Winters

The Shikari Devi Temple, located in the Thunag subdivision, is unique as it has no roof, and the deity is worshipped in the open under the sky.

During winters, due to heavy snowfall, the temple remains closed to the general public. Only the priest and temple caretaker visit regularly to perform daily rituals in the morning and evening.

Temple priest Suresh Sharma said that more than one foot of snow has already accumulated in the area. He has urged devotees to avoid travelling to the temple due to continuous snowfall and difficult conditions.

Cold Wave Intensifies Across District

Meanwhile, in the lower areas of Mandi district, rainfall has been continuing since the previous day. This has led to a sharp drop in temperatures across the region, intensifying the cold wave conditions.

Despite harsh weather, the spirit of devotion remains strong as Navratri celebrations begin across the state.