Shali Mata Temple


Shali Mata Temple is a Hindu temple located on stop of Shali Tibba peak, which rises from Khatnol, which is part of Sunni in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, India. The base of the trek in Khatnol is about from the state capital Shimla. It is about trek from Khatnol to Shali Mata Temple. There is no direct motorable road to the temple.

History and legends

Many local sources date the history of Shali Mata Temple to over 400 years ago. According to the legend, the original idol of the goddess was first installed in a village named Dalana near Shimla. The idol was reportedly brought there from the shrine of Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan. Later, the devotees believed that the goddess appeared in a dream asking to be moved to the highest peak nearby, so that her blessings could reach far and wide in the region. Responding to this divine command, the idol was relocated and enshrined at the peak of Shali Tibba. Since that time, she came to be worshipped as Shali Mata.
The temple is made in traditional Kath Kuni architecture style.
In earlier times, the trail was in poor condition, and accessibility to the temple was quite difficult, so the then-king of Faridkot state built a trail here in 1936 after his wish of birth of a son was fulfilled. In current times, a pilgrim rest house was built near the temple to accommodate the pilgrims who want to stay overnight.

Belief

The temple is popular because of the belief that, whenever the devotees pray to the goddess, she always helps them in any form or by the guidance from their inner self. Devotees believe that, as Rog Nashini, even just a sight of the goddess can cure illnesses and problems, and such ailments fade away even without treatment.

Geography

Shali Mata Temple is situated on the top of Shali Tibba, one of the highest peaks in the Shimla district. In winters, snowfall occurs here in abundance. The temple gives 360-degree panoromic views of the distant high mountain ranges and many peaks, including some of the highest peaks in the country.

Views of distant Himalayan peaks and ranges

Peaks from Kangra-Chamba side: The Manimahesh Kailash, Hanuman Tibba, and other high peaks of Dhauladhar range
Peaks from Kullu side: Deo Tibba, Parvati Parvat, the highest peak of Pir Panjal range which is Indrasan, etc
Peaks from the Kinnaur-Shimla side Himalayan ranges: Himachal Pradesh's highest peak Reo Purgyil in Kinnaur district can be seen from the temple. Two other Kailashas are also visible apart from the Manimahesh Kailash: Shrikhand Mahadev and Kinnaur Kailash. Other peaks of the region which are visible from here are Mul Mahunaag, Shikari Peak, Kali Tibba, Gushu-Pishu, Hansbeshan Peak, Krunshikring Peak, Churdhar Peak, and other ranges near Chaupal and Sirmaur. Other Himalayan ranges and forested hills of Shimla such as Jakhu hill, Kufri, Theog, Fagu, and Narkanda can also be seen.
Peaks from the Garhwal Himalayas: On clear days, distant peaks from beyond Himachal Pradesh, including Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Kedarnath, Satopanth, Yamunotri, and parts of Gangotri.

Views of valleys and rivers

Many valleys of the state are visible from the temple and peak, including Sunni valley, Satluj valley, and Kangra valley. Satluj river can be seen flowing in Sunni valley in Tattapani from the temple premises.

Views of different places

Many places like the state's capital Shimla as well as Kasauli, Solan, Karol Tibba, Parwanoo, and other nearby towns can be seen from the temple premises.

Views of Northern plains

The Punjab and Haryana plains are also visible from the temple, but it is very hard to view the actual Punjab plains because it is much farther from the temple, which is in interior Himachal Pradesh. Plains can be visible, but only with very clear weather, which is harder in current times, as the smog and fog covers the environment over plains much stronger than that in the hilly areas.

Accessibility

Accessibility to Shali Mata Temple involves a combination of road travel and a short mountain trek. From Shimla, the base of the trek in Khatnol is about through motorable road byMashobra and Baldeyan up to Khatnol, which is the last road-accessible point below the Shaki Tibba peak. From Khatnol, there is moderate steep trek of about to the top of the peak where the temple is situated, that passes through dense Deodar and Pine forests. The path is well-marked by locals, making it safe and popular for the pilgrims. In clear weather, the trek is properly maintained, but during snowfall or monsoon, the trail sometimes become slippery and more challenging, which then requires proper caution.