The Shikhari Devi temple is positioned in the middle of snow-capped mountains and dense pine trees at an elevation of 2850 m above the sea level. As per the legends, the temple is believed to be in existences from the time of the Pandavas. People even say that there will be no snowfall at the top of the temple.
One can see the traces of the temple since Mahabharat times, and its reference is also mentioned in the holy book, Markandya Puran. It is also stated that Sage Markandya meditated at this place for quite a long time. During meditation, he desired to see the worldly form of Goddess Durga (Mahishasur mardani) who killed the demons like Mahishasur, Rakata Bija, and Madhu Catawb. It is also said that Pandava brothers meditated here during the exile period and was later blessed by Goddess Durga for their victory. Every year during the Navaratri days fair is held here, which attracts a large number of devotees from all over the world.
