Himachal
itself, though studded with temples, has a very special
reverence for Hatkoti, the abode of Goddess
Mahishasurmardini an incarnation of Durga.
PRIME ATTRACTION
The Temple
Complex: The temple complex consists of a main temple
dedicated to Durga and a smaller temple dedicated to Shiva,
the two standing side-by-side. There are some conical stone
structures meant for storing grain, presumably built by the
local people at a much later date. At Dharamshala, a kirtan
ghar and a rest house make up the complex. On the basis of
the architectural design and style of sculpture, it is
believed that the Hatkoti temples belong to the Gupta period
and must have been built between the 6th and 9th century AD.
The
Garbhagriha: The Garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum is
naturally dark, but the idol, exquisitely cast in bronze,
emits a soft, ethereal glow. It depicts the goddess
Mahishasurmardini also called Mata Hateshwari, eight-armed
and riding a lion as she drives her spear through the heart
of the demon Mahishasura. On either side of the image, there
is an inscription in a variation of the Brahmini script that
no one has been able to decipher so far.
Shiva temple:
The Shiva temple nearby is very similar in architecture and
design with the rest of the temples present in Hatkoti. One
of the remarkable features of this temple is the shivling
situated within the temple, which is wider than the doorway.
Sunpuri
Hills: At the heart of the Hatkoti valley stand the hills of
Sunpuri, merging into each other, making it sacred for the
localities to call it the Ardhnarishwar. Surmounting this
hillock is a small temple with another finely chiseled image
of Mahishasurmardini, made of stone.
Panzo
Pandoora Ghaurdoo: Small temples scattered near Sunpuri
Hills are said to have been built by the Pandavas and are
called by local people as 'Panzo Pandoora Ghaurdoo' or the
toy houses of the five Pandavas.
Charoo:
Charoo, which means a large bronze vessel, stands battered
with age on one side of the mandap of the Mahishasurmardini
temple securely chained to an image of Ganesha positioned
inside the temple.
Khara Patther:
Khara Patther is an upcoming skiing hotspot, which falls
enroute to Hatkoti from Shimla. Besides, if one is in a
pilgrimage mood can visit Giri Ganga, a few kilometers away
from Khara Patther.
ADVENTURE
Angling &
Trout-Fishing: From Khadralla, the way to this paradise for
anglers, lies through Sungri. Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is
Rohru situated on the banks of River Pabbar - an excellent
spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with trout. The
trout hatchery at Chirgaon, upstream, ensures a well-stocked
river.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Shimla
is the nearest airport.
Rail: Nearest
rail heads Shimla narrow gauge Kalka broad gauge.
Road: One can
either take the Shimla -Theog-Kotkhai-Khara
Patther-Hatkoti-Rohru motor road or the Dehradun to Hatkoti
route, which passes through Chakrata, Deoban, Tiuni and
Arakot. Hatkoti is at a distance of 105 km from Shimla , the
capital of Himachal Pradesh
PLACES TO
STAY
One can stay
at the Forest Rest House nearby or in one of the few hotels,
which have mushroomed lately. Those looking for luxuries can
go to Rohru, 10-km away from Hadsar.
FAIRS &
FESTIVALS
Twice a year,
during the Chaitra Navratra in the month of April and the
Ashvin Navratra in October, the temple complex reverberates
with the sounds of bells and cymbals and khartals. On both
occasions a fair is held, attracting pilgrims from far and
near. Those who worship Durga in the form of Shakti
sacrifice a goat or sheep, those who worship her in the form
of Vaishnavi, offer flowers and halwa. Himachali folks make
offerings of parched rice and homegrown walnuts, as these
are considered highly acceptable to the Devi.
