Mrikula Mata Temple | Udaipur | Lahaul & Spiti

Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its mediaeval religious sites. There are numerous temples here, and worshippers have a strong trust in them. Mrikula Devi temple of Udaipur, located in the district of Lahaul. This sacred shrine’s history is linked to the Dwapara Yuga. Mrkula Devi attracts devotees from all around the world.

History

The history of the renowned Mrikula Devi temple in Udaipur, Lahaul Valley, is linked to the Pandavas’ exile during the Dwapara dynasty. This temple, built at an elevation of 2623 metres above sea level, is noted for its outstanding design and wood carving. Mother Kali is worshipped here in the shape of Mahishasura Mardini’s eight arms. This temple was constructed in the Kashmiri Kannauj style.

Mother Kali is said to have preserved a blood-shed here after slaying Mahishasura. This khapar is still held underneath Mata Kali’s primary idol here. Devotees forbid it. People think that if this khapar is seen even by accident, it will turn blind.

The Fagli festival is conducted in the valley once a year. On the eve of the festival, the Maa Mrikula Devi temple priests undertake Khappar rites to pay their solemn prayers. The khapar is removed, but no one notices. Durga Das, the temple’s priest, claims that if the elders are to be believed, the eyesight of the four persons who saw the khapar vanished forever in 1905-06.

Bajrang Bali and Bhairo, two gatekeepers, stand near the temple. Before entering the temple, worshippers are instructed that even after praying and receiving darshan here, they should remember, ‘let’s depart from here.’ According to popular belief, if you say this, you and your family will suffer. It is believed that when this is spoken, both of the guards guarding at the temple’s entrance will walk together. Therefore, even in today’s changing climate, never say anything in this shrine. Return gently after having darshan.

In the temple courtyard, there is a quintal weight stone that is difficult to sweat even when lifted. It is believed that five or seven individuals can easily shake or raise this stone with a middle finger with the mother’s heartfelt shouts. According to the priest, this stone was set for Bhima. Bhima used to devour all of the Pandavas’ food, so he would give them a one-time meal equivalent to the weight of this stone so that others may eat as well.

Udaipur got its name from Margul village.

This settlement was known as Margul before the 16th century, according to legend. King Uday Singh of Chamba visited Lahaul. He erected the goddess Ashtadhatu’s statue. The hamlet was renamed Udaipur as a result of this. The hamlet is located beside the Chenab (Chandra and Bhaga) rivers on the Tandi-Kishtwar route.

The Hindu mother worships Mrikula, also known as the Mahishasura Mardini form of the goddess Kali. In contrast, the Buddhist mother adores Vrkula, also known as Vajrahi (a wrathful goddess in Buddhism). Buddhists say that during his visit, the great Tantric saint Padmasambhava meditated here.

Construction was completed in a single day.

According to believers, the Mrikula Devi shrine was erected during the Pandavas’ exile. It is believed that Mahabali Bhima brought a massive tree here one day and ordered Lord Vishwakarma, the deity’s builder, to construct the temple. Vishwakarma built this temple in a single day. Mrikula Devi is known as Mother Kali.