Mata Sarthal Devi Mandir
About Mata Sarthal Devi Mandir
Situated at approximately 6,000 feet elevation in Sarthal village, this cave temple houses a single black stone idol of the eighteen-armed Goddess Durga, believed to be brought from Kashmir Valley in the 14th century. According to local legend, Saint Shri Paul directed his disciples to worship the goddess in this form. The original temple was constructed from stone by locals under Raja Agar Dev of Kishtwar, and the present structure was renovated and rebuilt in 1936 by Maharaja Hari Singh using wood from the Dayalwan and Deviyun forests. The temple remains snow-covered during winter months and is accessible via a steep staircase leading to the hilltop shrine. The deity is also known as Athara Bhuja Mata among devotees.
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