Sankari Devta Temple

Sankari Devta Temple

The serene and important historical Sankri Devta temple is located in the Panchari hills of Udhampur. Every nook and cranny of the temple whispers secrets from the past, from stories of legendary divine intervention to tales of ancient kings. The temple is thought to be older than 500 years. The Sankri Devta temple, with its understated yet exquisite architecture, is a symbol of the area's rich religious and cultural legacy. The whispers of legends and stories passed down through the ages reverberate within the walls of the temple. Legend has it that one day, while tending to his cattle, a man encountered a mysterious stranger reclining on the ground. Despite the man's inquiries, the stranger remained tight-lipped about his identity. After much persuasion, the stranger revealed himself as Sankri and declared his desire to be worshipped as their deity. He outlined specific rituals and offerings, appointing a goldsmith to receive gold tikka on his behalf. Sankri also mandated an annual procession in his honour. Soon after, a stone idol of Sankri miraculously appeared, moving from one location to another until it settled at its present site, where the temple stands today. An intriguing feature of the Sankri Devta temple is its yearly festival, which takes place in August or September and attracts both pilgrims and visitors from a wide radius. Devotees assemble to celebrate the deity's divine grace during this festival, which brings the temple to life with vivid colours, music, and dance.