Hatkoti Temple

Introduction to the Hatkoti Temple

Hatkoti is a beautiful village located on the banks of the River Pabbar in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. It is 102 km away from Shimla city. Hateshwari Mata Temple, or Hatkoti Temple, is popular in Hatkoti. This village is also famous for the Sawra Kuddu Hydro Electric Project. The locals mainly visit the Hatkoti Temple as a day trip from Shimla. It is a popular pilgrimage spot.

Legend of the Hatkoti Temple

The legend explains that Mahishasur, the son of Rambhasur, performed severe penance and prayers to Shiva for many years. His prayers pleased Shiva very much. So, he blessed Mahishasur by making him invincible. But Mahishasur took advantage of his reward, tried to capture all deities, and wanted to conquer the whole universe.

All the deities took shelter in a cave near the River Pabbar in Hatkoti and prayed to Mata Hateshwari to save them from the demon. Granting their prayers, Mata Hateshwari killed Mahishashur and received the name Mahishasuramardini.

It is also believed that the Pandavas spent a long time in Hatkoti during their exile from Hastinapur. There are also temples dedicated to the Pandavas at this holy place.

People can see a large metal pot tied with chains at the entry of the Hatkoti Temple. It is believed that the demon 'Charu,' who was trying to escape as a vessel from this place, was stopped and tied with chains by Mata Hateshwari.

The Architecture of the Hatkoti Temple

The Hatkoti Temple is believed to have been built in the late 9th century. It features the classical Shikara architectural style. The temple’s roof is pyramid-shaped. There is a marble Amalaka on the roof. A golden Kalash glitters above the Amalaka. The wooden and stone walls around the temple were built to protect it from any damage caused by the harsh climate of the region. There are two bronze lion statues guarding the temple’s entrance.

The main deity, Mata Hateshwari, is in the form of Mahishasuramardini, a powerful incarnation of Durga. She graces her devotees with eight arms. The head of the demon Mahishasura lies on her left foot, while her right foot extends underground. The idol of Mata Hateshwari is depicted with all her attributes. She holds her chakra in Prayoga mudra. One of her left hands holds a lock of the demon Raktabija's hair. Her bronze idol is 1.2 meters high and made of ashtadhatu (8 precious metals). People can see the idol installed in the sanctum, which emits light rays in the dark.

A copper pot emblematic of Parashurama stands beside Mata Hateshwari in the sanctum. It is taken out as part of a procession only during fairs as a representative of the Hatkoti Temple.

There are some inscriptions on both sides of the goddess' idol. But they have not been deciphered to date. Shiva has a separate shrine in the Hatkoti Temple complex. The Shiva lingam worshipped in his shrine is bigger than the width of the entry door. There are many shrines located on the temple premises which showcase wonderful architectural skills.

The Hatkoti Temple has a prayer hall called Kirtan Ghar and a rest house called Dharamshala. Devotees perform rituals in the Yagyashala, and sacrifices are also made here. There is a Hawan Kund in the middle of the hall. Satsang Bhawan is another hall located within the temple complex. Over three hundred and fifty people can sit in this hall at a time.

Festivals in the Hatkoti Temple

The Hatkoti Temple hosts many fairs and festivals annually that draw tourists and devotees across the region. Hatkoti Mela is the most significant event held during the Chaitra Navratri festival (March-April). Shivratri, Durga Pooja, Janmashtami, Diwali, and Raksha Bandhan are other grand festivals celebrated in the Hatkoti Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Hatkoti Temple

The door of the sanctum is studded with coins. Many people come to Hatkoti Temple, pray to the deity, and make a wish. Once their wishes are fulfilled, they hammer coins on the door.