SUKRALA MATA TEMPLE || BILLAWAR MANDIR AND SURINSAR LAKE |

Through legends and historical record, the name of Sukrala is derived from Sharikalaya, the abode of Sharika which though, of course is another revered name of Mata Sharda. The historical records reflect the narration as to the origin of the sacred spot of Mata Sukrala Devi.
The Most famous shrine dedicated to mother goddess is Sukrala Devi Shrine at a distance of 9.60 Kms from Billawar and about 75 Kms from Kathua. The Shrine is located at a height of 3500 ft on a hillock amidst sylevan surroundings. The white line coated imposing edifice of the temple stands erect majestically. The pilgrims have to scale flights of many steps to reach venerated temple. The holy shrine is the abode of goddess Mal Devi, the re-incarnation of Sharda Devi. The goddess has manifested herself here in the shape of a Shilla (Stone Slab) seated on a Brass Lion with a silver mounted head. Behind it is also an image of Mahishasur Murdini (re-incarnation of Maha-Luxmi) standing on the body of Mahishasur, the Demon King. The Goddess is four Armed with a sword in one of her hands. Many legends are associated with the Shrine. The Holy Shrine is believed to have been built by Madho Singh and exiled Prince of Chamba (Himachal Pardesh). The Pilgrimage to the Shrine is increasing every year. During the Navratras the Number goes upto over 50 thousand.

Five hundred years ago a great poet Trilochan lived in village Sukrala. In his early age he went to kashmir to attain religious education. After attaining his religious and spiritual knowledge he decided to come back his village sukrala. Trilochan's Guru gave him some coins to spend on meal and to meet other needs during his journey. When he reached Baramulla he purchased Hawan (Pooja Samagri) and started Hawan there. He concentrated his mind in pooja and the whole Hawan (pooja material) was exhausted and started offering his body pieces in place of hawan and ultimately he prepared himself to offer his head but when he raised his sharp edged weapon to cut his head mata shukrala (younger sister of mata vaishno) appeared and stopped him to take such a step to eliminate himself. This way mata sukrala (mata mal) gave darshan to Bhagat Trilochan. Bhagat Trilochan compelled mata to settle at sukrals in Billawar (Jammu Province). Mata accepted the desire of his Bhagat and promised to settle there, a male member of your third (3rd) generation will become my pujari. After uttering these words mata disappeared from his sight.
In Bhagat Trilochan's third generation his grandson Shiv Nandan became Mata's pujari (Bhagat). He was also a great scholar like his grand-father Trilochan. One day in dream pujari Shiv Nandan saw Mata Sukrala and told him about the promise made with his grand-father that in Trilochan's third (3 rd) generation a male member will become my pujari, now I have choosen you and accepted my pujari (bhagat).
Mata directed Shiv Nandan to go in a jungle (forest) and you will find there a white flower creeper and under that creeper an extraordinary murti(Idol) is lying. As per Mata's instruction given in dream he reached the place and found there an extra ordinary of Mata Sukrala was resting. Bhagat shiv Nandan started worship there without any break.
Story of Sukrala Temple
After the death of Raja chamba (H.P) his elder son Mehad Singh became the Raja of Chamba, but his younger brother who was active and politician managed to snatch his crown and became the king of chamba. When prince Mehar singh debarred from chamba kingdom , he came in Billawar. The king of Billawar was his close in relation. He started living there.
One day prince Mehad singh along with contingent went to a thick jungle and killed 120 (one hundred twenty) wild she goats. When he along with his contingent came out of the jungle (forest), Prince Mehad Singh experinced severe pain in his stomach. He was lifted to Billawar and Doctors/Hakeems were consulted for his treatment, but failed to find out any solution of the severe pain.
Finally Shiv Nandan pujari of Mata Sukrala was requested to give suggestion about the treatment of Princes' pain. Shiv Nandan suggested to bring Thakur who was also a Bhagat of Mata Sukrala from a village situated on the top of the hill. When Thakur was brought by the Billawar king's men from his village Thakur saw the condition of prince Mehad Singh out of control. He concentrated his mind toward Mata Sukrala, then pujari shiv nandan placed slaped on his back with heavy hands. The words come out from Thakur's mouth that pain can be removed if prince Mehad Singh construct a Temple of Mata Sukrala. Prince Mehad singh showed his help lessness, because he was no more king of chamba at that time. Again from Thakur's words he promised to construct Mata's temple at Sukrala. When he accepted the desire of mata Sukrala, prince's pain disappeared and become alright.
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