Sukrala Devi Shrine is a famous shrine dedicated to mother goddess Mal Devi, the re-incarnation of Sharda Devi.The Word‘Mal’connotes ‘Malyudhh’ which depicts the Combat between Goddess and bufalloDemon Mahishasur, in which the latter was defeated by the hands of Goddess Durga.Mata Sukrala Devi Ji is Kul Devi of Dogras.
The Shrine is located in Tehsil Billawar of District Kathua of UT of Jammu & Kashmir. It is at a distance of 9.60 Kms from Billawar and about 75 Kms from District HQ 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 goddess has manifested herself here in the shape of a Shila (Stone Slab)seated on a Brass Lion with a silver mounted head. Behind it, is also an image of MahishasurMurdini(re-incarnation of Maha-Lakshmi) standing on the body of Mahishasur, the Demon King. The Goddess is four Armed with a sword in one of her hands.
Built by
Many legends are associated with the Shrine. The Holy Shrine is believed to have been built by Madho Singh, anexiled Prince of Chamba (Himachal Pradesh). The Pilgrimage to the Shrine is increasing every year. During the Navratras, the Number goes up to over 50 thousand. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the shrine from all parts of India. Darshans are open throughout the year.
Shrine Board
Since the year 2013, when the Shri Mata Sukrala Devi Ji and Shri Mata BalaSundri Ji Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed, the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carrying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.