ABOUT

Mata Sarthal Devi Mandir is nestled in Sarthal village of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. Sarthal Mata, a re-incarnation of Devi Durga, is the presiding Goddess of Hindus in Kishtwar and adjoining regions. Sarthal Devi is also known as Athara Bhuja Mata or Goddess with 18 arms among the devotees. Situated at approximately 6000 feet, this beautiful temple is covered with snow during winters. It is a cave temple which houses a single piece black idol of 18 armed goddess Sarthal which was brought from the Kashmir valley in the 14th century. The original temple was built with the stones by locals with the help of Raja Agar Dev of Kishtwar.It is believed that a devotee of goddess residing at Agral village of Sarthal used to appease goddess.