Mrikula Devi Temple

Mrikula Devi Temple is an ancient wooden shrine located in Udaipur, Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. Dating to the 10th or 11th century, it is dedicated to Goddess Kali as Mahishasuramardini and is also revered by Buddhists as Vajravarahi. The temple is renowned for its intricate deodar wood carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics and Buddhist iconography. It stands at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga River and Miyar rivulet.

Visitors can expect to see a historic wooden temple with elaborate interior carvings illustrating episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata alongside Buddhist motifs. The sanctum houses a silver idol of Goddess Kali and features a carved ceiling with nine panels including a lantern-style center. Photography inside the sanctum is prohibited. The exterior appears simple with a gable roof, contrasting with the rich artistic detail within. The site functions as a shared place of worship for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.

The temple is believed to date to the 10th or 11th century CE, with repairs in the 12th and 16th centuries reflecting Kashmiri and Tibetan artistic influences. Legend attributes its original construction to the Pandavas during their exile, with divine architect Vishwakarma completing it in one day. The village was renamed Udaipur after Raja Udai Singh of Chamba installed an ashtadhatu idol in the late 17th century. A silver idol of Kali was installed in 1569-70 by Thakur Himpala.

The temple serves as a unique shared sacred space where Hindus worship Mrikula Devi as Kali and Buddhists revere her as Vajravarahi (Dorje Phagmo). Local tradition holds that Padmasambhava meditated here. The Fagli Festival involves special rituals with a hidden skull relic believed to be associated with the goddess. Devotees follow specific customs such as departing in silence rather than saying 'let's go.'