Mata Sundrikote is a holy shrine, located on the Shivalik Hills, located in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is actually situated on the old Kathua-Billawar mule track, about 7km from Billawar. Perched atop at an altitude of 1000m above sea level, this hillock shrine is approached by a flight of 107 steps.
Mata Sundrikote is an ancient shrine which provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Near the temple there is Berry plant, under which it is believed that the idol of the Goddess was believed to have been found. The temple has Goddess Bala as presiding deity, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Numbers of devotees visit the temple during "Navaratri" to seek blessings of mother goddess. A fair is also held during Navaratri.
Legend of Mata Sundrikote Temple
According to legend, one Brahmin was cutting grass and his sickle struck with a stone which started oozing blood. A dream at night commanded him to place the stone under a Banyan tree for worship. The stone considered to be re-incarnation of holy goddess was later on enshrined in the temple.
Route to Mata Sundrikote Temple
Regular bus service is available for Kumari and Parnalla from Kathua. Kumari is about 13kms from Kathua and Parnalla about 55kms from Kathua. From Kumari and Parnalla, Pilgrims have to trek to reach the shrine. Mata Sundrikote Temple is accessible from Kathua (22km) on the Dhar-Udhampur Road. The route passes through pictorial pine forests and wild bushy plants.
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