Markula Devi Temple is a 15th century shrine, located at Udaipur in
Lahaul and Spiti District of
Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Markula Devi, another name of
Durga. It is believed that Durga took the form of Markula when she killed Mahisasura. It is also believed that this shrine was built overnight from a single block of wood by the
Pandavas, who stayed here during their exile.
The temple, built in timber-bonded stone, is a fine example of the architecture of Himachal Pradesh. The walls of the temple are adorned with scenes from the
Mahabharata and
the Ramayana. In the front portico of the temple, there are images of
Goddess Ganga,
Goddess Yamuna, ten incarnations of
Lord Vishnu and
Surya.
The temple is easily accessible from
Manali. The nearest railhead is
Joginder Nagar Railway Station.
