Hatkoti Temple in Shimla, dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, is one of the main tourist attractions in and around Shimla. Lying along the River Pabbar, at village Hatkoti of tehsil Jubbal 104 km from Shimla, the temple is believed to be the spot where the gods fought a pitched battle. The spot is famous for ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields on the right bank of the Pabber River.
The fifth kandh of Bhagvat gita describes about Mata Hateshwari as:-
Hateswari is known as the Shakti of Hateshwar and hence this place is known as Hateswari, one of the main residences of Shiva and Shakti.
Himachal Pradesh is known as a valley of temples. It is a state of numerous god and goddesses. Hartkoti is one of them. About Hatkoti temple information is regarded as the most powerful goddess among all the goddesses of northern India by the residents of Hatkoti. They believe that the temple was established by Guru Adi Shankracharya. Some people also believe that the temple was built somewhere in the Third era.
There is no written proof about the history of the temple but as we enter the premises of the temple, the history diverts our minds towards itself, as there are a number of historic monuments in the temple which makes us remember about the Mabharata period. There are five stone Deols present in the temple premises which makes us remember about the five pandavas. These Deols are decreasing in size, first one being the largest in size and then the decreasing ones.
In the building there is a beautiful Lord Shiva temple having a large and beautiful shrine inside it, others idols present in the temple are also a proof a great architecture skills. The interior walls and roof of the temple have also been designed using great architectural skills.