Kalika Mata Temple

About the Temple

Mahakali Mata Temple (or Mahakalimata; lit. 'the great black Mother') is a Hindu goddess temple complex and pilgrim centre at the summit of Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal District, India, with in the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

Here, She is worshipped in the form of Durga or Chandi. In the temple, the Kali Yantra is worshipped which dates to 10th or 11th century. The temple has three images of goddesses: the central image is of Mahakali Mata, flanked by Kali on the right and Bahucharamata on the left.

The idol of Mahakali originally belonged to the Achalgacch of Svetambara sect of Jains that was established on the hill in the 12th century, installing the Mahakali devi as the Adishtayika of the Achalgacch. Pavagadh was an ancient Jain pilgrimage centre.

On Chitra sud 8, a fair is held at the temple which is attended by thousands of devotees.The temple is the site of one of the 51 Great holy Shakti Peethas. One can easily reach the temple by ropeway.

Location

Kalika Mata Temple is situated in the Indian state of Gujarat, near Halol, at 762 metres (2,500 ft) above sea level. The temple complex is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is set amidst a dense forest cover on a cliff.

The temple can be accessed by a pathway from the road head through the forest over a distance of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi). The path passes the ruins of Patai Raval's palace ruins. Alternatively, there is a Pavagadh ropeway access, which was commissioned in 1986.

History

The history of Kalika Mata temples, such as the one in Pavagadh, Gujarat, dates back to the 10th century when they were initially Sun Temples before being rededicated to Goddess Kali during the reign of the Solanki or Chalukya dynasties, reflecting changing religious prominence. Legend holds the temple in Pavagadh is a Shakti Peetha where the toe of the goddess Sati fell, and it has been a significant pilgrimage site for centuries.  

Kalika Mata Temple, 1882