Kalika Mata Temple also known as Pavagadh Temple is a Hindu temple located on the Pavagadh Hill in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Parvati.
Shree Kalika Mata temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and the 3rd in Gujarat because the right leg of our Goddess Sati fell in this place.
The Pavagadh temple is another example of the resilience of the Hindu religion and culture, it has withstood the vagaries of nature and the onslaughts of time and hostile invaders, and today its flag flutters proudly at the top of its Shikhara.
Quick Facts
- Address: Pavagadh Hill
- District: Panchmahal
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Goddess Kalika
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Navaratri
- Architecture: Nagara architecture
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
History of Mahakali Temple
According to mythology, the Pavagadh temple has existed since the 10th century and has been restored many times. The great sage Vishwamitra stayed on the Pavagadh hill and worshipped our Kalika. It had believed that Vishwamitra Maharshi erected our idol of Kali.
According to historical records, Jaisin, a king of the Patai dynasty, ruled the Champaner kingdom at the foot of the Pavagadh hill.
Champaner was a prosperous empire during his reign, and the goddess Mahakali lived happily on the hill of Pavagadh. Navratri, the festival of the sacred nine nights and the worship of Ambe Devi, had celebrated here with pure devotion.
With devotion to the deity, the royal family, as well as the local people, take part in the Garba. Because of their true love and pure devotion, the goddess was so impressed that she decided to disguise herself as a local woman and participate in Garaba with her devotees.
King Jaisingh was pleased with her beauty and made an indecent proposal. Then the goddess warned the king and said she was like his mother. Out of desire, the king insisted on making her his queen. Then the goddess became angry and cursed that his kingdom would fall.
Later, Mughal King Muhammad Begada invaded Champaner and defeated King Jaisinha in battle. Thus the thriving Champaner Empire collapsed due to the curse of the goddess. In the present temple courtyard, the inner sanctum sanctorum housed the head of Mahakali Mata – Mukhvato and had been painted in red.
Adjacent to this is the idol of Mahakali and the Bahucharama machine. Next to the Mahakalima temple is the shrine of the Muslim monk Sadansha, who had believed to have appeased Goddess Mahakali when she angrily decided to destroy the world.
According to local folklore, Vishwamitra Maharshi erected an idol of Kalika Devi at Pavagada. The locals believe the region had been blessed with Vishwamitra Maharshi’s power.
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Festivals Celebrated
This temple is one of the biggest tourist and pilgrimage centers of Gujarat, which attracts a large number of people every year. The devotees of Kalika Mata who come to the temple worship by beating the bell-metal symbols.
Especially the full moon of Chaitra, Dussehra, Navratri are the major festivals of the nine-day all-powerful devotional festival. A large number of devotees come together for this festival.
Recent Event
The spire of the temple was destroyed by Sultan Mahmud Begada about 500 years ago. However, the spire of this 11th century temple on Pavagadh hill has been restored under a redevelopment plan and the Prime Minister hoisted the flag on its top.
Modi ji said \”The ensign was not hoisted over the Mahakali temple for five centuries, even during the 75 years of independence.
The flag hoisted on the temple is not only a symbol of our spirituality, but it also says that centuries pass, ages pass, but our faith remains eternal\”
How To Reach Kalika Mata Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport to the Temple is the Vadodara Airport, which is about 42 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to the Temple is the Champaner-Pavagadh Railway Station, which is about 5 km away.
Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad halt at this station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road
The Temple is well connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi. State transport buses and private buses operate from nearby cities like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
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