Kalika Mata Temple is a Hindu goddess temple complex and pilgrim centre at the summit of Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal district, India, within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
Shrine’s History
Dating from the 10th-11th centuries, Kalika Mata is the oldest temple in the area. According to R. K. Trivedi in Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat , the goddess Kalika Mata was initially worshipped by the local , until she was later invoked and installed by Vishvamitra on Pavagadh Hill summit, where she is worshipped as a form of Durga or Chandi.The story is for Mata Temple celebration a Garbha organised by people,Mata feeling very happy and assumed the form of a woman and danced in a Garba, King watched her with the dirty look.
Mata tried to explain who she was but king not agree so The deity became angry at King and cursed him that the town will fall, and same time Khandesh king in Maharashtra gave promise that you all come at khandesh and stay there. Pavagadh’s Kalika Mata is also worshipped by the Adivasi.The temple was described in Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam, a 15th-century drama. Named in honor of the Goddess Kali, the temple is believed to be the Kali Mata’s residence, and is one of the Shakti Peethas, as the symbolic toe of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen here.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The small and plain temples are set amidst fortifications with an open yard in the front and are open for long hours to cater to the rush of pilgrims. There are two altars in front of the temple for offering sacrifices to the Kalika Mata, as well as a row of lights that are lit on festive occasions. The Kali yantra is worshipped at the temple. The complex is divided into two parts, the ground floor containing Hindu shrines, while the temple spire is domed with a Muslim shrine. The chief shrine on the ground floor contains three divine images: in the centre Kalika Mata in the centre , while Mahakali is situated to her right and Bahuchara Mata to her left. The restored marble floor dates to about 1859 and was presented by the minister of Limbdi in Kathiawar. The domed temple spire contains a Muslim shrine and mausoleum to Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The Nearest Bus stop is Halol city in just 6 k.m. Local Bus transport is available from Pavagadh and Halol City
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Vadodara distance 48 km from Kalika Mata Temple
By Air
The nearest airport is Vadodara city airport and distance is 48 km from Kalika Mata Temple
Shrine Timings
5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Devotees of Kalika Mata visiting the temple worshipped by beating bell-metal symbols. A fair is held each year at the temple on Chaitra Sud 8. Especially on the full moon of Chaitra, in April, and at Dasara, in October, there are large meetings of Hindus of all classes.
