Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh

Coordinates: 22°27′40″N 73°30′42″E / 22.46111°N 73.51167°E / 22.46111; 73.51167
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Mahakali Mata Temple, Pavagadh
Mahakali Mata Temple, Pavagarh
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPanchmahal
DeityMahakali Mata
FestivalsNavaratri
Location
LocationPavagadh Hill
StateGujarat
CountryIndia
Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh is located in Gujarat
Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh
Location in Gujarat
Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh is located in India
Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh
Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh (India)
Geographic coordinates22°27′40″N 73°30′42″E / 22.46111°N 73.51167°E / 22.46111; 73.51167
Architecture
TypeNagara architecture
CreatorVishvamitra Rishi
Completed10-11th centuries
Elevation827–832 m (2,713–2,730 ft)

Mahakali Mata Temple (or Mahakalimata; lit. 'the great black Mother')

Shakti Peethas
. One can easily reach the temple by ropeway.

Geography

Kalika Mata Temple is situated in the

above sea level.[3] The temple complex is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[4]
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).[3] The path passes the ruins of Patai Raval's palace ruins. Alternatively, there is a Pavagadh ropeway access, which was commissioned in 1986.[5]

History

The Kali yantra is worshipped at Pavagadh's Kalika Mata Temple.

Dating from the 10th-11th centuries, Kalika Mata is the oldest temple in the area. According to

Sati was fallen here.[9]

Architecture and fittings

The small and plain[citation needed] temple is set amidst fortifications with an open yard in the front, and is open for long hours to cater to the rush of pilgrims.[3] There are two altars in front of the temple for offering sacrifices to the Goddess, but any kind of animal sacrifice is strictly banned since almost two to three centuries now. 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.[10] The chief shrine on the ground floor contains three divine images: in the centre Kalika Mata in the centre (depicted in the form of a head, known as mukhwato and red in colour[3]), while Bhadrakali 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.[citation needed] The domed temple spire contains a Muslim shrine and mausoleum to Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint.[10]

Following redevelopment of the temple in 2022, the dargah was shifted nearby and the new shikhara of the temple was built.[11]

Festivals

Goddess Mahakali in middle,Kali on left side and Bahuchara in right, in the main alter of the temple

The temple is one of the biggest tourist and pilgrimage centers in Gujarat, attracting large numbers of people every year.

Dasara, in October, there are large meetings of Hindus of all classes.[citation needed
] Every year in September and October during Navratri (9 day devotion of all shakti goddess) large number of devotees come together for celebration.

See also

References

  1. ^ Stiglmayr, Elisabeth (1968). Acta ethnologica et linguistica. Universität Wien. Institut für Völkerkunde. pp. 25, 111. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  2. ^ Vyas, Rajni (2012). Gujarat Ni Asmita (5th ed.). Ahmedabad: Akshara Publication. p. 26.
  3. ^ a b c d "Pavagadh Hill/Kalika Mata Temple". The Official Website of Gujarat Tourism, Govt. of Gujarat. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 12 December 2010. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park". UNESCO. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  5. ^ "Usha Breco Limited | Maa Kalidevi". Archived from the original on 19 December 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  6. ISBN 978-1-68466-134-3
    .
  7. ISBN 978-81-904866-2-0
    . Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  8. ISBN 978-81-8069-521-6
    . Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  9. ^ "Pavagadh". Government of Gujarat. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  10. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4419-0071-5
    . Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  11. ^ "In harmony: Dargah shifted, shikhar set, PM Modi to unfurl flag atop temple". 17 June 2022.
  12. ISBN 978-92-3-104122-8
    . Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  13. ^ Srivastava, Mahesh Chandra Prasad (1978). Mother goddess in Indian art, archaeology & literature. Agam. p. 140. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  14. ^ Glatter, Augusta (1969). Contributions to the ethnography of the Chodhris, Surat District, Gujarat. Engelbert Stiglmayr. p. 25. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  15. ^ Gujarat State Gazetteers: Kheda. Directorate of Government Print., Stationery and Publications, Gujarat State. 1977. p. 163.
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