Kalika Mata Temple: Pavagadh Champaner Gujarat

Kalika Mata Temple which literally refers to 'the great black mother' is a prominent Hindu place of worship located in the foothills of Pavagadh in Gujarat. This shrine is home to three different forms of goddesses namely Kalika Mata, Kali, and Bahuchara Mata. Kalika Mata Temple houses one of the famous and sacred Shakti Peetas. It is the also the primary venue for hosting the annual fair which is held on Chitra Sud. Mass influxes of devotees residing in the district of Panch Mahal throng this place during this auspicious event.

Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh

Geography

Kalika Mata Temple is situated at an elevation of about seven hundred and sixty-two meters above the sea level in the midst of the tropical deciduous forest. The property is currently owned and operated by the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

The discerning tourists who would prefer to access the shrine may choose the pathway which started from the main road and passes through the forest. The tourists are required to climb up the hills via ropeway. Other available modes of transport include a mono-cable which has the capacity to accommodate or carry one thousand two hundred people at a time.

History

Kalika Mata Temple which houses the idol of goddess Kalika Mata was worshipped by the local residents of Pavagadh in the beginning. But the idol was later worshipped as Goddess Durga and Chandi after the sacred idol was placed by Vishvamitra at the foothills of Pavagadh.

Temple or Darshan Timings

The Kalika Mata Temple is opened to the public seven days a week from morning 05: 00 AM until 07: 00 PM in the evening. The devotees are allowed to visit the shrine for about two to three hours and they are not required to pay any entry fees.

The Aarti commences at 05:00 AM in the morning and concludes at 06: 30 PM in the evening.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to pay a visit to Kalika Mata Temple is during the months of October to February. Photography is permitted within the premises of Kalika Mata Temple.

Attractions

One of the must-visit sightseeing destinations near Kalika Mata Temple are as follows-

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: - Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park which is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site was established by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. This archaeological site comprises of magnificent and heavily fortified forts. Besides that, it houses opulent palaces, Hindu and Muslim places of worship along with residential complexes.

Food and Accommodation

The esteemed guests who would prefer to lodge in at a three-star hotel in Gujarat may book their rooms at Hotel Royal Palace. It is strategically located in the heart of the city offering contemporary facilities and authentic cuisines.

All The rooms consist of plush interiors and are well-equipped with all the basic amenities. Apart from that, it houses a multi-cuisine restaurant which serves both South Indian as well as Continental cuisines. Hotel Royal Palace guarantees a delightful dining experience for the local residents as well as the tourists from around the world.

If you are planning a spiritual tour to Gujarat with your family, then Kalika Mata Temple could be your best option.

How to Reach Rope Way?

The tourists are required to hire a private bus to reach the Pavagadh Hill. As soon as they have arrived at the place, they may choose the ropeway to make all their way to the Kalika Mata Temple. The total distance taken to reach the shrine is about a half a kilometer. The ropeway which is owned and operated by an organization named Usha Breco Ltd. has the capacity to accommodate four hundred people at a time. The ropeway functions on a regular basis from morning 07: 00 AM until 07: 00 PM in the evening.

How to Reach of Transportation?

By Air: - Those tourists who would prefer to travel to Kalika Mata Temple by air may head straight to Vadodara airport which is the located at Harni road in Vadodara. The total distance taken to travel from the Vadodara airport to reach Kalika Mata Temple is about forty-eight kilometers.
By Train: - Tourists who wish to travel to Kalika Mata Temple by rail may proceed to Vadodara Junction Railway Station which is located at a distance of about forty-eight kilometers away from the Kalika Mata Temple.
By Road: - Those individuals who would like to travel by road may make their way to the Halol city and hire a private bus to reach Kalika Mata Temple. There are private buses which ply regularly from the Halol city to Pavagadh.