Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple, Gujarat

Address

Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple, Gujarat

Pavaghd bava bazar Pavaghadh,

Gujarat 389360

Amman

Mahakali Mata

Introduction

• Location: The Mahakali Mata Temple is located atop Pavagadh Hill in the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Panchmahal District, Gujarat. It is a significant pilgrimage center and is considered one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. Dating back to the 10th or 11th centuries, the temple is dedicated to Mahakali Mata, a fierce form of the Goddess. The temple houses three goddess images: Mahakali Mata at the center, flanked by Kali and Bahucharamata on either side. Devotees can reach the temple summit via a ropeway, enhancing accessibility for pilgrims.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is one of the oldest in the region and holds deep spiritual significance. According to legend, Maa Mahakali self-manifested at the highest tip of Pavagadh after the right toe of Sati fell there, marking it as a Shakti Peetha. The temple has long been a place of worship, initially revered by the Bhil and Koli communities.
• A local legend recalls that during a Navratri Garba celebration, Goddess Mahakali appeared disguised as a woman to join the dancing devotees. Patai Jaisinh, the ruling king at the time, became captivated by her beauty and made advances despite her warnings. As a result, the Goddess cursed him, leading to his downfall at the hands of Mahmud Begada, a Muslim invader.
• The temple is believed to have been described in Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam, a 15th-century play. Worshipped by Adivasi communities and believed to be the residence of Kali Mata, this shrine is considered a place of immense spiritual power.

Special Features:

• The temple complex is modest, set amid fortifications with an open yard, and offers long hours for pilgrims to visit. While animal sacrifices were once a part of the offerings, they have been banned for centuries.
• The temple has two main sections:
  1. Ground Floor: Houses the chief shrine with three divine images: Kalika Mata (represented by a red mukhwato, or head), Bhadrakali, and Bahuchara Mata. The Kali yantra is also worshipped here.
  2. Dome: The temple spire features a Muslim shrine dedicated to Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint. The dome was part of the historical coexistence of both Hindu and Islamic architecture. In 2022, the dargah was relocated nearby during temple renovations.
• The temple’s marble flooring, added in 1859, was a gift from the minister of Limbdi in Kathiawar.

Festivals:

• The temple hosts two major fairs each year: one during Chaitra Sud 8 in April and another during Dasara in October. The temple also becomes a hub of activity during Navratri, when devotees gather to celebrate the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Shakti.
• A unique feature of the temple’s rituals is the tradition of devotees worshipping by beating bell-metal symbols. This custom continues to be observed during the fairs and other temple celebratio

Century/Period

10th-11th centuries

Nearest Bus Station

Pavagadh

Nearest Railway Station

Champaner Road Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Vadodara

Location on Map

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