Kalika Mata Temple Pavagadh

Kalika Mata Temple is located on top of Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal District, inside the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, dedicated to Kalika Mata. This temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and you can easily reach it by ropeway. Chaitra Navratri is the important festival of this temple. The ticket price for Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park for Indians is Rs 30 per person. Foreign tourists have to shell out Rs 500. There are 250 steps after completing the ropeway. For more details, check our latest blog on Pavagadh Temple Darshan timing and more.

History of Mahakali Mata Temple, Pavagadh

The goddess Kalika Mata was first worshipped by nearby locals, the Lewa Patidar. Their ruler was Sadashiv Patel. Later, sage Vishvamitra invoked her on the Pavagadh hilltop. There she is worshipped as Durga or Chandi. A legend says that during Navratri, a Garba dance was held at the temple. Many devotees danced with devotion to the Goddess. Impressed by their faith, Goddess Mahakali came in disguise as a local woman. She joined the devotees and danced with them. At that time, the ruler Patai Jaisinh was also dancing. He noticed the woman and was attracted to her beauty. Overcome with desire, he held her hand and made an improper proposal. The Goddess warned him three times to let go and repent. But he did not listen. The Goddess cursed that his kingdom would fall. Soon, Mahmud Begada invaded and captured his empire. Kalika Mata Temple in Pavagadh is also worshipped by the Vanvasis. The temple is described in Gangadas Pratap Vilasa Natakam, a 15th-century drama. The temple is named in honor of Goddess Kali. It is believed to be her home and is one of the Shakti Peethas. The toe of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen here.

Architecture of Kalika Mata Temple at Pavagadh

The small and plain Mahakali Mata temple stands in the forest. It has an open yard in front. The temple at Pavagadh stays open for long hours for the many pilgrims. In front of the temple are two platforms for sacrifices. But animal sacrifice has been banned for centuries. Here, the Kali yantra is worshipped. The temple complex has two parts. On the ground floor is the Hindu temple. Above it, the temple tower has a Muslim shrine. The main sanctum is on the ground floor. It has three holy images. In the center is Kalika Mata, shown only as a red head called mukhwato. On her right is Mahakali. On her left is Bahuchara Mata. The marble floor was rebuilt in 1859. It was donated by the minister of Limbdi in Kathiawar. The domed tower has a Muslim shrine. It is the tomb of Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint.

Festivals at Mahakali Mataji Temple, Pavagadh

The Kalika Mata temple is one of the biggest holy and tourist places in Gujarat. It attracts large numbers of people every year. For the Chodhri community, it is a custom to visit once in a lifetime. Devotees of Kalika Mata worship here by striking metal symbols. A fair is held every year on Chaitra Sud 8. On the full moon of Chaitra (April) and during Dasara (October), huge gatherings take places. People of all communities Join. During Navratri in September and October, many devotees come together. They celebrates for nine days in honor of all the Shakti Goddesses. 

How to Climb to Kalika Mata Temple?

• There are three ways for pilgrims to go to the temple from the hill's base:
• They are able to take the almost 1800 stone stairs, which is the traditional route to the shrine.
• They may use the ropeway to go to the temple, which takes around five to six minutes.
• They can use taxis or private jeeps that travel up to the base of the ropeway.

Facilities At Kalika Mataji Temple, Pavagadh

• For pilgrims who would rather not ascend the steps, there is a ropeway service.
• For the comfort of devotees, seats and rest areas are set up along the climbing path.
• Shops close to the shrine sell drinking water, food, flowers, and prasad.
• There are public restrooms and drinking water close to the temple complex.
• In Halol and Champaner, pilgrims can find accommodations at hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas.
• There are first aid stations and a medical assistance centre close to the hill's base.

Rules & Customs

• Before entering the shrine, all guests are required to take off their shoes.
• The temple has prohibited animal sacrifice for many generations.
• The sanctum sanctorum is restricted to photography.
• The waiting system should be adhered to the devotees, particularly on busy days and during festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Book Ropeway tickets for Mahakalo Mata Temple should be booked early during festival time.
• Visitors should not throw trash on the hill and must keep the place clean.
• When in wait, it's crucial to avoid pushing or speeding.
• Alcohol and leather goods are not permitted on temple property.
• Visitors should carry water bottels and light snacks for he trip to Kalika Mata Temple

How to Reach Pavagadh, Mahakali Mata Temple

Various modes of transportation are available to reach Pavagadh from major cities of Gujarat and nearby states.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kali Mata Temple, Pavagadh, is Champaner Road Railway Station, which is around 25 km away from the temple.

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is Vadodara Airport, which is around 49 km away from the temple. Whereas, the nearest international airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, which is approximately 115 km away from the temple.

By Road

The road connectivity of Gujarat state is very good. Direct buses are available from major cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Surat and Rajkot. The temple is around 6 km away from the Pavagadh Bus Depot.

Best Time to Visit Shree Mahakali Mataji Temple, Pavagadh

October to February is the best time to visit Pavagadh, Kalika Mata Temple.