Kali Mata temple,Vadodara,Gujarat

At the summit of Pavagadh hill, 762 m above sea level, is the temple ofGoddess Kali, which is most ancient in the area, dating from the 10th-11th centuries. Hindu pilgrims were coming to visit this temple from long before the improvement of Champaner as a chief city, and they continued for hundreds of years after its deterioration, right up to the present day. To reach the temple at the summit is about a 5 km walk along a jungle path to the top of the hill; or else, there is a cable car that will take you to the pinnacle from about the midway point, which is the last place accessible by road. The temple has large fortifications and an open Chowk in front, with two altars for sacrifices, and an array of lights for special occasions. The idol of Kalika Mata in the inner sanctum is only the head, the mukhwato, painted in red. Also present are full idols of Mahakali and the yantras of Bahuchara.

Kali Mata temple, Vadodara, Gujarat

History:

According to R. K. Trivedi in Fairs and Festivals of Gujarat (1961), the goddess Kalika Mata was initially prayed to by the native Bhil people and Koli people, until she was later entreated and installed by Vishvamitra on Pavagadh Hill summit, where she is worshipped as a form of Durga or Chandi.The Adivasi also worships Pavagadh’s Kalika Mata.The temple was described in Gangadas Pratap Vilas Natakam, a 15th-century play. Named in righteousness of the Goddess Kali, the holy place is believed to be the Kali Mata’s dwelling, and is one of the Shakti Peethas, as the representative toe of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen here.

Festivals:

A fair is held every year at the place of worship on Chaitra Sud .Especially on the full moon of Chaitra, in April, and at Dasara, in October, there are hugeassemblies of Hindus of all classes.

Rituals performed:

Kali here is prayed to as Dakshina Kali and is worshipped in the Dakshina Marga with Vedic and tantric rites.

The deity:

The primary deity is KalikaMata

Location:

22°27′40″N 73°30′42″E

Vadodara, Gujarat

How to reach:

By road: Champaner is 45 km from Vadodara, accessible by bus or private vehicles. Cars can be hiredin Vadodara to Drive to Champaner-Pavagadh, which is the best option if you want to combine the journey with other sites like Jambughoda.