Kalika Mata Temple Pavagadh | Champaner-Pavagadh

Kalika Mata Temple, Champaner Overview

Built between the 900 and 1000s, the Kalika Mata Tempe is the oldest and the most celebrated temple in the vicinity of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

This hilltop temple of Kalika Mata is dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Maa Kali, also known as the Great Black Mother. A part of the Champaner-Pavagadh UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalila Mata Temple is listed amongst the 52 Shaktipeethas in India.

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Architecture of Kalika Mata Temple

Housing two sanctuaries, the Kalika Mata Temple is a double-storied building. The temple is domed with an Islamic roof and a Muslim tomb dedicated to a Sufi Saint called Sadan Shah Pir.

The temple cites Hindu shrines and idols on the ground floor alongside the three portraits of the goddess. The idol of Kalika Mata painted in red is at the centre with Kali and Bahuchara Mata on her right and left respectively. The marble flooring used here is said to date back to the 1850s.

Kalika Mata Temple History

There are two prominent legends about the Kalika Mata Temple that stand out. One story revolves around Maa Kali disguising herself and visiting a Navratri Garba celebration.

Pleased by the immensely devout dance of her followers, the goddess joined her people by changing herself into a young woman. However, this guise seemed to attract the local king, Patai Jaisinh, who repeatedly held her hand and tried to lure her. After warning him thrice, Maa Kali cursed his kingdom with a massive downfall.

In another legend, it is believed that goddess Sati once performed a tremendous dance, thus resulting in her losing a part of herself. A portion of Sati's foot or toe is said to have fallen here, giving rise to a black-embellished idol of the Kalika Mata.

Also revered as goddess Chandi or Durga, the shrine of Kalika Mata was eventually moved to the Pavagadh hilltop by Vishwamitra. However, this holy site was formerly only worshipped by a local and the king, named Lewa Patilidar and Sadashiv Patel respectively.

How to Reach Kalika Mata Temple in Pavagadh

The Kalika Mata Temple is about 23 to 25 km from the Pavagadh city centre. There are various options for local transport such as autos and pre-booked cabs within the city to the Pavagadh Ropeway Ground Station. The temple can be accessed only via a 5-kilometre jungle trek or a cable car from this station. There is another hilltop ropeway station for returning.

Located at about 48 to 54 km away, the Vadodara Airport is the nearest airport to the Kalika Mata Temple. The Kharsaliya Railway Station in Ladupura about 38 to 44 km from the temple is the closest transit head. The Kalika Mata Temple is about 6 to 7 km from the nearest bus stand, the Pavagadh Bus Depot in Champaner.