Mahakali Mandir Pavaghadh

Kalika temple is the oldest temple in Pavagadh. This is the residence of Kali Mata. and it is located in the Panchamahal district 46 km from the nearby city Vadodara. This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas as the toe of Sati fell here.Mahakali Temple is also known as Kalika Mata Temple. Champaner-Pavagadh-Archaeological is inscribed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

History

It is believed that a king called Jaisinh coming from the Patai Clan ruled the kingdom of Champaner, located at the foot of Pawagadh. Champaner was believed to be a growing empire under his able guidelines. Goddess Mahakali gladly lived on the top of Pawagadh.

There is a legend about the Temple, it is believed that during the holy celebration of Navratri, the locals organized the traditional dance Garba in dedication to the Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess was so touched and impressed with the genuine devotion of her devotees that she chose to disguise herself as a local woman and dance amongst her devotees.

The King happened to be there in the events. He was mesmerized and enchanted with her charm and made an inappropriate proposal. He was alerted by Goddess and she informed him that his ideas and gestures were inappropriate as she was like his mom. Overwhelmed and swallowed up with desire the King demanded making her his queen. Angered by his inappropriate gesture Goddess cursed him that his GOLDEN Empire would fall down to dust.

Later on, Champaner was invaded by Mughal King Muhammed Begada. He beat The King Jaisinh in a fight and eliminated him. As soon as a growing empire Champaner was pulled down to ashes. Therefore, the curse of the Goddess becomes real.

According to the regional legend, Sage Viswamitra set up the idol of Goddess Kalika in Pawagadh. The locals believe that the location is blessed with the power of Viswamitra Maharshi

Importance

This temple dates back to the time of Shri Ram. It was called ‘Shatrunjaya Mandir’. It is also believed that Vishwamitra had installed the idol of Maa Kali. The one who flows here is named Vishwamitri. It is believed that apart from Lord Rama, and his sons Lava and Kush, many Buddhist monks attained salvation here.

Architecture

The plain and small temple is set in the middle of fortifications with an open yard in the front and is open for long hours to accommodate the rush of pilgrims. There are 2 altars in front of the temple for giving sacrifices to the Goddess, however, any kind of animal sacrifice has been strictly prohibited For nearly 2 to 3 centuries now. The Kali yantra is worshipped at the temple.

The complex is divided into 2 parts, the ground flooring includes Hindu temples, while the temple spire is domed with a Muslim shrine. The restored marble floor dates to about 1859 and was provided by the minister of Limbdi in Kathiawar. [citation required] The domed temple spire includes a Muslim shrine and mausoleum to Sadan Shah Pir, a Sufi saint.

Idol

The main shrine on the ground flooring includes 3 magnificent images: in the center, Kalika Mata in the center represented in the form of a head, called Mukhwato and red in color, while Mahakali is located to her right and Bahuchara Mata to her left.

Festivals

The temple is among the most significant traveler and pilgrimage centers in Gujarat, drawing in large numbers of people every year. When in a lifetime, it is a Chodhri custom to make an expedition here at least. Devotees of Kalika Mata visiting the temple “worshipped by beating bell-metal signs”. A fair is held each year at the temple on Chaitra Sud 8. Specifically on the moon of Chaitra, in April, and at Dasara, in October, there are large conferences of Hindus of all classes. Every year in September and October during Navratri (9-day worship of all Shakti goddesses) huge numbers of devotees come together and celebrate.

Nearby Attractions

• Fort of Pavagadh (5.2 Km)
• Jain Temples (5.5 Km)
• Jami Masjid (5.4 Km)
• Lakulisa Temple (5.2 Km)
• Kevada Mosque (6.0 Km)
• Nagina Masjid and Cenotaph (6.0 Km)
• Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid (2.2 Km

How to Reach

• By Air: Vadodara Airport is nearby to Pavagadh and it is 48 km from the Vadodara airport.
• By Train: The nearby Railway Station to Pavagadh is at Champaner located at a distance of 1 km. But, not many trains are scheduled to Champaner Railway Station. You can reach Vadodara by train and then board onto the train to reach Champaner. 
• By Road: There are no main buses to Pavagadh. A better option is to reach Vadodara or Champaner and then hire a cab or drive your personal vehicle to reach Pavagadh.

Ropeway Timings

The ropeway operates from morning 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The last return cable car is at 7:30 PM.

It just takes about 6 minutes to reach by ropeway. The ropeway is available all days of the week.

Temple Timings

Darshan Timing

Morning	06:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening	03:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Aarti, Bhog and Pooja Timing

Morning Aarti	05:00 AM
Evening Aarti	06:30 PM

Pavagadh Ropeway Timings, Ticket Cost, Booking:

8:00 AM TO 15:00(5:00 PM)

Types of Ticket	Final Rate including CGST and SGST
Normal (Two Way)	₹150.00
One Way	₹98.00 (Approximately )
Child Ticket (BELOW 110 CMS)	₹80.00
Sampoorna Darshan PREMIUM TICKET- 6 ROPEWAYS Valid for 1 year (Ambaji Gabbar, Pavagadh, Girnar, Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, JatayaPara, Malampuzha, Taratalini)	₹712.72
ambaji and Pavagadh Comobo Ticket	₹310.00
Gujrat Darshan Ticket (Validity 90 Days.)	₹899.00
Gujrat Darshan Child Ticket (Validity 90 Days.)	₹499.00

Details For Ambaji Ropeway Booking

1. Half Ticket for children less than 110 cm Height.
2. Student ID is mandatory for Student Group pass
3. Retain your ticket till the end of the journey.
4. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
5. Online Booking is available on udankhatola.com

Travel duration: 15 mins. Available daily.

Temple Video and Images