Brief about Mahakali Temple, Pavagadh, Gujarat
The Mahakali temple Pavagadh is situated on the top of Pavagadh Hill, about 800 m high from sea level, near Champaner the ancient capital of Gujarat. This temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth and 3 of the Gujarat, as right leg toe of Ma Devi Sati was fallen down at this spot. Since part of Paav (leg) was fallen here, thus this place is named Pavagadh.
Goddess Mahakalika Mandir, Pawagadh is one of the most popular pilgrimage centres of Gujarat, which attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. You can find lots of details of goddess Mahakali Ma described in various sacred text of Sanatan Dharma and Tantric scriptures as well. Goddess Mahakali is worshipped as Dakshina Kali here with tantric rituals. Mahakali is considered the consort of Shiva. Kali, who is the force of the anger of Ma Durga. Mahakali Ma is personification as destroyer of evil energy.
Devotee can use rope way from Manchi – base of Pavagadh hill to reach at the top but still need to climb 300 stairs ahead to have darshan of Maa Mahakali. The temple complex is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh archaeological park which is a World Heritage Site declare by UNESCO.
History and Architecture of Mahakali Temple, Pavagadh, Gujarat
As per the legend Mahakali Ma Temple is in existence since 10th century and renovated several times. The great sage Rhishi Vishwamitra was stayed at Pavagadh hill and worshipped Ma Kalika. It is believed that the idol of Ma Kali was installed by sage Vishwamitra. Mahakali Ma is also worshipped here as Dakshina Kali Ma.
As per the historical records found, king named Jaisinh belonging to the Patai dynasty ruled the kingdom of Champaner, located at the foot of Pawagadh hill. Champaner was prosperous empire under his governance and thus goddess Mahakali happily resided on the top of Pawagadh hill. Navratri, the holy nine nights of celebration and worship of goddess Ambe was celebrated here with pure devotion. Local people along with royal family takes participation in Garba in devotion towards the Goddess. Due to their true love and pure devotion, goddess was so impressed and decided to disguise herself as a local woman and took part in Garaba along with her devotees. The King Jaisinh was fascinated and enchanted with her beauty and made an inappropriate proposal. Then Goddess had warned king and told that she was like his mother. Though due to lust, the King insisted on making her as his queen. Then Goddess became angry and cursed him that his empire would fall down. Later on Champaner was invaded by Mughal King Muhammed Begada and defeated the King Jaisinh in a battle. This is how flourishing empire of Champaner was pulled down due to curse of Goddess.
In the present temple premise, the inner sanctum holds the head of Mahakali Mata – Mukhwato and painted in red color. Beside this, idol of Mahakali and Yantra of Bahucharama are installed. Beside the MahakaliMa temple, there is a shrine of Muslim saint, Sadanshah, it is believed that he had pacified Mahakali Mata when she decided to destroy the worlds in fit of anger.
As per the local folklore, Sage Viswamitra installed the idol of Goddess Kalika in Pawagadh. The locals believe that the area is blessed with the power of Viswamitra Maharshi.
Legend Associated with Mahakali Ma Temple, Pawagadh, Gujarat
Pavagadh Temple is key shrine of goddess, worshiped from pre Vedic period. As per the Markandeya Puran, Sati, daughter of King Daksh Prajapati, was great devotee of Lord Shiva and did intense penance to please Lord Shiva. Finally Lord Shiva had accepted her hand for marriage. But King Daksha was not happy with this marriage.
To insult Lord Shiva, Daksha held Yagya and invited all God and reputed persons except the Sati and Lord Shiva. Sati had decided to confront her father at Yagya. Lord Shiva tried to stop her by doing this but Sati went to Yagya. King Daksh did not welcomed her and use this occasion to insult her and Lord Shiva in front of all God and reputed individuals. Sati could not bear this humiliation and jumped into holy pyre of the Yagya.
Once Lord Shiva got this information; he was deeply pain and anger on Daksh. Lord Shiva had created Virbhadra and Bhadrakali with extra ordinary super power and order to kill Daksh and his army. Then Lord Shiva picked up Sati with burning body and unleashed his fury in form of legendary Tandava, dance of destruction. The other God and people started worried about safety of whole universe and requested Lord Vishnu the supreme Lord, to help out in this situation.
Lord Vishnu used the Sudarashan Chakra and cut the body of Ma Devi Sati in pieces. As per the legends, Sati’s heart fell over spot marked by Ambaji Temple. Thus this temple is one of the main Shaki Peeth and Siddh Peeth across 51 Shakti Peeth.
Best time to Visit, Facility and Rituals at Mahakali Ma Temple, Pavagadh, Gujarat
Devotee of Mahakali Mata visit this temple throughout the year as Pavagadh is one of the main pilgrimage center of Gujarat. Chaitra Navratri and Ashwini Navaratri are best time to visit; a big fair is also arranged here on eight day of Chaitra Sud. Devotee can perform rituals like Navchandi Yagya other Karma based on their wishes. As thousands of devotee came here for darshan of Mahakali Mata from entire India, all the facilities like Hotels, Guest Houses, Dharmshala, Restaurants etc are available.
Activities and further planning by temple trust of Pavagadh Mahakali Ma Temple
Shree Mahakalika Trust is coming up with the unique state of art Temple complex. The new temple complex known as ‘Bhavyati Bhavya’ would be built over three levels. The temple would sprawl over 30,000 sq. feet area. This would one of its first kind of project in India.
Yagnashala : Mahakalika Yantra is a very powerful tool that emits divine power of Goddess Mahakalika. The Yagnashala on the principles and the shape of Mahakali Yantra will be built here.
Annashetra : Annashetra complex will be built on the principles and shape of Shree Yantra. Shree Yantra consists of nine interlocked traingles with a bindu in the centre. These triangles represent cosmos and the human body.
Garden Complex : Adding flora and fauna of the temple complex would be 100K sq ft Garden.
Multiplex Complex : Lapped amidst the flora and fauna of Pawagadh ,the complex would house theatre on one of the plateaus of Pawagadh. The theatre would play movie about the importance of Mahakalika on the basis of Hindu scriptures.
Lake Complex : A beautiful lake by the name of Dhudiya Talav rests at Pawagadh. A 51 feet statue of Lord Shiva would find its place in the center of the lake. This would be first in the country where both Mahakali and Mahakal would reside together.
Laser shows with 3D projections and musical shows of Shiv stotras and mantras would enthral the devotees.
The new Bhojan Shala with around 500 person seating capacity would provide hygienic and satvik free meals and water to all the devotees visiting Mahakalika Temple.
How to Reach Pavagadh Temple, Pavagadh, Gujarat, India
Pavagadh, being the one of the most famous pilgrimage site and Shakti Peeth temple of Gujarat where millions of devotee across the world visit around the year and mainly during Navratri. It is easily accessible by road, rail and air network. Devotee can reach at top via rope way from Manchi – base of Pavagadh hill to reach at the top but still need to climb 300 stairs ahead to have darshan of Maa Mahakali. It is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Vadodara has major railway junction just at 55 km from Pavagadh from where you can get train to almost all region of India. Vadodar Airport and Ahmedabad Airport are the nearest airport at distance of 52 and 145 respectively from Pavagadh. From where you can get flight to all major cities of India and across the globe. You can find private taxi and public transport as well from both airport to reach to Pavagadh. Pavagadh is located at just 20 km from Champaner, 13 km from Halol, 45 km from Vadodara, 140 km from Ahmedabad, 88 km from Kevadiya Colony – statue of Unity.
