Pavagadh is a hill near Halol in Panchamahal district of Gujarat state in the western part of India. In the foothills of this mountain, the historic Champaner village of the one -time capital of Gujarat is situated, and due to the temple of the Mahakali mother on the top of this hill, this place is considered one of the pilgrimage places of Gujarat. In the nine days of Navratri, Chaitri as well as Aso, most people come here to visit. According to one belief, Pavagadh is included in Mataji's Shaktipeeth and it is said that the part of Sati's breast is lying here.
The Champaner village is located at the foothills of Pavagadh, from where Manchi village is located at a distance of about 4 to 5 kilometers. There is a jeep facility to go from Champaner to Manchi, which climbs a winding road full of forests and reaches Manchi village. A flying ladder (rope-way) has been built to climb the fort from Manchi. Apart from this, a stepped path is also available to climb up here. These steps of around 1500 can be climbed in an hour or so. The ropeway also takes you to the temple steps in a meager time of 6 to 8 minutes. Many adventurers and nature lovers climb the forest path from Champaner to Manchi, which is very enjoyable. Since this path passes through the forest, it is difficult and it is not advisable to climb after dusk.
The Goddess Kalika Mata was initially worshipped by the natives of the Bhil and Koli communities.
According to a legend, Pavagadh was ruled by the Champa Bhils.
Years ago, a king of the Patay clan ruled in the Pavagadh-Champaner panthak. He was a great worshipper of Kalka Mata and pleased with her devotion, Kalka Mata would come here every nine days of Navratri to play Garba. The last ruler of the Patay clan, Raja Jaisingh, who once drank alcohol during Navratri and changed his form and saw Mataji playing Garba, was enchanted by her form. He took Mataji's hand and asked her to become his queen. Even after much persuasion from Mataji, Patay Raja Jaisingh did not give up his stubbornness, so in anger Mataji assumed her original form and cursed the king that in the next six months, your kingdom would be destroyed. Mahmud Begada defeated the late King Jaisingh, conquered Champaner and established his empire there.
The Kalika Mataji Temple is a revered and spiritually enriching destination situated atop the majestic Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat. As one of the Shakti Peethas, the temple holds immense religious significance, and its powerful energy is palpable the moment one steps inside. We recently visited during the monsoon season and felt like we were in heaven, surrounded by clouds everywhere. We book the tickets for ropeway reaching the temple, but there are options to trek up the hill or take the ropeway, a thrilling experience that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape. The trek is steep but rewarding, with several small stalls and resting spots along the way, particularly for those who may find the trek challenging, while the ropeway provides a comfortable ride.
The Mahakali Temple premises is clean and well-maintained. There are many Shops are selling prasad, souvenirs, and snacks welcoming us with so disciplinary manners.
I highly recommended for vist to all devotees, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts as this temple is located near Champaner, Vadodara.
Jay Mataji🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩☺️🙏🏻
Jay Hind...
Read morePavagadh Sri Mahakali mataji temple is located on Pavagad hills in Panchamahal district Gujarat and also 50 km from Vadodara city also known as Baroda.
This temple is one of the Shaktipeeth among 51 shaktipeeth in India.Sati ma's right toe fell on this mountain.
we hired a car to travel to this temple from Baroda we never heard about this temple and this temple was not on our trip. One of my relative suggested visiting Pavagadh it will be beautiful and will have a great experience so we thought of visiting this temple We were excited to see this temple.
We can reach this temple top by 2-ways 1.By Footway(total 3000 steps). 2.Rope way.
We picked the Rope way option because we didn't have much time to walk to the top of the mountain even though after picking the ropeway option we needed to climb steps for 200-400 at least it will take 20-30 mins of time.
Getting into the ropeway there will be a huge queue there because the majority of the people picked the Rope way option, waiting for the ropeway allotment you need to wait until turn. If the rush is full it will take 1-2 Hours for waiting in the queue to board the ropeway.
Ropeway journey will be around 10-15 minutes watch out while boarding and deboarding in the ropeway,in the ropeway chamber only 6 people were allowed because 6 people is the limit.
While traveling to the temple way you can see many shops will be selling coconut and Pooja items and also a few snacks vendors.
Some Jain temples were there too on this temple while reaching the temple top we can see them and small ponds also available from the temple top view.
While walking on temple steps I observed a few things that surprised me:- One old lady is walking with the help of a stick climbing the steps to visit Kali Mata temple. 2.One physically handicapped lady also climbs the steps with devotion.
Not only these 2 people I can see many old people visit this temple by walking with bare legs.
I was surprised by their devotion 👏👏👌 where Kalimata is called as Shakti she give Shakti to the people who are willing to climb steps to visit Kali Mata temple.
I was also worried about my parents with the grace of Kali Mata they didn't face any trouble in the climbing steps to visit the temple.
Usually there will be a rush in this temple the day I visited the people's rush was normal.
After reaching the temple it will take less time to complete Kali Mata Darshan.
Prasad also will be selling beside the temple each box costs 50 rupees at least by one try that Prasad.
This temple was renovated in the time of Modi ruling time and also some development works are still going on at the top of the temple.
Darshan is free no ticket and money culture in this temple.
In Puranas Rishi Vishwamitra did Tapasya on this mountain for Kali Mata later Kali Mata blessed Rishi Vishwamitra and Vishwamitra river is originated from this Pavagad hills area the same river flows through Vadodara city.
I wish everyone would visit this Kali Mata temple when you are in Baroda.
Everything is organised in the temple premises and also at ropeway services as well I liked it.
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Read moreAccording to ancient spiritual belief, the history of Maa Kalika dates back thousands of years when the revered seer, Yugapurush Maharishi Shri Vishwamitra Rishi, personally placed her on the top of the mountain. This event is considered significant by many devotees and is believed to have been a defining moment in the creation of the sacred site. The placement of Maa Kalika at the mountain's peak is believed to have sanctified the location and transformed it into a revered pilgrimage site. The story of this event has been passed down through generations and is still cherished by many who visit the site to seek blessings, guidance, and spiritual solace. According to ancient religious tradition, the right toes of Goddess Sati, also known as Goddess Mahakali, are believed to be resting on the top of Pavagadh mountain. This sacred site holds immense significance for devotees of the goddess, who gather here to offer prayers and seek blessings. The Pavagadh mountain is located in the western state of Gujarat in India, and the legend of Goddess Sati is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is said that the goddess sacrificed herself in a fire pit, and her body parts fell in different parts of the country, each of which became a sacred site for devotees. The presence of the goddess's right toes atop Pavagadh mountain draws countless devotees to this holy site every year. Approximately 500 years ago, the Hindu kings were forcefully dispossessed due to the cruel invasion led by Muhammad Begda. As a result of this invasion, the majestic spire and flag of the Kalika Mata temple, which was a significant religious site for the Hindus, were destroyed. It is said that during that tumultuous time, a shrine called "Sadanshah Pir Dargah" was built within the temple complex, which is believed to have existed since the 11th century. This shrine was constructed to honor a Muslim saint named Sadanshah Pir, who was revered by both Hindus and Muslims alike. In April 2022, the country's Prime Minister inaugurated the first phase of a redevelopment project. The project aimed to enhance and modernize the infrastructure of a holy site, with a focus on restoring it to its former glory while preserving its historical and cultural significance. The construction of new buildings and facilities was done to support the needs of people visiting the site. The restoration work included repairing and renovating buildings, monuments, and other structures. Overall, the project has been a huge success, transforming the site into a modern, safe, and accessible destination for people from all...
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