Introduction:

Mahakali literally translated as Great Kali, is a Hindu Goddess. Mahakali worshipped and revered as one who bestows moksha and is hailed as ultimate protector. The Mahakalika temple at Pawagadh , in Panchmahal district of Gujarat dates from the 10th or the 11 th century.

The temple complex is nestled within Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is set amidst a dense forest cover on a cliff. Pavagadh Mandir is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. Legends have it that the right toe of Goddess Sati Parvati, fell here.

Goddess Mahakalika Mandir, Pawagadh is one of the biggest tourist and pilgrimage centres in the dynamic state of Gujarat, which attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. Goddess Mahakali is worshipped as Dakshina Kali with tantric rituals. The Temple is situated on a hill with Great pride.

History:

It is said that a king named Jaisinh belonging to the Patai Clan ruled the kingdom of Champaner, situated at the foot of Pawagadh. Champaner was said to be a flourishing empire under his able rule. Goddess Mahakali happily resided on the summit of Pawagadh.

There is a legend about the Temple, it is believed that during the holy festival of Navratri the locals arranged traditional dance Garba in devotion for the Goddess. It is said that Goddess was so touched and impressed with the unconditional devotion of her devotees that she decided to disguise herself as a local woman and dance among her devotees.

The King happened to be there in the celebrations. He was mesmerized and enchanted with her beauty and made an inappropriate proposal. He was warned by Goddess and she told him that his gestures and thoughts were inapproporate as she was like his mother. Overwhelmed and engulfed with lust the King insisted on making her his queen. Enraged by his inappropriate gesture Goddess cursed him that his GOLDEN Empire would fall down to dust.

Later Champaner was invaded by Mughal King Muhammed Begada. He defeated the King Jaisinh in a battle and killed him. Once a flourishing empire Champaner was pulled down to ashes. Thus, the curse of Goddess coming true.

According to 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.

Shree Mahakalika Trust:

Trusties on Board:

• Shri Surendrabhai M Patel
• Shri Sudhanshu Bhatji
• Shri Raju Bhatt
• Shri Ashokbhai Pandya
• Shri Sunilbhai Modi
• Shri Pareshbhai Patel
• Shri Vinod Varia
• Shri Jignesh Bhatji
• Shri Shankarbhai Chauhan
• Shri Dushyantbhai Pathak

Future Projects

The temple is one of the biggest tourist and pilgrimage centers in Gujarat, attracting large numbers of people every year. Positioning as Full Day Religious Picnic Spot with an aim to provide the devotees comfort and an ethereal and lifetime, experience of devotion the Shree Mahakalika Trust is coming up with a 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 ft area. This would one of its kind in India.

Following are the new attractions and additions to the Temple Complex

Yagnashala : Mahakalika Yantra is a very powerful tool that emits divine power of Goddess Mahakalika. Kalika Yantra bestows spiritual power and removes all negativities and misfortunes. It brings fortune and fulfills all desires.

A Yagnashala on the principles and the shape of Mahakali Yantra will be built for the devotees.

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 and mythology.

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. Lord Shiva is also known as Mahakal. 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 enthrall the devotees.

The new Bhojan Shala would provide hygienic and satvik free meals and water to all the devotees visiting Mahakalika Temple. The Bhojan shala would have a seating capacity of approximately 500 devotees.