Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple is a Hindu sacred site located at the summit of Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal District, Gujarat, India. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Kalika Mata. Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple Navratri festival 2026 is from October 11 to October 20. Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ashtami festival 2027 is on April 14. Chaitra Navratri is from April 7 to April 15. The annual temple fair held on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ashtami, or Chaitra 8, is of great importance. This annual fair attracts nearly 50,000 devotees. Another important festival celebrated at the temple is the famous Aso Navratri Festival, held during September–October.
The temple houses three images of goddesses. The central
image is of Maha Kalika Mata, flanked by Goddess Kali on the right and Bahuchara
Mata on the left. The temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
According to legend, the toe of Devi Sati fell at this site. There are ancient powerful yantras of Devis in the temple.
The temple also houses a south-facing idol of Goddess Kali.
Such an idol is considered to hold great significance in Tantric worship.
A belief prevalent in the region is that the temple dates
back to the time of Bhagavan Sri Rama. Sri Rama's sons, Lava and Kusha, and the sage
Vishwamitra are said to have visited this place. Sage Vishwamitra is believed
to have established the temple. The river flowing through the region is also
named Vishwamitri after him.
Due to the increase in the number of pilgrims during
Navratri, the shrine remains open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM throughout the
festival period.
Every day, the Mangala Aarti is held after the temple opens
in the morning, while the evening Aarti takes place at 7:00 PM. Devotees can
attend the Aarti in large numbers and seek the blessings of Mataji.
Special pujas and offerings are conducted throughout the
festival period in accordance with the traditional rules and rituals associated
with the temple.