Sri Vidya Saraswathi temple

The temple is around 48 kilometers from Hyderabad in the Vargal village.

Vargal has famous Sri Vidya Saraswathi temple which is situated or the pictorial background in which has a unique rock formation and a valley around this hill. Here there is one temple was dedicated to lord Shani seperately with a big statue measuring around 3 feet in high which is one of the biggest statue of the lord sheni in Andhra Pradesh.

The hillock of Vergal has multiple temples on the same hill.

1. Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi Temple
2. Sri Vidya Saraswati temple
3. Lord Shanishwara Temple
4. Lord Shiva Temple
5. Few Vishnava Temples now completely damaged without any mola vigrahas in it.

This temple complex was a brain child of Sri Yamavaram Chandrashekhara Sharma scholared follower of goddesses Saraswathi astrologer and a vastu experter. Being a business man he has multi faceted activities to his credit.

In 1998 the building process for the above temple was activated under the group who called themselves as Satya patam seva samethi. This committee has started searching for a convenient place to built a temple.

Ultimately they selected the hillock of Vergal were 400 years old Shambu Deva Temple was situated. This temple is 2 feet below the ground level and one has to pass crawling of the ground for few feets to reach the main Shiva lingam. Sorrounding this temple were two ancient Vaishnaya Temples which were built during or before the Kakatiya rulers. There is a big Victory Pillar made of rock which is around 30 feet in height. The Vicotry Pillar has the statues of SitaRama Lakshmana, Goddesses Lakshmi and entwined couple of snakes.

On Vasantha Panchami of 1989 the Bhoomi pooja was performed and the foundation stone was laid for the temple of Sri Saraswathi Devi. It should be noted on this day they had only Rs. 2700 only.When they started propagating about the process of building Saraswathi Temple of donations poured in as a flood. In this way the construction process continued without any hindrance with the help of Lord Saraswathi.

On 1992 Magashudda Trayodashi Pushpagiri petadipate Sri Sri Sri Vidya Nrusinha Bharati Swamy has laid the foundation to the statues of Goddesses Sri Vidya Saraswathi Devi and Lord Shani statues in a temple. This temple was later dedicated to Kanchi Petam and a Vedic Patashala was started in 1999 by Sri Shankara Vijaya Saraswathi of Kanchi Petam and Lakshmi Ganapathi was inaugarated in 2001. The Expenditure crossed 1 crore of the rupees for building this temple. The temple has 13 and half acres of land on the east side were a park, library, hospital were planned in their future expansion.

Every day 100 of people were given free food to come to visit the temple at a big dining hall in the temple complex. During Dussehra period 1000's of devotees visit the temple every day. The Dussehra temple starts with Vigneshwara Pooja. Maha Abishekam Navaratri Kalasha Sthapana Chathu Sha shatyu pachara pooja, Arathi, Mantha Pushpam, Kukumarchana were performed. Laksha pooja Archana Pustaka Roopini Saraswathi Pooja Ashtothara Shathakalasha Abishekam On the last day of Vijayadarshanam of the goddesses Saraswati is decorated for devotees.

Pooja for Lord Shani Special pooja will be performed on every Shani Trayodashi which comes on the saturday. The poojas for Lord Shani were start on 5 a.m. in the morning which start with Ganapathi pooja and Japam, Homam will be performed with Tarpana to Lord Shani. The Lord Sheni will be worshipped with oil called as Taila Abishekam. The Homam for Lord Sheni will be ended at 12:00 noon with Poornahuthi, Arathi etc.,This is a very big event for this temple which attract 1000's of devotees from all over A.P and other places of India.

Some special poojas that are performed at Vargal Saraswathi temple are Chandi Homam which is a special event here.

Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe as per the Hindu Religion. Saraswati is regarded as the destroyer of chaos and confusion. Slokas on Saraswati form the part of prayers offered to the goddess. Saraswati Slokas/ Shlokas are as follows:

"Ya Devi Stuyate Nityam Vibhuhairvedaparagaih
Same Vasatu Jihvagre Brahmarupa Saraswati" 

Meaning: Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, is praised by the intelligent who have mastered the Shastra (scriptures). She is the wife of the Creator. May she live on my tongue.

"Shrii Saraswatii Namahstubhyam Varade Kaama Ruupini
Twaam Aham Praarthane Devii Vidyaadaanam Cha Dehi Me" 

Meaning: I bow to Goddess Saraswati, who fulfills the wishes of the devotees. I pray her to enlighten me with knowledge. 

"Sarasvathi Namastubhyam, Varade Kaamaroopini
Vidyaarambham Karishyaami, Siddhir Bhavatu Mey Sada" 

Meaning: Saraswati is the provider of boons and the one, who grants all our desires. As I begin my studies, I bow to the Goddess to help me in making it fruitful and make me successful in all my efforts.Yaa Kundendu tushaara haara-dhavalaa, Yaa shubhra-vastra'avritaa

Yaa veena-vara-danda-manditakara, Yaa shweta padma'asana
Yaa brahma'achyuta shankara prabhritibhir Devai-sadaa Vanditaa
Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadya'apahaa.
Shuklaam Brahmavichaara Saara paramaam Aadhyaam Jagadvyapinim,
Veena Pustaka Dhaarineem Abhayadaam Jaadya'andhakaara'apahaam
Haste Sphaatika Maalikam Vidadhateem
Padmasane Sansthitaam
Vande taam Parmeshwareem Bhagavateem Buddhipradaam Shardam.

English translation:She, who is as fair as the Kunda flower,the moon, and a garland of Tushar flowers;
She, whose hands are adorned by the excellent veena, and whose seat is the pure white lotus;
O Mother Goddess, remove my mental inertia!

Shri Vidya Saraswathi temple or Wargal Saraswathi temple is a Hindu temple.  The deity of education in Hinduism is Goddess Saraswathi. It is among the few temples of Saraswathi in Andhra Pradesh. It is maintained by Kanchi Shankara Mutt.  This temple complex was a brain child of Yayavaram Chandrashekhara Sharma, scholar follower of goddesses Saraswathi.

The temple has a Veda Paathashaala in its premises, where many students learn Vedas. There are about 300 students who are provided accommodation in the temple premises. Goddess Saraswathi is the goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom.  Saraswathi is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe,  as per the Hindu Religion. Goddess  Saraswathi is regarded as the destroyer of chaos and confusion.

The temple is famous for Akshara Abyasam(learning ceremony) for children. 

Vasantha Panchami, Navartri Mahaotsavams and Shani Tryodasi festivals are being celebrated in a grand manner in this temple.

Shri Vidya Saaswati Devi temple is situated on a hillock (small hill) in the village of Vargal(Wargal). Shri Saraswathi Devi, Goddess of education and knowledge is the main deity of this temple. Shani Tryodasi is celebrated in Lord Shani temple.

The other temples located on the same hillock of Vargal are Lord Shani temple, Lord Lakshmi Ganapathi temple,Lord Shiva temple and few Vishnu temples.  Now these temples are completely damaged without mula vigrahas(main deities) in them.  These temples were built before Kakatiya rulers.

The history of Shri Vidya Saraswathi temple was that, on the day of Vasantha Panchami in 1989,  Bhoomi pooja was performed and foundation stone was laid for the temple of Shri Vidya Saraswathi Devi.
 
On the day of Trayodasi of Maga Suddha month in 1992, "Pushpagiri Peetadhipathi Shri Shri Shri Vidya Nrusimha Bharthi Swamy" laid the foundation to the idols of Goddess Shri Saraswathi Devi and Lord Shaneeswara.

In 1998, Satya Patam Seva Samethi, a committee started temple building process, on this hillock where 400 years old temples were situated.  In 1999, a Vedic Patashala(school) was started by "Shri Shankara Vijayendraa Saraswathi" of Kanchi Peetam.
 
Now the temple is maintained by "Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam".  The temple complex was a brain child of Shri Yamavaram Chandrashekhara Sharma" scholar, astrolger, Vastu expert and follwer of Goddess Shri Saraswathi Devi.

Many families visit the temple for their children's Akshara abyasam (learning ceremony). Meals are provided free for all the devotees at the temple premises called as Nitya Annadanam.

Vasantha Panchami and Navaratri Utsava Mahotsavams are being celebrated every year in a grand manner. Vargal:

• On the day of Vasantha Panchami in 1989,  Bhoomi Pooja was performed and foundation stone was laid for the temple of Sri Vidya Saraswathi Devi.
• On the day of Trayodasi of Maga Suddha month in 1992, "Pushpagiri Peetadhipathi Sri Sri Sri Vidya Nrusimha Bharthi Swamy" laid the foundation to the idols of Goddess Sri Saraswati Devi and Lord Shaneeswara.
• In 1998, Satya Patam Seva Samethi, a committee started temple building process on this hillock where 400 years old temples were situated.
• In 1999, a Vedic Patashala(School) was started by "Sri Shankara Vijaya Saraswathi" of Kanchi Petam.
• Now the temple is maintained by "Kanchi Kamakoti Petam".
• The temple complex was a brain child of Sri Yamavaram Chandrashekhara Sharma" Scholared, Astrolger, Vastu experter and follwer of Goddess Sri Saraswathi Devi.

Important Festivals:

Sri Saraswathi Devi Temple: Vasantha Panchami and Navaratri Utsava Mahotsavams are being celebrated every year in a grand manner.

Lord Shani Temple: Shani Tyrodasi is the most auspicious day for the Lord Shani which falls on the Saturday coincides with Tyrodasi, the 13th day in a fortnight of Hindu Calendar  On this day special rituals are being performed to the Lord.  

Guruvayur Temple

According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. But there are no historical records to establish it. In the 14th century Tamil literature 'Kokasandesam', references about a place called Kuruvayur is made. As early as 16th century (50 years after the Narayaneeyam was composed) many references are seen about Kuruvayur. In ancient Dravidic, Kuruvai means sea, hence the village on the coast may be called Kuruvayur.

But according to Prof. K V Krishna Iyer (eminent historian), the Brahmins had begun to come and settle at Kodungalloor during the period of Chandra Gupta Maurya ( 321-297 BC). Trikkunavay in the Guruvayur documents is the same as Thrikkanamathilakam or Mathilakam mentioned in the Dutch and British records. And this place was in between Guruvayur and Kodungalloor. Guruvayur was Trikkunavay's subordinate shrine since they were destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. That way Guruvayur must have come into existence before 52 AD. The story of Pandyan King building a shrine here may be a reference to the Azhavars , but they are all silent in their writing about Guruvayur.

It was Melpathur's Narayaneeyam through which the Temple got publicity. The concept of Unnikrishna popularised by Poonthanam , Kururamma , and Villwamangalam brought more and more devotees to Guruvayur.The Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) is designed in 2 layers with copper sheet roofing plated with gold. The deity is in the traditionally orthodox form of Mahavishnu, with all the compliments - four arms each carrying sankh (conch), chakra(wheel), gadha (club) and padmam (lotus). The Moolavigraha (main idol) is made of Pathalanjana Shila and is considered extremely sacred.

There are two more idols one of silver and the other of gold of which the silver idol is more older. These are used for the seeveli and other processions. Generally the gold idol is used and the silver idol which is more older is taken out only for Arattu and on a few special occasions. There is a repletion of traditional mural paintings on all the three sides, depicting sequences from puranic tales and Krishnaleela. There is amorous and erotic accent in the murals.

The old doors of Sreekovil are replaced with a new set secured with gold plated bars and embellished with golden bells. There are 101 bells, all made of silver and plated with gold.

Sopanam, the steps leading to the Sreekovil, are made of stone with carvings and designs of attractive craftsmanship.Ankana- It is the inner courtyard around the Sreekovil (central shrine) and its passage is flanked by vathilmatam.

Vathilmatam- The two platforms on both sides of the Eastern entrance to the Sreekovil are called Vathilmatam.Melpathur meditated andcomposed his magnum opus Narayaneeyam sitting here on theeastern pillar on the southern Vathilmatam. The northern side was initially being used by the paradesaBrahmins and the southern side by the KeralaBrahmins for daily orisons.

Namaskara Mandapam-The mandapam is situated right in the center of the chuttambalam or Nalambalam and just right in front of the Sreekovil. The roof is supported by four granite pillars. The mandapam is plated with 100 kg copper and 25 kg gold

Nalambalam (Chutambalam ) - The roofed structure around the ankana is the Nalambalam. Before the 1970 fire, there was a chuttambalam (separate passage around Sreekovil between the Vathilmatam and the Vilakkumatam). Now all are made under single roof and one cannot find the chuttambalam in some places like the Ganapathy shrine. The southern side is divided in to five parts.

Titappalli is the place where the offerings to the Lord are prepared.

Patakkalam- where the pata (cooked rice) offered to the Lord is being distributed.

Turakka Ara, literally the unopened chamber, which is an under ground cell where the reserve cash, gold and silver are believed to be hidden in ancient days. It remains closed witha huge granite stone. It is widely believed that this contains rare and precious stones including the mythological "Syamanthakam". Legend has it that the treasures inside the chamber are closely guarded by innumerable serpents.

Saraswathi Ara- where the palm leaf manuscripts are kept for worship during the Navarathri festival. Now it is shifted to the Koothambalam.

Ganapathy shrine- Where the Ganapathy is worshipped.

Western Chuttambalam- In between the Ganapathyshrine and the store room the temple priests prepare sandal paste and Variyar make garlands.

Northern Chuttambalam is towards the east of store room. It consists ofa small open hall, the chottara, where the temple servants keep the choru (cooked rice).

Chottara (Velichanna)- earlier coconut oil room [ now shifted]

Nrithapura the northern part of chottarafrom where saint Villwamangalam had the darshan of Unnikrishna dancing.

Mulayara is the place where the pots filled with earth and ritually sown with different seeds and worshipped before the beginning of the Annual Utsavam every year.

Koyma Ara, the office of the Akakoymas (in the old administrative setup), whose charge is to see that the poojas of the day areconductedproperly.

Sacred well- There is a deep well to the south of Nrithapura. Nowhere in the neighborhood, there is such clear and cool water. The water in the well maintains its level throughout the year. This water is used for the daily poojas and abhishekam inside Sreekovil.Bhahyankanam is the outer courtyard where the procession for the Seeveli takes place. It is open both on the south and the west. The northern courtyard was in the past covered by a tiled roof ( now by a concrete roof ) with a small opening near its western end for acharyabhivandanam , in commemoration of Sankaracharya`s forced landing . Beyond the Sastha shrine and the opening on the courtyard from the opposite side are the store rooms , the quarters for the temple priests , the Patinjare Gopuram , also the aduppukalam ( big kitchen) , where the rice and other items for the feasts are prepared. 

Gopurams - There are two storied Gopurams at the eastern and western entrances which house some of the rare frescos of the 16th century. These mural paintings are distinct from those found in other temples in their theme and style. Some of the paintings were damaged in the course of time and due to the fire in 1970 , and were then repainted.

Vilakkumatam 
The massive array of metal lamps round the Sreekovil on the outer walls of the Nalambalam. Around 8000 brass metal lamps fixed on the wooden trellis, around the temple are lighted on the festival and special days or by an offering.Gopuram and the balickalpura is called Nadappura . 'Aanappanthal' is the northern portion of nadappura. It acquired the name from its giant size. (aana means elephant and panthal means pavilion). Here annaprasam , thulabharam etc. are being conducted . Formerly marriages were conducted under it but now marriages are shifted to the Kalyana Mandapam

Dhwajasthambam or the flag-staff rises amidst the eastern bahyankana which has a tiled roof. Dhwajasthambam is encased in plated gold at a height of 600feet. Flag is hoisted to mark the beginning of the Annual Utsavam and will be there till the Arattu day.

Valiya mani - Situated south of Kizhakke Gopuram and near the south east corner of the bahyankana, is the valiya mani (big bell), announcing the time by its hourly chiming.

Koothambalam - It is the stage or the theatre for presenting the Chakiyar koothu . Koothambalam is located in the front and to the right of the presiding deity. The pillars and the ceilings of it are profusely engraved , painted and lavishly embellished with ornamental filigrees and fittings.

Deepasthambams - Just in front of the temple there is a huge tower of light, it has thirteen discs including basement and is 24 feet in height. There are four Deepasthambams made of brass, inside the temple. One at northern wing was smashed by theGajarajan Kesavan. The eastern tower, Kizhakke Gopuram (eastern tower) is 33 feet and Patinjhare Gopuram (western tower) is 27 feet in height.Rudratheertham - This is the tank behind the oottupura where the Lord has His annual Arattu. Siva is said to have washed and worshipped the deity when the idol was brought by Guru and Vayu for installation to Guruvayur.

Kovilakam - Towards the south from the Kizhakke Gopuram is Kovilakam, the place where Prince Manavedan had been residing during the days of composition of Krishna Geethi . This has been demolished and Sreevalsam rest house have come-up.

Athani - On the northern bank of the Rudratheertham is an Athani (porters' rest), in memory of a Kantiyur Pattar, a trusted servant of the temple who got murdered on an Utsava day. As a mark of respect, Lord's Arattu procession stops here for a minute.

Tantrimadam - On the north-east bank of Rudratheertham in the Inner-ring road is the tantrimadam or the official residence of the Tantri.

Kizhakke Nada - There were many residences on the right side of the street.The Pazhaya othikkans madam, the residence of the Thiyyarambalam priests, Mallisseri Malika and Chondath Malika on the Kizhakee nada are no more now. Till the temple entry of 1947, Thiyyas and other avarnas (lower cast people) were permitted to approach only up to Thiyyarambalam. About a furlong and a half from the Thiyyarambalam is Manjulal (the banyan tree). This is the starting point of the elephant race which precedes Kodiyettam (hosting of the flag) for the Annual Utsavam.From the time immemorial, India has been a spiritually enlightened country consecrated by Rishis and temples of worship. Holy places like Kashi and Rameswaram have magnificent Temples which, besides their spiritual significance, are noted for their antiquity and historical importance. The artistic excellence and the architectural specialities of Konark and Khajuraho are so indescribable that they always attract not only the pilgrims from within the country but also swarms of tourists from abroad. But Guruvayur is a pilgrim center which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum (central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it.

The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA.

Guruvayur was once a sub-shrine of the Trikkunavay Shiva Temple. The Shiva Temple was destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri’s Narayaniyam, composed in the 16th century popularized the existence of the Guruvayur Temple around the world. The present structure of the Temple is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638.

It is believed that the central shrine (Sreekovil) and the Mandapam are as old as 1030 AD. The western gopuram was constructed in the 12th century. The Dutch raided Guruvayur in 1716 and the western gopuram was set afire. Guruvayur was subjected to further assaults by Hyder Ali in 1766 and by Tipu Sultan in 1789. In 1789, the Utsavavugraha (Utsava Moorthi) was shifted to Ambalapuzzha and the Moolavigraha to a safe underground sanctum. The Moolavigraha was re-installed and worship resumed after the victory of the Zamorins over Tipu Sultan with the help of the British Army.

The legend associated with the Temple can be referenced to the Narada Purana. Lord Vishnu once appeared before Lord Brahma to grant salvation to him and his creations. On Lord Brahma’s request, he presented him with an idol of and made by himself. Some centuries later, Lord Brahma gifted this idol to King Sutapas and his wife Prasni, who were doing penance for a child. Lord Vishnu appeared to the King and his wife and stated that he will be born to them for their next four births. He also blessed them by stating that the idol will bless them in each of these births.

Lord Vishnu was born as Prasngarbha to King Sutapas and Queen Prasni in the Satya Yuga. In Treta Yuga, he was born as Vamana to Kashyapa (Sutapas) and Aditi (Prasni). Later, Lord Vishnu was born as Lord Rama to King Dashratha (Sutapas) and Kaushalya (Prasni). In the Dwapara Yuga, he took the form of Lord Krishna to Vasudeva and Devaki who were the reincarnation of Sutapas and Prasni again.

When Lord Krishna decided to forego the Earth and ascend to heaven, he decided to give the idol to Brihaspati (Guru) and Vayu, so that it could escape the destruction of Dwarka. Brihaspati and Vayu went southwards in search of a place to consecrate and worship the idol. They were enchanted by the sight of the huge Rudratheertham and on a visit there, met Sage Parashurama. The three together met Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the banks of the Theertham and were eventually convinced by the greatness of the place by Lord Shiva himself. They decided to build a shrine there and consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna at the site. They entailed the services of Vishwakarma (Architect of the Devas) who built a grand temple within minutes.

Significance of Guruvayur Temple

It is believed that the form of Lord Krishna worshiped here is the form of Lord Vishnu in which he appeared to Vasudev and Devaki during the birth of Lord Krishna. Hence, the child form of Lord Krishna is worshiped here.

The main idol of the deity is made of the “Patala Anjanama” stone. The unique stone is believed to possess healing properties. Every day, the water used for Abhishekam (bathing of the idol) is distributed to the devotees for healing purposes.

The Temple has several synonyms like “Bhooloka Vaikunta” meaning “Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. It is also called as the “Dwarka of the South”.

It is believed that Lord Shiva performed penance or Tapasya in the Rudratheertham (Rudra is associated with Lord Shiva and hence, the name of the tank). In ancient days, the Rudratheertham was believed to be much larger than the present form and was supposed to be filled with Lotuses.

The Krishnanattam is a unique service held at Guruvayur on all days except Tuesdays. The art form is a depiction of events in the eight stages of Lord Krishna’s life. The devotees can view the performances in the evening at the Mandapam as well as perform the seva to fulfill their personal wishes.

All the articles in the Garbhagriha, including the doors and the roof, are made out of gold.

The Temple is well known for providing a healing touch to people suffering from major diseases like Leprosy and Tuberculosis.

Festivals celebrated at Guruvayur Temple

• Ekadasi – The auspicious day is the major festival celebrated in Guruvayur. It is believed that this is the day when Lord Krishna enlightens Arjuna with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The festival lasts for a month. The Ekadasi or the eleventh day is celebrated in the month of Vrischika or November. On the day of Navami, Deepams lit with Ghee are offered to the Lord by the Kolady family followed by the Deepams on Dasami offered by the Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. On Ekadasi, the Ekadasi Vilakku (Deepam) with Elephant procession takes place signaling the end of the festivities.
• Chembai Sangeethotsavam – This is a unique cultural festival celebrated to honor Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, a legendary Carnatic Musician and an ardent Krishna devotee in Guruvayur. The music festival is celebrated for 11 days during which artists, whether old or young, amateur or professionals participate and dedicate their compositions to Lord Krishna. They are provided free accommodation and food by the Temple Administration.
• The Temple Utsavam – The grand festival is celebrated in the month of February – March and lasts for 10 days. The first day marks the raising of the flag atop the Dhwajasthambam as an invitation to the Gods and Goddesses to attend the festival. An Elephant race is held on the first day that attracts visitors from far and away. For the next 6 days, processions of the Lord is taken around on the backs of the elephants. Every day, a morning Pooja is held followed by several cultural programs and religious discourses. The Utsavabali is celebrated on the eighth day. The devotees are treated to a feast. The ninth day is celebrated as Palivetta which signifies the destruction of evils in our life such as Kama (Lust) and Krodha (Anger). After that, the idol of the deity is taken to the Temple pond where thousands of devotees take a dip dedicated to him. The Lord is returned to the shrine after going around the temple for eleven times. The Temple flag is lowered, signaling an end of the festival.
• Vishu – The day is celebrated as the Malayali New Year and occurs in mid-April. It is a belief that the one’s fortunes depend on what one sees first thing on an auspicious morning. Offerings like Rice, flowers, gold, betel leaves, nuts, coins and yellow cucumber are arranged in front of the Lord on the previous night itself. Devotees stay overnight blindfolded and facing the deity. When the shrine is opened, they throng to see the auspicious sight of the Lord and bless themselves with the good omen.
• Janmashtami – The joyous occasion of the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and fare. The whole temple is decorated with flowers and lamps. Special Poojas are performed throughout the day. Offerings of Appam are made to the Lord by thousands of devotees who flock to the Temple to have a glimpse of the God on this auspicious day.

Besides these festivals, Onam, Deepavali, Navarathri, and Kuchela Dinam are also celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Temple

Guruvayur Temple Sevas

• Udayasthamana Pooja – This unique Pooja is a ritual where 15 special Poojas are performed throughout the day (Udaya for Sunrise and Astha for Sunset) for the deity in the name of the devotee. The rituals begin at dawn and proceeds in succession till dusk after which the devotee and other attendees are given Prasadam of the Pooja.
• Annaprasanam – This is a ceremony where an infant is given rice as food for the first time since his or her birth. Arrangements are made for the devotees and the child with cooked rice, payasam (rice pudding) and plantain. The food is spread onto a banana leaf and then fed to the infant among holy chants signifying the beginning of a nutritionally healthy life ahead.
• Prasadaootu – This Seva is also known popularly as Annadanam. Devotees can donate any amount and it will be used to feed thousands of pilgrims every day at the Temple Dining Hall.
• Tulabharam – The devotee is weighed against offerings like banana, sugar, water, rice or gold in a Tula or a balance. The equivalent weight is then offered to the Temple. Non-Hindus are also allowed to perform the ceremony.
• Elephant donation and Anayoottu – The devotees can also donate elephants to the Temple. Currently, 40 such elephants are housed in Punnatthur Kota. Anayoottu is the feeding of these elephants. Devotees can also feed these elephants every day at the Temple at 10 AM.
• Bhagavathi Azhal – As per the devotee’s requirement, ten or twenty wicks of oil lamps are kept on a banana leaf and presented in front of the shrine of Bhagavathi.
• Krishnanattam – The unique dance performance called as Krishnanattam is the representation of important incidents in Lord Krishna’s life. The art form was introduced by Prince Manavedan in 1654. The performance uses colorful masks inspired by local art forms and traditional instruments like Sudha Madhalam, Edakka, Gong, and Conch. The devotees can offer these performances for the fulfillment of their particular desire. The eight episodes are – Avatharam (for birth of a child), Kaliyamardana (antidote to poisoning), Rasakreeda (happy unmarried life), Kamsavadha (eliminate enemies), Swayamvara (matrimonial issues), Banayudha (fulfillment of wishes), Vividha Vodha (fight against poverty and increase agricultural yield) and Swargarohana (peace of departed souls).
• Angapradakshina – This ritual involves circumambulating the Temple pradakshina with his or her eyes closed and chanting the Lord’s name.The Legend says that when the temple of Dwarka was submerged under the sea, Guru and Vayu were assigned the job to discover an equally holy place for a fresh temple. Ultimately, when they discovered the site, the place came to be known as Guruvayur and the deity, Guruvayurappan. The main idol is said to have got installed by Brihaspati (Guru) and Vayu, by the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 
  
  The oldest mention of Guruvayur is traceable in 'Kokasandesam', a fourteenth century Tamil work. In this scripture, it is stated as Kuruvayur. Guruvayoor has scores of references in the works of 16th century. The temple actually got famous with Melpathur's 'Narayaniyam'. At this abode of Lord, maximum number of marriages is observed every year. 

Kamakhya Temple

 Kamakhya Temple located at Guwahati, Assam is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is considered most sacred and oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas on earth.

Kamakhya Temple is located on Nilachal Hills in western part of Guwahati on adjoining banks of Brahmaputra river. There is a complex consisting of several temples around Maa Kamakhya Temple. Apart from this, there are also the temples of 10 Mahavidyas in and around temple. These include Bhuvaneshvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta,Tripura Sundari, Tara, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Matangi and Kamala Temples. Among these, Tripurasundari, Matangi and Kamala reside inside the main temple whereas the other seven are individual temples located on Nilachal Hills.

Kamakhya Temple is an important pilgrimage destination for all sects of Hindus and especially for Tantric worshipers.

The earliest historical dynasty of Kamarupa, the Varmans (350-650), as well as Xuanzang, a 7th-century Chinese traveler ignore the Kamakhya, when it is assumed that the worship was Kirata-based beyond the brahminical ambit.The first epigraphic notice of Kamakhya is found in the 9th-century Tezpur plates of Vanamalavarmadeva of the Mlechchha dynasty. There is enough archaeological evidence of a massive 8th-9th century temple. There is a tradition that the temple was destroyed by Kalapahar, a general of Sulaiman Karrani (1566–1572), though the latest historical findings favor instead an earlier destruction during Hussein Shah’s invasion of the Kamata kingdom(1498) then under Nilambar. The ruins of the temple was said to have been discovered by Vishwasingha, the founder of the Koch dynasty, who revived worship at the site; but it was during the reign of his son, Naranarayan, that the temple reconstruction was completed in 1565. The reconstruction used material from the original temples that was lying scattered about. Banerji (1925) records that this structure was further built over by the rulers of the Ahom kingdom. Many other structures are yet later additions.

According to a legend the Koch Bihar royal family was banned by Devi herself from offering puja at the temple. In fear of this curse, to this day no descendants of that family dares to even look upward towards the Kamakhya hill while passing by.

Without the support of the Koch royal family the temple faced lot of hardship. By the end of 1658, the Ahoms under king Jayadhvaj Singha had conquered the Lower Assam and their interests in the temple grew. In the decades that followed the Ahom kings, all who were either devout Shaivite or Shakta continued to support the temple by rebuilding and renovating it.

Rudra Singha (reign 1696 to 1714) was a devout Hindu and as he grew older he decided to formally embrace the religion and become an orthodox Hindu by being initiated or taking sharan of a Guru, who would teach him the mantras and become his spiritual guide. But, he could not bear the thought of humbling himself in front of a Brahmin who is his subject. He therefore sent envoys to Bengal and summoned Krishnaram Bhattacharyya, a famous mahant of Shakta sect who lived in Malipota, near Santipur in Nadia district. The mahant was unwilling to come, but consented on being promised to be given the care of the Kamakhya temple to him. Though the king did not take sharan, he satisfied the mahant by ordering his sons and the Brahmins in his entourage to accept him as their spiritual guru.

When Rudra Singha died, his eldest son Siba Singha (reign 1714 to 1744), who became the king, gave the management of the Kamakhya temple and along with it large areas of land (Debottar land) to Mahant Krishnaram Bhattacharyya. The Mahant and his successors came to be known as Parbatiya Gosains, as they resided on top of the Nilachal hill. Many Kamakhya priests and modern Saktas of Assam are either disciples or descendants of the Parbatiya Gosains.The temple consists of four chambers: garbhagriha and three mandapas locally called calanta, pancaratna and natamandira. The garbhagriha has a pancharathaplan and rests on plinth moldings that are similar to the Surya Temple at Tezpur, above which are dados from a later period of the Khajuraho or the Central Indian type, consisting of sunken panels alternating with pilasters.  The sikhara in the shape of a bee-hive, which is characteristic of temples in Lower Assam. The inner sanctum, the garbhagriha, is a cave below ground level and consists of no image but a rock fissure:

The garbhagriha is small, dark and reached by narrow steep stone steps. Inside the cave there is a sheet of stone that slopes downwards from both sides meeting in a yoni-like depression some 10 inches deep. This hallow is constantly filled with water from an underground perennial spring. It is the vulva-shaped depression that is worshiped as the goddess Kamakhya herself and considered as most important pitha (abode) of the Devi.

The garbhaghrihas of the other temples in the Kamakhya complex follow the same structure—a yoni-shaped stone, filled with water and below ground level.

The current structure has been built during the Ahom times,with remnants of the earlier Koch temple carefully preserved. Temple was destroyed during the middle of second millennium and revised temple structure was constructed in 1565 by Chilarai of the Koch dynasty in the style of medieval temples. The current structure has a beehive-like shikhara characteristic of lower Assam with delightful sculptured panels and images of Ganesha and other Hindu gods and goddesses on the outside. The temple consists of three major chambers. The western chamber is large and rectangular and is not used by the general pilgrims for worship. The middle chamber is a square, with a small idol of the Goddess, a later addition. The walls of this chamber contain sculpted images of Naranarayana, related inscriptions and other gods. The middle chamber leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the form of a cave, which consists of no image but a natural underground spring that flows through a yoni-shaped cleft in the bedrock.The temple of Kamakhya has a very interesting story of its origin. It is one of the 108 Shakti peeths. The story of the Shakti peeths goes like this; once Sati fought with her husband Shiva to attend her father's great yagna. At the grand yagna, Sati's father Daksha insulted her husband. Sati was angered and in her shame, she jumped into the fire and killed herself. When Shiva came to know that his beloved wife had committed suicide, he went insane with rage. He placed Sati's dead body on his shoulders and did the tandav or dance of destruction.The God of love, Kamadeva had lost his virility due to a curse. He sought out the Shakti's womb and genitals and was freed from the curse. This is where 'love' gained his potency and thus, the deity 'Kamakhya' devi was installed and worshipped here. Some people also believe that the Kamakhya temple is a place where Shiva and devi Sati had their romantic encounters. As the Sanskrit word for lovemaking is 'kama', the place was named Kamakhya.The Kamakhya temple is dedicated to the tantric goddesses. Apart from the deity Kamakhya Devi, compound of the temple houses 10 other avatars of Kali namely Dhumavati, Matangi, Bagola, Tara, Kamala, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Bhuvaneshwari and Tripuara Sundari. There is no statue, idol or image of Devi in the temple, but in the corner of the cave in the temple, there is sculptured image of the yoni or Vagina of the goddess, which is the object of worship and reverence.Vatsyayana, a Vedic Sage in Varanasi during the later first Century was approached by the King in the Himalayan region (now Nepal) to find a solution to convert the tribals and their rituals of human sacrifice to a more socially accepted worship.The Sage suggested the worship of a tantric goddess Tara that spread towards the eastern Himalayan beltThe worship of all female deity in Assam symbolizes the "fusion of faiths and practices" of Aryan and non-Aryan elements in AssamWhen Rudra Singha died, his eldest son siba singha(reign 1714 to 1744), who became the king, gave the management of the Kamakhya temple and along with it large areas of land (Debottar land) to Mahant Krishnaram Bhattacharyya. The Mahant and his successors came to be known as Parbatiya Gosains, as they resided on top of the Nilachal hill. Many Kamakhya priests and modern Saktas of Assam are either disciples or descendants of the Parbatiya Gosains, or of the Nati and Na Gosains

The origin of the temple is full of interesting stories. According to the mythological stories affiliated with Kamakhya Devi temple history, once Sati’s father invited him to a grand yagna program. Sati (another name of Goddess shakti) wanted to go to that yagna program but her husband Lord Shiva denied her to go there. Then, Sati fought with her husband to attend her father’s great yagna. When sati visited there, her father insulted her husband because of which Sati became so angry and she jumped into the holy fire of the Yagna and killed herself.

Shiva was very insane with rage when he came to know that his beloved wife has killed herself. He carried the dead body of Sati on his shoulders and ran here and there in a madness of losing his love. He did tandava dance which is known as the dance of destruction. When Lord Vishnu saw Lord Shiva this much disturbed, he cut down the body of Sati with his chakra into 108 parts and those body parts get scattered in different areas of the earth. The Kamakhya temple is supposed to be the place where Sati’s womb and vagina part fell down. And that’s why; the temple set up there is taken as a symbol of fertility and strength of the woman.

According to another Kamakhya temple legend, Sati and Lord Shiva had romantic encounters in the place where Kamakhya temple is situated. So, this place is worshiped as the symbol of love and romance. People also say that once Kamadeva, the Lord of Lust and romance was cursed by Lord Shiva that he will not be able to enjoy his romantic powers anymore. When Kamdev sought out Sati’s Vaginal part at the location of Kamakhya temple, his powers came back and he was free from the curse. That’s why the Goddess is named as Kamakhya. These stories are the basis of the history of this wonderful temple.

Architecture Of Kamakhya Temple

The current structure of Kamakhya temple has been built by Ahom kings with remains of the Koch temple. As those remnants were preserved very carefully, they had been used for the construction of this new temple in a beautiful way. The destruction of the temple took place in mid of 2nd millennium and reconstruction of the same took place in 1565 by Chilarai, Koch dynasty. Like all the other medieval temples, the temple was designed in the same style having Shikhar like a beehive. This is the feature of lower Assam; the panels of the temple have been designed with delightful images of Lord Ganesh and other Hindu Gods.

There are three main chambers in the temple with sculptures of Lord Narnarayana in the walls of all the chambers. The western chamber is not opened for common pilgrims. The middle chamber has a small statue of the Goddess. The middle chamber leads the way to a cave-like Sanctorum that bears a vagina-shaped cleft made up of stone. An underground spring flows through this cleft.

The Kamakhya Devi temple architecture is famous for the design of its garbhgraha which bears a pancharatha plan that resembles the Tezpur’s Surya temple. The architectural style of this part of the temple has been adopted from the central Indian temples. This consists of sunken panels designed alternatively with pillars. From inside, the garbhagraha is dark and small that can be reached through narrow steep steps of stone. The vulva shaped depression of stones there is worshiped as the Goddess Kamakhya and reputed as one of the most important 51 shaktipeeths. There are other temples also in the complex having the same idol of the Goddess in the garbhagraha; a vulva shaped stone filled with underground water spring.

The sacred temple has well-organized system inside the structure everywhere. There are separate sites to offer Prasad, lighting diyas and breaking coconuts inside Kamakhya Temple. Shops to buy offerings are available near the temple. The main structure inside the temple is the garbhagraha, which is nothing but a yoni shaped stone supposed to be holy and sacred. There is no image or statue of the Goddess there. It is hard to see anything inside the temple because only 2 or 3 lamps are lighted there. Special poojas and prayers are performed by pandas in the temple.

The Kamakhya temple is seen as the sign of a woman’s strength and natural physiology. The Goddess is called as the bleeding Devi or menstruating Goddess because, in the month of Ashadha (June), the devi starts menstruating automatically. The proof of this menstruation is that the water of the underground spring below the vulva-shaped stone in the garbhagraha turns red. This menstruation process lasts for three days and priests of the temple don’t allow anyone to enter the temple. It means the Goddess is not allowed to be worshiped during those three days. The pilgrims are just allowed to dip their handkerchiefs in the ‘red’ water of the spring that comes out from the garbhagraha through a narrow stream. Worshippers keep those ‘red’ handkerchiefs secured with them as Devi’s offerings for good luck.

There is no scientific proof that the red color of the spring’s water is because of blood. Many people believe that the red color of the water is due to the vermillion which is mixed by the priests. So, there is no evidence of the menstruation of the Goddess but this process is seen with great respect by worshippers of the Goddess. Ultimately, it is the sign of ‘Shakti’ (strength) of every woman of the world.

On this occasion, a grand festival is celebrated in the temple named as Ambhuwasi. During the three days of Goddess’ menstruation, the doors of the temple remain closed and on the fourth day, a big celebration is done when the door is opened.

Kamakhya temple sindoor is supposed to have a blessing of Maa Kamakhya. This vermillion is called Kamiya sindoor which helps in black magic and Vashi Karan pooja. The process can be applied on your enemy or opponent. According to the story sindoor is used for preparing spiritual items which protect you from your enemy as well as resolve the black magic problems.

The Kamiya sindoor possesses special properties of avoiding witchcraft problems and bhoot prêt badha. It is found in crystallized form and can be received by the priests of the temple.

Using the Kamiya Sindoor is very easy; you need nothing but to mix the sindoor with Ggangajal or water of any other holy river. Now, make religious symbols such as om, the swastika in the front door of your house with this sindoor. Also, use the same for your office, factory and business site. Apply this sindoor in forehead of your family members, relatives, and friends for their goodness. Mix the sindoor in pure water and sprinkle this water all over the home.

Kamakhya Devi is also known well for vashikaran tantra; means a ritual practice to attract someone towards you as per your desire. This practice is done especially when you want to convince someone for being agreed with your thoughts and you know that you want him to agree for the right thing. By using the vashikaran method, you can easily convince a person to agree with your thoughts and help your loved one to come out of the hazard. The kamakhya vashikaran tantra specialists in the temple help devotees to understand the vashikaran tantra and way to use it.

The magical vashikaran tantra helps people to overcome many problems of their life as follows –

• It prevents divorce and makes your relationship healthy.
• It attracts lots of wealth and financial benefit for your life.
• You can get your love back with this vashikaran tantra.
• You can have all materialistic gains through this tantra.
• Your business and career will reach hikes by using it.
• The way of using the tantra and is explained by the tantra pooja specialists of the temple. By following that proper way, you can achieve your target.
• And these are just a few benefits that are observable as blessings of Devi will vary as per the needs of her devotee.

The temple is famous for a special pooja which is done for removal of black magic. Performed by Sadhus  who stay in the temple, this special pooja involves some rituals that cure people who suffer from black magic problems. The sadhus performing the black magic removal worship can be found anywhere inside the temple premise. From the ancient time only, this temple has been dedicated for special Kamakhya black magic removal pooja and known as the place of tantrikism. It is said that this temple is the only place where all 10 mahavidyas stay together.

Pooja of Kamakhya Devi lasts for nine days in navratri and all the important rituals are performed behind the doors. During the Kamakhya Devi pooja, various types of sacrifices are performed such as goats, pigeons, fish, Gourd, pumpkins, buffaloes. A human model made up of flour is also sacrificed to fulfill the ancient times tradition of this pooja.

Another important ritual of the temple is pohan biya. This is nothing but a symbolic marriage of lord kameshwar and kameshwari. This practice is done in the month of Pusa. Four noteworthy poojas of the temple are Durgadeul, vasanti, Mdandeul and Mansa pooja are also there. The first three poojas take place during the month of phalguna and chaitra while the last pooja takes place in Shravan.

You can visit Kamakhya Temple official website to know more about the timetable of pooja and sadhana. The temple is located 6 km from the Guwahati railway station. After reaching the station from the train, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple. while the temple is located 20 km away from the Guwahati airport; you can book a can in advance to visit the temple after reaching the airport.

The best time to visit the Kamakhya temple is June when you can enjoy the famous Ambuwasi festival and get the Kamiya sindoor. Getting the Kamakhya temple VIP pass and kamakhya devi darshan tickets is possible online or from the counters in the temple.

According to the Kamakhya Devi Temple timming, the doors of the temples are opened at 8 AM daily for devotees (except the three days of menstruation during the month of June). The doors are closed at 1 PM for cooked offering to the Goddess which is distributed among devotees later. At 2.30 PM, temple’s doors are opened again for devotees. At 5.30, the aarti of the Goddess takes place after which the doors are closed for the night.

Although, you can visit the temple any weekday whole year but to enjoy the most auspicious celebration; the ambuwashi pooja, you should plan your trip to the Kamakhya Temple during the menstruation period of the Goddess. This occasion takes place in the month of June and lasts for 4 days. After 3 days of the menstruating time of the Goddess, the fourth day is celebrated in the form of a big fair.

Being the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy great time exploring the historical and spiritual wealth of the country, the Kamakhya temple facts attract thousands of tourists every year. An outstanding combination of rejuvenated designs, attractive sculptures, and treasure of adventures make this temple different from others; that’s why even the foreign tourists love to add this place to their list of Indian destinations to visit.

Kalika Mata Temple

According to mythology, during Daksha's yagna (sacrifice) Shiva was the only god who was not invited. Sati could not bear the insult to her husband and she plunged into the the sacrificial fire. Shiva was furious and carrying Sati's body danced the Tandava or dance of destruction. All the gods in desperation requested Lord Vishnu to stop this destruction. So  Vishnu using his weapon the Sudarshana Chakra cut Satis body into several pieces.Wherever a part of her body fell became a Shakti Peetha. At all the Shakti Peethas, the goddesses' consort is Bhairava ( Shiva )

It is belived that in this Hindu temple Sati's toe fell. This temple consists of three images of the Goddess.  Goddess Kalika Mata in the centre, flanked on the right by Kali  and on the left by Bahucara Mata. In this Indian temple there is a separate shrine for Sadanandsha Pir, a Muslim saint who is worshipped by the local people.On Chitra Pournami a great fair is held and a huge number of devotees attend.This Hindu temple is one of the famous Shakthi Peethas in India. The temple complex is divided into two parts. The upper shrine is domed like a  Muslim shrine. The ground floor contains the Kalika Mata shrine.Kalika Mata temple history dates back to the 10th century and 11th centuries and hence it is the oldest temple in this region. Originally, goddess Kalika Mata was worshipped by the local Patidar, Koli and Bhil community, until she was later invoked and idol of the goddess was installed by Vishvamitra on Pavagadh hill, where she is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga or Chandi.

According to a folklore, during Navratri celebration, goddess took the form of a beautiful woman and danced in a Garba. The king saw her with a dirty look. She tried hard to explain to him who she was but the king did not listen. Goddess Kalika became angry at King and cursed him that the town will destroy. Later, the king of Khandesh (Jalgaon), Maharashtra invited goddess to come at Khandesh and stay there.

Kalika Mata is also worshipped by the local Adivasi community. The temple is believed to be the residence of Goddess Kali and is one of the Shakti Peethas. Legend says that Kalika Mata Temple is the site where the toe of goddess Sati had dropped after being chopped by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra.

 The temple is prime pilgrimage centre in Gujarat which attracts large numbers of devotees every year. Devotees visit the temple and "worship Kalika Mata by beating bell-metal symbols. A fair is held every year at the temple on Chaitra Sud Ashtami. On the full moon of Chaitra month and on the occasion of Dussehra, thousands of devotees throng the temple to seek blessings of Kalika Mata.This is the sacred place to visit in the Ratlam. The local peoples have great believe on the deity because the goddess helps to fulfill the desires of its devotees. The idol of Kalika Mata is very beautiful standing in front of the idol will fill you with the sense of power or ‘shakti’ into your soul. There is huge crowd of devotees in the temple on the nine days of the navratri. A big fair is also held in and around of the temple premises. Inside the temple there are 3 Goddess and the middle one is the most gorgeous and impressive. This is the most visited place in the Ratlam. The kalika mata is the kuldevi of the many tribes of this district. So the effect of this deity is very much in the local region of the Ratlam.This temple is situated near Rambagh or cremation ground of Ambala and has 6-feet tall statue of Kali Mata installed here. The temple has been decked up with figurines of birds and animals and these depict the culture of the medieval times.By the name, it indicates that the temple is made for goddess Kali. The temple is the oldest one in the area and dates from the 10th to 11th centuries. As the temple is located in India, where people blindly worship their gods, the temple receives hundreds and thousands of Hindu pilgrims year round. Hindu pilgrims are visiting this temple from past many years, even before the development of Champaner as a foremost city. To reach to the summit and worship at the temple, you need to walk for five kilometres along the jungle footpath towards the top of the hill. Or else, to reach the summit a cable car is operated all the time that will pull you until the summit.

The cable car functions from the midway point and is the last place that could be accessible by road. The temple boasts huge fortifications as well as an open veranda that could be found in the front along with two different altars for sacrifices. Besides this, a chain of lights makes the place more beautiful that are used for special occasions. Inside the sanctum, the idol of Kalika Mata could be found with only head called as the Mukhwato and is painted in red color. The temple also has full idols of Mahakali; own form of goddess Kali, as well as yantras of Bahuchara. While exploring this temple, you will be fascinated to see the views from the top. Watching down from the top, you will be amazed of the greenery around with smog all around.Set at the top of the Pavagadh Hill, the Kalika Mata Temple is an amazing religious destination, where pilgrims visit from far and near. The temple overlooks the other-worldly scene that highlights the city of pre-Moghal Empire and offers great sights to explore. Kalika Mata Temple is located in Vadodara, India, and is situated 762 metres above the sea level.Today, the temple has become a well-known tourist destination of India, where attractive sights and beautiful ancient temple structure, both rejuvenates people visiting here. Down the hill, there is one more temple that is bordered by a river and gives spectacular reflections of the temple and the hill. As the site receives huge amount of pilgrims, it is well managed to safeguard the life of people. At the top, the temple is bordered with railings so that while looking down one can take the support of the railings and do not go beyond it. Traveling through the cable car will offer you amazing viewing opportunities and you could hardly see the world outside, as it is blocked by the smog. If you explore the place at morning, the site is entirely filled with rising smog and beautiful scenery around.

The temple remains open from very early to quite late at night, as pilgrims from far and close visit the temple and worship the goddess Kali. While traveling for long, people get exhausted and so they need a place to take rest and lie down. This need is fulfilled by the Machi Haveli. Machi Haveli is actually the rest house, which remains available for pilgrims. At the site, you will get everything, which was earlier not available whether it is the rest house, or a shop, or the facilities like cable car. In fact, the route made to climb the top of the mountain was also not made properly, as it is available today.

This ancient temple is a great example of early architectures. So do not miss any area of this site, as all of great importance. You can reach at this destination by road. From Vadodara, you can drive for 45 kilometres to reach Champaner. Take a bus or any private vehicle to reach to your destination. Well, the best option to reach to this temple is by hiring a car from Vadodara to Champaner to Pavagadh. While driving all the way, the scenes around will fascinate you a lot.The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Kalika Mata, who is red in color, portrayed in the form of a head called as mukhwato and she is worshipped as a form of Goddess Durga. Kalika Mata Temple contains three main deities:

1. Goddess Kalika Mata, the main deity (central image)
2. Goddess Kali, to the right Goddess Kalika Mata
3. Bahucharamata, to the left of Goddess Kalika Mata

Kalika Mata Temple is said to be one of the Adi Shakti Pitha Temples. The Shakti Pitha is a place of worship to goddess Shakti also called goddess Sati, the main deity. It is said that the four major Shakti Pithas are created from the limbs of Goddess Sati‘s corpse. Apart from the following four Shakti Pithas, there are 52 other famous Pithas found from the religious books. The body part or ornament of Goddess Shakti that fell to the earth, is the place where the Adi Shakti temples are built. And it is said that the toe of goddess Sati have fell at this place, where the Kalika Mata Temple has been built. It is the oldest and the most celebrated temple in the vicinity of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park .A long flight of steps leads one to this temple as it is located at a cliff at quite an altitude in between the dense forests near Halol.

As one enters the temple, one can see large representations of three Goddesses staring at them in all their might. The one in the centre is that of Kalika Mata, the left one gives an image of Bahucharamata and the one of the right gives us a glance at Goddess Kali.