Kalika Mata Temple,
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Kalika Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Kali located in Chittorgarh City in Chittorgarh Taluk in Chittorgarh District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The Temple is situated between Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) and Padmini Palace inside the Chittorgarh Fort. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.
History
This temple was originally built in early 8 th century CE by King Manabhanga. He is probably identified with Manuraja, the last king of Mori Rajputs. He is also credited with the construction of Kumbha Shyam and Tripura Vijaya Temple. The temple was originally a Sun temple and suffered destruction at the hands of Alauddin Khilji of Khilji dynasty during the sack of Chittorgarh. The temple was rebuilt and an idol of Kalika Mata was consecrated by Maharana Hammir Singh of Mewar Kingdom in 14th century CE.
The Temple
The temple is situated on a small hillock and can be accessed through flight of steps. The temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and entrance porch. The entrance porch and sabha mandapa has dome shaped roof and are of recent addition. The sabha mandapa and entrance arch are enclosed by lower parapet walls with kakasanas in the interior. The pillars of the entrance arch and sabha mandapa are intricately carved showing ghatapallava design. This is a sandhara temple, having common ambulatory passage around its sanctum.
The sanctum enshrines an image
of Kalika Mata / Bhadra Kali. There is a shrine dedicated to Jogeshwar Mahadev
opposite to Kalika Mata Temple. There are separate rooms for priests and saints
can be seen immediately after the entrance on the left side. There is an empty
space in front of the temple meant for Ratri Jagran (a unique way to worship of
goddess after their wishes got fulfilled). There is a temple tank called Surya Kund,
situated in front of fatta haveli near to Kalika Mata Temple. The tank was
excavated by Bappa Rawal, found of the Mewar Kingdom.
Festivals
Navaratri is celebrated here for
nine days. Special aratis and poojas are performed during these days.
The Chittorgarh Fort is located at about 5 Kms from Chittorgarh
Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Chittorgarh Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Nimbahera,
63 Kms from Bhilwara, 98 Kms from Udaipur Airport and 116 Kms from Udaipur.
Chittorgarh is situated on Bhilwara to Nimbahera route. Chittorgarh is well
connected to all parts of India by roads. The Golden Quadrilateral Road Project
and North-South-East-West corridor expressways pass through Chittorgarh City.
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