Haat Kalika Temple, Uttarakhand
The Haat Kalika temple, which has a beautiful complex area, is located in Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district. The Goddess Kali is thought to have relocated to this location from West Bengal and has since become a well-known deity in the region. More than a thousand years have passed since Guru Adi Shankaracharya founded this Shakti-Peeth. Another holy location close to Haat Kalika Temple is Chamunda Temple, which is located around 2 kilometers away.
Maa Kalika allegedly lived in this location, but the goddess’ anger caused it to become deserted. Adi Guru Shankaracharya was informed of the goddess’ anger when he traveled through this region. According to this story, the Goddess used to invoke Mahadev in the middle of the night, and whoever heard that voice perished. People used to avoid going near such a circumstance; however, once Adi Guru Shankaracharya appeased the goddess with his Tantra mantra chanting, this temple was re-established.
Haat Kalika Temple History
The Puranas, the earliest Hindu holy books, make reference to the Abode of Haat Kalika at Gangolihat because Guru Adi Shankaracharya selected this location for the Mahakali Shakti Peeth.
Since the beginning of time, a sacred fire has been burning continuously at the location of the temple, and it is believed that this fire contains the goddess’ power.
Saint Jangam Baba performed prayers at the temple site in modern times for many years, and then one day the Goddess asked him in a dream to build a temple there. As a result, Jangam Baba deserves all the credit for creating the current temple.
According to legend, human sacrifices were occasionally offered at this temple under the rule of the Chand rajas, but this practice was discontinued in the last century. Even now, sacrifices of goats and buffalo are still common, especially during the Navratris of Chaitra and Asvina.
Haat Kalika Temple: Religious Significance and Legends
For the Kumaon region’s residents, notably the gallant members of the Kumaon regiment of the Indian Army, the Haat Kalika shrine holds the utmost religious significance.
According to a well-known urban legend, a violent storm reportedly blew and shook the ship transporting the Kumaon regiment’s soldiers. The warriors turned to Goddess Haat Kali and prayed to her when all efforts to prevent the ship from sinking failed. The ship amazingly made it to the coast without incident thanks to Haat Kalika’s blessing. Since that time, the Kumaon locals have begun to identify Haat Kalika as Isht Devi. Many soldiers stop at the Haat Kalika temple and offer there.
Mahakali Statue Established
According to legend, the Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Subedar Sher Singh, established the statue of Mahakali following the 1971 conflict with Pakistan. This was allegedly the first idol the troops built. After that, in 1994, the Kumaon Regiment scaled a tall statue.
Haat Kalika Temple: Popular Belief
Here, a tradition has persisted for many years. In the evening, the temple priests prepare the beds. The bed has folds when the temple’s doors are opened in the morning. The locals think that Mahakali herself spends the night here resting.
In addition, it is stated that if a devotee worships the mother in this temple sincerely, all of her wishes would come true. Here, worshippers express themselves by attaching Chunaris to the temple, and when their wishes come true, it is customary to return and present the bell.
The Haat Kalika in Gangolihat is thought to be the original version, however, there is also a Haat Kalika in Lachhair, which is 20 kilometers from Pithoragarh. There is also a Kalika temple located nearby. Those who can not get to Maa Haat Kalika for the darshan go to the Kalika temple in Lachair instead.
It is thought that the holy fire, which has been smoldering at the temple site for centuries, is the power of the goddess Kalika. Many pilgrims and visitors come here to ask Maa Kalika for her blessings. If you present flowers to Maa Kalika, legend has it that you will prosper and stay well. Saint Jangam Baba liked to pray at temples in modern times, and one night Maa Kalika appeared in his dream and requested that he build a temple there.
Haat Kalika Temple is Famous for
- Gangolihat’s Haat Kalika Temple is a well-known temple in the state of Uttarakhand and a significant tourist destination. The ruins of a small Chand Rajas regent-built fort are also present here.
- Many pilgrims and visitors come here to ask Maa Kalika for her blessings. If you present flowers to Maa Kalika, legend has it that you will prosper and stay well.
- For the Kumaon region’s residents, notably the gallant members of the Kumaon regiment of the Indian army, the Haat Kalika shrine holds the utmost religious significance.
Location And Timing
Location:- Pithoragarh’s Haat Kalika Temple is near Gangolihat, which is on NH-309A and is 13 kilometers from Patal Bhuvaneshwar and 24 kilometers from Berinag. The temple is located approximately 77 kilometers from Pithoragarh City and 36 km from Chaukori.
Timing:- 05:00 A.M. to 09:00 P.M.
Best Time to Visit Haat Kalika Temple
Because of its elevation, the area has extremely cold winters and significant snowfall. January through June is the best time to visit Haat Kalika Mandir. Given that this location is in a subtropical Himalayan and sub-Himalayan zone, the temperature is generally moderate.
It is advised to stay away from the journey here during the rainy and winter months. The trek is challenging and complicated because of the intense rains. The regions are, nevertheless, blanketed with luxuriant foliage following the rain. Additionally, the walk is more enjoyable when there is less precipitation and clear sunshine during moderate winters.
How To Reach
By Bus:-Buses to Kathgodam and Almora are available from ISBT Anand Vihar in Delhi, and Chaukori has excellent access to the major cities of northern India by the motorable highway.
By Train:- The closest railway station to Hat Kalika Temple is Kathgodam Railway Station. From Kathgodam railway station, taxis are easily accessible to Hat Kalika Temple.
By Air:- The closest airport to the temple is Pantnagar Airport. From the airport, you can rent taxis to the Hat Kalika Temple.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Hat Kalika Temple, Pithoragarh(Uttarakhand) like its History, Recognition of this place, famous for, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
