Gadkalika Temple, a powerful temple of the divine mother Kali in the heart of Ujjain

Gadkalika Temple, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the upper lip of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is also known as Ujjain Mahakali and is associated with the great poet Kalidasa, who is believed to have acquired his literary skills by worshipping Goddess Kalika here. The temple dates back to the time of the Mahabharata war and was renovated by King Harshvardhan in the 7th century. It is a popular site for devotees, especially during Navratri, and is known for its beautiful and powerful deity of Goddess Kalika.

Table of Contents

1. History of Gadkalika Temple
2. Significance of Gadkalika Temple
3. Architecture of Gadkalika Temple
4. Festivals celebrated at Gadkalika Temple
5. Best time to visit Gadkalika Temple
6. How to reach Gadkalika Temple?

History of Gadhkalika Temple

The temple is believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata war, although the idol of Goddess Kalika is said to be older than the Satyug era. The temple was renovated by King Harshvardhan in the 7th century. Former rulers of the Gwalior state rebuilt the temple in modern times and restored it to its former glory. The temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas where the upper lip of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. The temple is closely associated with the great poet Kalidasa, who is believed to have worshipped Goddess Kalika here and attained his literary genius. Archaeological excavations near the temple complex have exposed artefacts and structures dating back to the 8th century BC, indicating the ancient significance of the site.

Significance of Gadhkalika Temple

1. Shakti Peethas: It is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas where the upper lip of Goddess Sati fell, making it a sacred site for Hindu devotees.
2. Devotion to Kalidasa: The temple is associated with the great poet Kalidasa, who is believed to have acquired his literary skills through his devotion to Goddess Kalika. This legend makes the temple a revered place for students and scholars.
3. Historical Significance: The temple dates back to the time of the Mahabharata war and was renovated by King Harshvardhan in the 7th century. It was rebuilt by the then Gwalior state.
4. Architecture: The temple walls are beautifully carved with various deities and holy symbols. An exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha is also present within the temple.

Architecture of Gadhkalika Temple

The architectural style of the Gadkalika temple in Ujjain is unique, blending elements of North Indian and South Indian temple architecture. The main shrine of the temple is adorned with beautifully carved walls of various deities and holy symbols. An exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha is present in the temple premises. The temple architecture shows typical carvings and decorative elements of North Indian temple styles. Also, the overall layout and design of the temple is influenced by South Indian temple architecture. This blend of architectural styles from different regions makes the Gadkalika Temple a unique and attractive religious structure.

Festivals Celebrated at Gadhkalika Temple

Navratri: This is the major festival celebrated with great pomp and show, which is visited by thousands of devotees.
Holi: Holi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the temple.
Diwali: Diwali is also celebrated with great pomp and show in the temple, which is another important Hindu festival.
Shivratri: Shivratri is another festival celebrated with devotion in the temple.
Dussehra: On the next day of Navaratri, lemons are distributed as prasad, it is believed to bring happiness and peace.

Best Time to Visit Gadhkalika Temple

The temple is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, so the morning time is considered the best time for darshan and puja.
Evening Aarti Timings: Many visitors recommend attending the evening aarti, which is considered a powerful and soul-purifying experience. The evening aarti takes place around 6:00 pm.
During festivals: The temple is crowded and bustling especially during the Navratri festival, when devotees flock to the temple to worship the goddess. It is considered an auspicious time to visit.
In winters: The winter months from September to February are the best seasons to visit the temple, as the weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures.

How to reach Gadhkalika Temple?

By road: You can reach Ujjain by bus or car. From Ujjain you can take local transport or walk to the temple.
By train: Ujjain has a railway station from where regular trains connect to major cities in India. From the station you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
By air: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, which is about 55 km from Ujjain. From the airport you can take a taxi or a bus to Ujjain and then take local transport to the temple.