Kalika Mata Temple

Kalika Mata Temple is an 8th-century Hindu temple located within the Chittor Fort in the Chittorgarh municipality of Rajasthan state in India. It was originally a Sun temple which was partly destroyed in sack of Chittor, it was rebuilt during the time of Rana Kumbha. The upper part of the structure is relatively more recent. It is visited by thousands of visitors every day. The goddess worshipped at this temple is an aspect of goddess Bhadrakali, clan goddess of Panwar (Mori Panwar) clan, The Mori Panwar Clan are the descendants of Chitrangna Mori, who built Chittorgargh. Kalika Mata is Kuldevi of Mori Panwar Clan.

Kalika Mata Temple Religious Significance
According to the local legends and religious scholars, Kalimata Mata temple is just across the Padmini's Palace. It is to be highly noted that originally a Sun temple which was dated to the 8th century largely dedicated to Lord Surya or the Sun God was suddenly destroyed during the 14th century. At this spot, the Kali temple was rebuilt in a successful manner. This shrine is situated in the largest fort of India. This particular Fort is the grandest in this state. It is marked as the World Heritage site. This Fort is affectionately called as Chittor which was the permanent capital of Mewar. The Fort was politically and religious active from the initial ruler Guhilot, then Sisodias and the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs from the 7th century. In 1567, after the siege by Emperor Akbar, the Fort was finally abandoned in 1568. The Fort is situated near the River Berach. At this shrine, different types of poojas, rituals, homams and yagnas are conducted in a religious manner as per the ancient Vedic rules and regulation. It is a place where the Rajasthani custums and traditions are strictly followed in a religious manner with a lot of perfection. A good rush of adherent devotees and pilgrim are witnessed on all festive days and auspicious days at this shrine.

Kalika Mata Temple Architectural Significance
Kalika Mata Temple of Chittorgarh Fort is the best example of Rajasthani architectural style and pattern. This temple was build with huge sized stones specially brought from the nearest mines. The idol of Goddess Kali is perfectly installed on the raised platform in the main sanctum. The Sikara or tower of this temple is really marvelous with images of Local Gods and Goddess. The interior and exterior of this temple is beautifully and attractively decorated with various types of Hinduism related sculptures. The ceiling and flooring of this shrine is very simple with moderate floral design pattern. There are just few sub-temples within the temple complex. It is a fortified Hindu temple with gateways. The temple can be seen from any part of this large sized Fort complex. This shrine is a star attraction among the huge sized monuments within the Fort.

Festivals at Kalika Mata Temple
Kalika Mata temple of Chittorgarh is known largely for celebrating most of the Hindu festivals and auspicious as per the Hindu religious calendar in a royal and religious manner with a lot of perfection. Most of the religious rituals and affairs are performed as per the ancient Vedic rules and regulations. Local people largely participate in all the religious affairs and rituals of this temple with keen interest and enthusiasm. It is to be remembered that even Royal family along with their family members, close relatives and friends wholeheartedly indulge in the religious matter of this temple.

Monuments in Chittorgarh

Monuments in Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs.