Kalimath Uttarakhand: Temple History & Significance

Kalimath Uttarakhand is a sacred place located by the Saraswati River in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. It is 1,800 meters above sea level and is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths in India, making it very important in Hindu religion.

The area around Kalimath Uttarakhand is beautiful, surrounded by nature, and feels very peaceful and holy. The Goddess Kali Temple is found here, where people come to pray and seek blessings from Goddess Kali.

Here are some interesting facts about Kalimath Uttarakhand:

• Powerful Temple: Kalimath Uttarakhand  is considered one of the most powerful and revered temples in Uttarakhand.
• Unique Worship: Instead of an idol, a sacred Kund (pond) covered by the Rajatpat Sri Yantra is worshipped in this temple.
• Tantric Lore: The temple is associated with tantra lore, and the holy Kund is opened only once a year on Ashtami during Sharad Navratri. The ritual is performed at midnight by chief priests.
• Goddess Worship: Along with Goddess Kali, the deities of Laxmi and Saraswati are also worshipped here.
• Eternal Flame: An unbroken flame is constantly lit in the temple, symbolizing the divine presence.
• Sacrificial Practices: While animal sacrifice was practiced until the 1990s, it has since been abolished. Today, devotees offer raw coconuts and items related to the Goddess’s makeup, like bangles, Bindis, small mirrors, combs, ribbons, and Chunariyas.

Kalimath Mandir

It is a sacred site in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, known for its revered Kali Mata Temple. According to legend, after Goddess Kali defeated the demon Raktbeej, she descended into the ground at this very spot. A silver plate, known as the Sri Yantra, marks the place where she entered the earth and is worshipped by pilgrims. The plate remains covered except on the eighth day of Navratri when the Chief Priest performs a special midnight Puja.

• Another belief is that the lower part of Goddess Kali is worshipped in Kalimath Uttarakhand, while her upper part is worshipped in the Dhari Devi Temple near Srinagar.
• Nearby, there is a famous Lakshmi Mata Temple, known for its eternal flame, and a Bhairav Baba Temple, which is also a place of worship. Notable saints like Kalidas and Vrati Baba have also worshipped Goddess Kali here.
• Pilgrims can stay at a Dharamshala built by Satpal Maharaj, a Member of Parliament and spiritual leader, offering a place for rest and reflection.

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Location of Kalimath

Kalimath Uttarakhand is situated near Kedarnath, approximately 49 kilometers from Rudraprayag  district of Uttarakhand.

Location & How to Reach

The Kalimath Uttarakhand  is located along the route to Kedarnath Dham. It is about 20 kilometers from Ukhimath and can be reached by hiring a taxi or taking a shared jeep from Rudraprayag. The nearest railway stations to Kalimath are in Dehradun, which is 228 kilometers away, and Rishikesh, which is 187 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 204 kilometers from Kalimath Uttarakhand.

What is Kalimath Famous For?

Kalimath Uttarakhand is a well-known destination for its Devi Temples and is a popular spot for religious activities and temple visits.

Best Time to Visit:

The Kalimath temple is open year-round, but visiting during Navratri is particularly special as the area is filled with festive joy.

Saraswati River in the Valley

Places to Visit in and Around Kalimath Temple

1. Gaurikund: Located at an elevation of 1,982 meters, Gaurikund is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site and the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. It’s a popular stopover for devotees on the Char Dham Yatra, where they often take a holy dip in the sacred tank.
2. Kedarnath Temple: Perched at an altitude of 3,584 meters, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shiva devotees. It is also a key destination in the Char Dham Yatra, Panch Kedar, and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
3. Ukhimath: Known as the winter home for the deities of Kedarnath Temple and Madhyamaheshwar, Ukhimath sits at an elevation of 1,311 meters. The town is home to numerous temples that are worth visiting.
4. Chopta: A picturesque destination, Chopta is perfect for those seeking natural beauty and adventure. Known for its pristine landscapes and spiritual atmosphere, Chopta is also a great spot for trekking and camping amidst lush valleys and mountain slopes.
5. Rudraprayag: Famous as a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and solo travelers, Rudraprayag is the confluence of the holy rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. It’s believed that taking a dip in this sacred water cleanses one of all sins, making it a revered spot for Hindu devotees.