Atop the Pavagadh hill in the Panchmahal region of Gujarat — within the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh landscape — stands the temple of Kalika Mata, one of the most visited Shakti shrines of western India. In the tradition of the Peethas, the toe of Sati's right foot fell here, and the Goddess is worshipped as Kalika, with Lakulish honoured as the Bhairava of the site.
The shrine crowns a high volcanic hill reached by a long climb of steps or by ropeway, and pilgrims often combine the ascent with darshan of the many ancient temples and monuments on the slopes below. The Goddess is revered as the kuladevi of countless Gujarati families, and her hill resounds with devotion during Navaratri, the great festival of the Mother in Gujarat.
Kalika Mata of Pavagadh is worshipped as a powerful and protective Mother, her hilltop shrine among the spiritual landmarks of the state.
