Photo copyright: Satyabrata Maiti
My co-trekker (Dr. Geetha) after arriving from Kerala started insisting upon visiting Pavagadh which I was avoiding since long since trekking in hot sun of Gujarat may not be very pleasant. However, after a lot of discussion about pros and cons of this proposed visit we finally decided to go on 1st November, 2024 for the reason: 31-Oct-2024 was Deepawalli and 2-Nov-2024 was Gujarathi New year day, 1-Nov-2024 was an empty day so far celebration of Deepawali was concerned. This trip was my second visit after about 15 years.
Pavagadh is situated in Panchmahal district of Gujarat which about 86 km away from Anand and about 46 km from Vadodara in western India. It is well-known for a famous Mahakali temple which is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, situated within dense forest cover on a cliff and a well known crowd-pullers where thousands of pilgrims visit every day. Mahakali’s idol was installed here in the 12th century., the temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths.
It has also a number of Jain temples belongs to Swetambar Achalgaccha sects. The temples of Jainism at Pavagadh are noteworthy. They fall into three different groups: The first consists of the Bhavanaderi temples near the Naqqarkhana gate called the Navalakka temples, the second group is in honour of the Trithankaras Suparshvanatha and Chandraprabhu and the third group, situated on the southeast of Pavagadh Hill (Mataji’s cliff), is near the Parsva temple next to the Dudhia tank. On the basis of their “stylistic and architectural features”, the date of construction of these temples is deduced to be the 14th–15th centuries.
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaelogical site was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 2004.
Pilgrims who wish to seek blessings of Mahakali can either choose to climb 2000+ steps or they may just hop on the cable cars of Udan Khatola (A Passenger Ropeway) which is operating since 1986. Maha Kalika Temple is about 6 minutes’ steep climb from the ropeway stop. About 250 steps have to be climbed from there.
Throughout the ropeway ride that starts from Maachi, tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty and forests around the Pavagadh hills. The ropeway service has made the “Darshan” of Mahakalika Temple of Pavagadh more convenient to those who are not able to climb such a height.
Darshan timing at Mahalaki Mandir is from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
1-Nov-2024
We left Anand at 5:00 am by car and reached Pavagadh base bus stand by 7:15 am with a break in between for tea. We also stopped our car for capturing a beautiful sunrise.
We started walking in the forest track for about 3 km enjoying the flora and fauna of the forest. One can cover this 3 km track by motor car too. But we preferred to trek since morning trekking was enjoyable. We covered this 3 km by 1 hour and 30 min. We could capture some beautiful birds and some monkeys.
Next phase started with climbing of 2000+ steps which took us about 2 hours. We visited Jain temples on the way and took photographs of various objects including Dudhia tank (water body) and finally reached Mahakali temple.
On our way back we descended 2000+ steps and then took a locally run trekker car to come down at the base bus stand since private vehicles were not allowed during 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The vehicle journey was very uncomfortable since number of passengers were more than the seat capacity. Some people were sitting on co-passengers’ laps.
We picked up our car and came back to Anand by 3:30 pm having lunch in between. Mind was filled with trekking experience with a prayer: May Maa Kali is always there to destroy the evil forces around us and also to conquer the inner demons within us. World needs her power most at this Geo-political conflicts between Russia- Ukraine and Israeli- Iran, and terrorist attacks…….
Jai Bharat!
Satyabrata Maiti
Acknowledgement:
- My Co-trekker, for her cooperation and support
References:
- The Wikipedia for giving insight of various subjects
- Online open source of information
Wonderful description of eco religious
trekking. Salute to ur spirit reaching out to nature defying age constraints
Thank you Ajay for your valuable observations which I appreciate very much. By the grace of God health is not troubling yet hence spirit continues. Stay safe and stay blessed.
Beautiful place and excellent photography. We also pray the same to Ma Kali and expect her blessings for entire world. Jai Ma.
Thank you Munnu for your valuable comments which I appreciate very much. Have faith on yourself and progress in the path of Vipassana. God always showers her blessing to those who help themselves in progressing in the path of righteousness.