Pavagadh Hill is a popular destination in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat.
This hill was a result of a volcanic eruption 500 million years ago. Therefore Pavagadh hill is also known as “Fire hill”.
The historical city of Champaner lies at the base of the hill.
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Most importantly Pavagadh Hill is known for the renowned Kali Mata Temple at its top, which is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
The Pavagadh hill and Champaner together form the Champaner- Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Pavagadh hill,
Let’s see each of these points in detail…
How to reach Pavagadh hill
Pavagadh hill can be easily reached via air, train, and road networks.
It has excellent road, rail, and aviation connections to all of India’s main cities.
The devotees can ascend the Pavagadh hill using a ropeway from Manchi, but there are still 300 stairs to climb before they can see Maa Mahakali.
Nearly every part of India can be reached by train from Vadodara.
Vadodara is only 55 kilometers from Pavagadh.
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The closest airports to Pavagadh are those in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, which are each 52 and 145 miles away
Here flights are available to all major cities in India and around the world.
Both public and private transportation options are available at the airports to reach Pavagadh.
It is only 20 kilometers from Champaner, 13 kilometers from Halol, and 88 kilometers from Kevadiya Colony, where the Statue of Unity is located.
Mahakali Temple in Pavagadh Hill
The Mahakali Temple of Pavagadh which sits atop Pavagadh Hill is situated around 800 meters above sea level.
The right leg of Ma Devi Sati fell in this sacred spot.
Therefore this temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peeth of India.
Since a portion of Devi Sati’s Paav (leg) fell here, the location is known as Pavagadh.
It is one of Gujarat’s popular pilgrimage sites.
The Goddess Mahakalika Mandir in Pavagadh draws millions of visitors and pilgrims every year.
In numerous ancient texts of the Sanatan Dharma and Tantric teachings, the goddess Mahakali is known to be the consort of Lord Shiva and the epitome of fear, anger, and destruction of evil.
The great sage of Rishi Vishwamitra worshipped Goddess Mahakali at this location as Dakshina Kali as per Tantric rituals and rites.
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There is a fascinating history regarding Pavagadh, Gujarat.
History reveals that Jaisinh, the king of the Patai dynasty and the ruler of Champaner was flourishing with his empire.
Goddess Kali Mata was the main deity worshipped in his kingdom.
Navaratri was celebrated here for nine days and the goddess Ambe was worshiped with pure devotion.
Goddess was impressed by their devotion, and she disguised herself as a local woman and took part in the Garba dance along with her devotees.
But King Jaisinh was moved by her beauty and made a proposal to her.
Although she warned the king and told her that she was like her mother.
But the king could not resist the greed and desire to make her his queen.
The goddess became angry and cursed that his empire would soon fall into ruins.
Later, Champaner was attacked by Mughal King Muhammed Begada and defeated King Jaisinh in a battle.
Things to see in Pavagadh hill
The scenic beauty of the hills is the first thing to notice after you reach Pavagadh Hill.
From the hilltop, the 360 views of the surroundings tucked with volcanic rock formations, rugged cliffs and blue skies look mesmerizing.
Once you step into this sacred site, you can feel a spiritual ambiance surrounding you.
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Additionally, if you enter the temple you can see the head of Mahakali Mata in the inner sanctum sanctorum, which is painted red in color.
Besides the prime deity, there is an idol of Mahakali and Yantra of Bahucharma.
It is also believed that the place is blessed with the holy powers of Maharshi Vishwamitra.
Best time to visit Pavagadh hill
Millions of pilgrims from all over the world visit Pavagadh.
You can visit this Shaktipeeth all throughout the year.
The best time to visit this sacred site is during Navratri.
Also, during Chaitra and Ashwini Navaratri, a large fair is held here on the eighth day of Chaitra Sud.
Depending on their preferences, devotees can carry out rituals like the Navchandi Yagya or other Karma.
All the amenities, including hotels, guest houses, dharmshalas, restaurants, etc., are available to the hundreds of devotees who travel from all over India to see Mahakali Mata.
Other attractions to visit nearby
Pavagadh Jain Temple, Sadanshah Pir Dargah, and Navlakha Kothar are some of the other significant pilgrimage attractions in Pavagadh.
You can visit these temples to receive blessings from the almighty.
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Places to stay in Pavagadh Hill
There are many hotels and inns where you can choose to stay in Vadodara or near Pavagadh Hill.
Revival Lords Inn, Apple Hotel Vadodara, Regenta Inn, and The Fern Residency are the best hotels near Pavagadh Hill.
Shiv Shakti Niwas and Usma Sachi Vishranti Bhuvan are some of the Dharamshalas that are located very close to Pavagadh hill. Most of the Yatris and devotees choose to stay in these Dharamshalas at affordable prices.
The sacred site of Maha Kali Mata is a must-visit site in Gujarat.
It is said that if you convey your deepest wishes and desires to goddess Kali, she fulfills all the wishes of her devotees who visit her shrine.
The lovely hill looks more satisfying during the monsoon.
The temple administrators are planning to extend the architectural plans and unique art of the Temple complex.
So if you are an atheist and a devotee of Maha kali or Adi shakti, the temple is an ideal destination to visit.
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