Haat Kalika Temple
The 'Isht Devi' of Kumaon Regiment of Army
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Gangolihat, Pithoragarh Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
Approx. 5,400 ft
Best time to travel
All Year
Total Distance
Approx. 186 km from Kathgodam
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
The Haat Kalika Temple in Gangolihat, Uttarakhand, is a famous Shaktipeeth dedicated to Goddess Kali. This temple falls in the Pithoragarh District of the Kumaon region. It has a storied history and holds immense religious and cultural significance.
Haat Kalika Temple is just 13 kilometres from Patal Bhuvneshwar Cave Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be home to 33 Crore Gods, also located in Gangolihat.
This detailed discovery piece aims to educate and inform readers about the various aspects of the temple, including its history, mythology, architecture, significance, location, and more.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
The Haat Kalika Temple's history is intertwined with the spiritual and cultural fabric of the Kumaon regiment and its deep connection with historical figures and local beliefs.
It is believed that Kalika Mata or Goddess Kali shifted or moved from West Bengal to North-West India, making the Himalayan hills of Gangolihat, Kumaon her home. Regional history indicates that the Haat Kalika Temple was founded in the eighth century by Adi Shankaracharya. Over the centuries, the temple has been a focal point of worship and devotion.
The Army Connection
Haat Kalika is revered by the Kumaon Regiment as their "Isht Devi," or patron goddess or guardian protector. The colours and murals on the walls depicting the Kumaon regiment's relationship with the Goddess give the temple a distinctly military vibe. According to a legend, troops from the Kumaon regiment were once stranded in a violent storm at sea. They prayed to their Isht Devi, Goddess Kali, and the storm passed, allowing them to all safely return home. There is claimed to be a big bell in the temple that the troops brought back from the ship in honour of the Goddess Kali. Another local narrative states that Subedar Sher Singh of the Kumaon Regiment placed the idol of Mahakali in the temple following the regiment's victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. A larger statue was installed by the regiment in 1992 as a gesture of honour and recognition for their achievement. Soldiers often visit the temple and offer their services there including bells of all sizes (every bell is inscribed with the name of the respective soldier). This connection underscores the temple’s importance not just as a place of worship but also as a source of inspiration and strength for the soldiers.
Legend of Sleeping Goddess
There is a bed in the temple sanctum that is prepared daily in the evening for the Goddess. The locals think that Goddess Kalika spends her night in the temple sanctum before rising to leave. Every morning, the bedding creases, providing substance to this mythology adding another mysterious layer to the temple's story.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Haat Kalika Temple
The Haat Kalika Temple is at a height of 1760 metres and is located just 0.1 Km from the Gangolihat main road. A long stairway through the forest connects the temple with its main gate. The Haat Kalika Temple is a fine example of traditional North Indian temple architecture, blended with elements of Indian Army aesthetics. The wall colourways of the temple give a very distinct Army vibe. The temple complex is modest yet exudes an aura of divinity and tranquillity.
The idol and bed of Goddess Kali are located in the main sanctuary. The idol is thought to possess great spiritual power and to be Swayambhu in self-manifest form. The temple's wooden carvings and stone walls are architectural reflections of the region's cultural legacy. Numerous smaller shrines honouring different gods and goddesses are located within the temple complex.
Ambience and Views from Haat Kalika Temple
The temple overlooks the Kalika River and is located in the midst of pine forest. The serene environment, coupled with the melodious chants and the aroma of incense, creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The location of the temple also provides a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region. The dense forests, meandering rivers, and picturesque valleys make Gangolihat a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The Story of Bells and Haat Kalika Temple
The temple is adorned with numerous bells of varying sizes. Most of which are gifted by Kumaon Regiment personnel. The bigger bells are inscribed with the names of the respective armyman who offered the bell. It is also believed that Goddess Kali fulfils the wishes of every devotee who offers the bell.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
Gangolihat is surrounded by several villages and towns that add to the charm of the region. These places offer a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Kumaon region.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar: Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a mysterious cave shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, situated roughly 14 kilometres from Gangolihat. Naturally formed sculptures of different deities (scientific names - stalactites and stalagmites), add to the mystique of the cave believed to be home to 33 Crore Gods. It is thought that the cave has great spiritual importance and reaches far into the earth.
Berinag: About 30 kilometres from Gangolihat, Berinag is a charming town renowned for its tea gardens and expansive views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. For those looking for a quiet getaway in the middle of nature, the town is the ideal location.
Didihat: About 55 kilometres from Gangolihat, the little village of Didihat is located and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The town is a great starting point for discovering the surrounding hiking trails and taking in the local way of life.
Pithoragarh: Pithoragarh, the district headquarters, is almost 77 kilometres away from Gangolihat. Pithoragarh also referred to as "Little Kashmir," is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, ancient forts, and lively culture.
Jageshwar: Jageshwar, a well-known temple town located around 100 kilometres from Gangolihat, is well-known for its collection of historic temples devoted to Lord Shiva. The temples are an important place of pilgrimage and an architectural wonder that dates back to the ninth century.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Haat Kalika Temple
The main gate of Haat Kalika Temple is on a motorable road just 100 meters from the main Gangolihat road. From the gate, you will have to take around 100 stairs to reach the main temple.
Haat Kalika Temple, Gangolihat is well-connected to various important cities, towns and junctions in Uttarakhand by a good network of roads. The road to Almora on one side and Pithoragarh on the other is a single but well-paved mountain road. There are frequent bus services from Pithoragarh, Almora, and Haldwani.
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam station. The nearest ISBT is Almora and the closest airport is Pantnagar Airport, Dehradun.
Weather Conditions at Haat Kalika Temple
Summer (April to June) is mild with moderate and agreeable summer with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. This is the ideal time to visit the Haat Kalika Temple. The Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy to intense rainfall. Landslides might result from the heavy rains, making travel challenging. Gangolihat experiences bitterly cold winters, with lows of 0°C and there is an occasional snowfall.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Private Transport
You can directly reach Haat Kalika temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Srinagar - Karnaprayag - Gwaldam - Bageshwar - Berinag - Gangolihat - Haat Kalika Temple - Approx. 397 km
Dehradun - Haridwar - Kashipur - Rudrapur - Champawat - Gangolihat - Haat Kalika Temple - Approx. 506 km
Haldwani - Kathgodam - Bhimtal - Dhauladevi - Gangolihat - Haat Kalika Temple - Approx. 193 km
Haldwani - Kathgodam - Bhimtal - Almora - Raigar - Gangolihat - Haat Kalika Temple - Approx. 197 km
Delhi - Moradabad - Rudrapur - Champawat - Lohaghat - Gangolihat - Haat Kalika Temple - Approx. 519 km
Public Transport
You can avail a direct bus to Gangolihat from Haldwani, Pithoragarh or Almora.
You can avail a sharing taxi to Gangolihat from Almora, Berinag or Pithoragarh.
You can directly hire a local taxi from Haldwani or Pithoragarh to Haat Kalika Temple.
Important note: The frequency of public transport to Gangolihat is low.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station (ISBT) is in Pithoragarh.
Distance between Gangolihat & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 1.3 Km
Distance between Almora & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 110 Km
Distance between Pithoragarh & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 1.3 Km
Distance between Kathgodam & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 186 Km
Distance between Haldwani & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 194 Km
Distance between Pantnagar & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 260 Km
Distance between Dehradun & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 397 Km
Distance between Delhi & Haat Kalika Temple: Approx. 520 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. From there you can either take a bus or hire a local taxi to Gangolihat.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. You can reach Haat Kalika Temple directly by hiring a local taxi from the airport or reach Haldwani & take a direct bus.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Ancient Idol: The idol of Goddess Kali in the temple is said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu) and holds immense spiritual power.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Legacy: The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths established by Adi Shankaracharya, adding to its historical and spiritual significance.
Navratri Celebrations: The temple witnesses grand celebrations during Navratri, attracting thousands of devotees who participate in the rituals and cultural festivities.
Army Connection: The Kumaon Regiment, known for its valor and unwavering commitment, reveres Haat Kalika as their patron goddess.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 0: Pick-up from Delhi
Day 1: Pick-up from Haldwani/Kathgodam, Arrival in Gangolihat
Day 2: Haat Kalika Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Haldwani/Kathgodam