At
the summit of Pavagadh hill, 762 m above sea level, is the temple to Mother
Kali,
which is the oldest in the area, dating from the 10th-11th centuries.
Hindu pilgrims were coming to visit this temple from long before the
development of Champaner as a major city, and they continued for hundreds of
years after its decline, right up to the present day. To reach the temple at
the summit is about a 5 km walk along a jungle footpath to the top of the hill;
otherwise, there is a cable car which will haul you to the summit from about
the midway point, which is the last place accessible by road. The temple has
large fortifications and an open chowk in front, with two altars for
sacrifices, and an array of lights for special occasions. The idol of Kalika
Mata in the inner sanctum is only the head, the mukhwato, painted in
red. Also present are full idols of Mahakali and the yantras of Bahuchara. The
temple is open from very early to quite late, to accomodate pilgrims arriving
at all hours. The Machi Haveli is a rest house available for pilgrims.
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