To reach the Kalimath temple we need to cross a small bridge. Below the bridge is the beautiful Saraswati river flowing in her glory.

The bridge that leads to Kalimath temple is decorated with bells!!!

When I reached the temple and gazed at the beauty of nature, I could hear the sound of the bells and the sound of the waters of the Saraswati river performing a beautiful spiritual melody together.

The view from the temple is just breathtakingly beautiful!!!

Location of the Kalimath Temple

Uttarakhand is known as the “Abode of Gods and Goddesses” because it is a place of countless pilgrimage sites and shrines.

Amongst the sacred shrines in Uttarakhand, one extremely famous shrine is the Kalimath Temple.

In Rudraprayag district, surrounded by Kedarnath mountains, near the banks of River Saraswati, is the beautiful red temple – The Kalimath Temple.

Interesting Facts about the Kalimath Temple

Kalimath temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

In the Kalimath Temple, only the lower portion of Goddess Kali is worshipped, while, the upper half is worshipped at Dhari Devi Temple, located between Rudraprayag and Srinagar.

Facts about the famous Dhari Devi Temple.

This temple has high religious esteem as it is one of the “Siddha Peeths”.

Kalimath Temple is one of the 108 “Shakti Peeths” as per the Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Mahapuran.

This temple is also mentioned in Skanda Purana, in chapter 62.

Significance of the Kalimath Temple

The Kalimath temple is open for devotees year-round. But during the Navratri festival, many devotees come to pay their homage.

Kalimath temple is the only place where Goddess Kali is adored along with her sisters Laxmi and Saraswati.

As per the folklores, to save the universe from the demons – Nishumbha and Raktabija, Goddess Kali took the form of a 12-year-old girl.

After winning the fierce battle with the demons and balancing the power of the universe, Goddess Kali went underground.

This spot turned into a ditch and is considered to be sacred. This spot is the Kalimath temple.

This spot is always kept covered by a silver plate. It is uncovered once a year, on the occasion of the annual Navratri festival.

This silver plate is also known as the “Sri Yantra” is worshipped as a holy symbol of Goddess Kali. The unique thing about this temple is that there is no idol in this temple.

Only once each year, the goddess is taken out and Puja is performed at midnight, with only the chief priest present.

Small temples next to the Kalimath temple

Near the temple are other ancient temples of Gauri Shankar, Ganeshji, Laxmiji, Saraswatiji, and many antique Shivlings with idols of Nandiji.

In the Laxmi temple, there is an eternal holy flame that is burning for a long time.

Barti Baba is credited for preserving this holy shrine. All the people who have met him and the locals say that he had a direct connection with Maa Kali.

Another Story of the Kalimath Temple 

Dakshayani Devi also known as Goddess Sati, was the wife of Lord Shiva. Her father was Daksha Prajapati.

Once, Daksha Prajapati decided to perform a religious ceremony. On this occasion, he insulted his son-in-law, Lord Shiva.

As a result of this, Goddess Sati sacrificed her body. This made Lord Shiva so angry that he began the dance of destruction – Tandav.

Lord Shiva held Goddess Sati’s burnt body. The portions of Goddess Sati’s body started falling at different places on Earth.

The spots where Goddess Sati’s body parts fell became holy and are referred to, as “Siddha Peeths”.

Kalimath Temple is one of those sacred places, one of the “Siddha Peeths”.

Best Time to Visit Kalimath Temple

The Kalimath temple remains open throughout the year for pilgrims.

Navratri festival is the best time to visit Kalimath Temple.

The eighth day of the Navratri festival is highly significant as this day is devoted to Goddess Kal Rathri – a holy form of Goddess Kali. This is also the only day when that sacred silver plate is opened.

As the Kalimath Temple is close to the Kedarnath temple, it becomes one of the best places to visit during the Kedarnath Yatra.

Kali Beej Mantra

“Om Krim Kali”.

This mantra means –

‘Salutation to the Supreme.’

The word “Krim” denotes –

K stands for – full knowledge,

R stands for – auspicious,

I stands for – bestows booms

M stands for – freedom.

When you chant this Goddess Kali Mantra

it will protect you from all the negative energies.

“Om Krim Kali”.