Haat Kalika Temple

Uttarakhand, also known as the Land of Gods, is a land where divinity seems to reside at every turn. Nestled within the Gangolihat region of the Pithoragarh district lies the Haat Kalika Temple, a sacred abode dedicated to Goddess Kali. Much like the famed Kali Temple in Kolkata, the Haat Kalika Temple draws devotees from far and wide, all seeking blessings from the fierce Shakti. This mysterious temple is shrouded in legends and holds immense significance, especially for the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, who revere Goddess Haat Kalika as their patron deity.

The history of the Haat Kalika Temple stretches back millennia. The Skanda Purana, a revered ancient text believed to be 5,000 years old, mentions a deity residing in Darukavan (Gangolihat), as described in the Manaskhanda section. Legends suggest that Jagat Guru Shankaracharya, considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva, played a pivotal role in the temple's history. In the late 6th century, he is said to have chosen this very location to establish a Shaktipeeth and subsequently reinstated the Haat Kalika Temple, propelling it to prominence. The Manaskhanda of the Skanda Purana narrates a tale of a demon named Sumya who wreaked havoc in the Gangolihat region, vanquishing even the gods. To seek liberation from this demon's tyranny, the gods performed a special puja dedicated to the goddess atop Shail Parvat. Pleased by their devotion, Goddess Durga assumed the form of Mahakali and defeated the demon Sumya. This victory marked the beginning of Mahakali's worship at this sacred site. Some sources even mention Mahakali slaying demons like Mahishasura and Raktabija here. Another legend associated with the temple speaks of a desolate place, cursed by the wrath of Devi Maa. It is said that during the night, Maa Kali would call out to Lord Shiva, and anyone who heard this sound would face death. This instilled fear in the hearts of the people, preventing them from venturing near the temple. According to this legend, Adi Guru Shankaracharya, through his tantric mantras, appeased the Goddess and re-established the temple. Local folklore recounts another interesting tale. Subedar Sher Singh, a resident of Gangolihat and a soldier in the Kumaon Regiment, is said to have installed the idol of Mahakali within the temple in the year 1971, during the war with Pakistan.

The Haat Kalika Temple finds its home in Gangolihat, embraced by the beauty of deodar trees, approximately 57 kilometers from the heart of Pithoragarh city in Uttarakhand. To reach the temple from the road, one must descend a series of steps. The pedestrian path leading to the temple is covered with a tin roof, and bells adorn various spots along the way. Stepping inside, devotees come face-to-face with the main deity, Goddess Kali. The temple premises also include a designated space for animal sacrifices, and ashrams have been built nearby to accommodate visitors.

Devotees visit the Haat Kalika Temple to seek blessings from the fierce Kali, often offering sacrifices of goats and rams to appease the goddess and fulfill their deepest desires. Legends abound about the temple's significance. One story speaks of how mentioning the name of Goddess Haat Kalika saved Kumaon soldiers from a sinking ship, highlighting the faith the regiment places in their patron deity. Soldiers are known to visit the temple before embarking on missions, seeking divine protection and guidance. Another captivating belief is that the priests lay out a bed within the temple every evening. In the morning, upon opening the gates, they find impressions on the bed, signifying that Goddess Mahakali rests there during the night. Ultimately, devotees believe that any wish whispered to Mahakali within the temple's sacred walls is sure to be granted.

Devotees seeking blessings from the Goddess Haat Kalika traditionally offer coconuts, fruits, sarees, bangles, sweets, and lemons, amongst other items.