Gangolihat, nestled in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, is a place nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, where the serenity of nature and spiritual energy are uniquely combined. The Hat Kalika Temple, a prominent Shaktipeeth of Goddess Kali, serves as a symbol of faith and a source of courage for devotees. This temple holds not only religious significance, but is also the "Ishta Devi" (presidential goddess) for the soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment. Surrounded by dense pine forests, this temple, where a centuries-old sacred flame burns, attracts tourists and devotees.
The Hat Kalika Temple has a history dating back thousands of years. It is described in the Puranas as a Mahakali Shaktipeeth. Adi Shankaracharya established the idol of Goddess Kali at this site during his pilgrimage from Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal to Kedarnath. Legend has it that there was no temple here previously; Goddess Kali resided in the form of an eternal flame, leaving the area desolate. Shankaracharya appeased the goddess through tantric practices, making the construction of the first temple possible.
In the 14th century, the rulers of the Chand dynasty expanded the temple. The modern form was given by Jangam Baba, who, after years of penance, commissioned the temple to be built at the behest of the goddess in a dream. The temple complex contains several smaller shrines, housing ancient idols and naturally occurring deities. A unique feature is that a sacred flame has been burning continuously for centuries, a symbol of the power of Maa Kali.
The story of Maa Kali is fascinating. According to legend, the goddess relocated from West Bengal and established her deity here. In 1918, a detachment of soldiers from the Kumaon Regiment was caught in a storm. When all efforts failed, the soldiers invoked Maa Hat Kalika. Miraculously, the ship arrived safely, unharmed. Since then, Maa Kali has been the patron deity of the Kumaon Regiment. The temple walls are engraved with images depicting the regiment's heroic tales from the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
This Shaktipeeth is ideal for Tantric practice and meditation. It holds immense significance for the people of the Kumaon region, especially the soldiers. The grace of Goddess Kali bestows courage and peace. The Chamunda Temple is also located nearby, further sanctifying this area.
Worship is performed at the Haat Kalika Temple throughout the year. Major festivals include Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, and Mahashivratri, when large crowds of devotees gather. Special yagnas such as the Sahasra Chandi Yagna, Sahasraghat Puja, Shat-Chandi Maha Yagna, and Ashta-Bali Athar Puja are held, immersing devotees in the worship of the Mother Goddess.
The temple complex, nestled amidst dense pine forests, is extremely captivating. The main sanctum sanctorum, built by Jangam Baba, houses the fierce yet compassionate idol of Goddess Kali. The complex features smaller temples dedicated to various deities, ancient sculptures, and natural idols. The morning aarti and sunrise are a sight to behold.
Haat Kalika Temple is 57 km from Pithoragarh, 35 km from Chaukori, and 13 km from Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (210 km) and the railway station is Kathgodam (200 km). Buses and taxis are readily available from Haldwani.
Temple hours are from 5 am to 9 pm. Dress modestly and respectfully, and remove shoes and leather items outside. Photography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum. Don't forget to sample local delicacies such as Bhatt ki chutney, potato dumplings, bhang chutney, mandua roti, and bal mithai. Accommodations include Hotel Ranveer Inn in Gangolihat, Ma Chamunda Hotel, or Parvati Resort in Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
The Hat Kalika Temple teaches us that the balance of strength and compassion is the essence of life. If you are seeking spiritual peace and Himalayan beauty, this place is a must-visit. The blessings of Ma Kali will make your trip unforgettable!