The Pavagadh Shakti Peeth is located
at at a distance of about 50 km from Vadodara in Gujarat; it is located near Champaner the
ancient capital of Gujarat.
The three main Shakti Peethas of
Gujarat are Ambaji at Arasur, Bala
at Chunval and Kali at Pavagadh near Champaner. Other Shakti shrines in
Gujarat are those at Asapura in Kutch, Arbudadevi on
Mount Abu, Sundari at Halvad, Harsiddhi at Kolgiri or
Koyla and Anasuya on the Narmada.
Following the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice
and the Rudra Tandava of Shiva
parts of Sati's body fell at several places throughout India, and these places are revered
as Shakti peethas. The left breast of Sati is believed to have fallen
here.
This hill temple attracts several visitors during the
annual Navaratri fair.
Pavagadh gets its name from the fact that it is a
solitary hill standing out alone, blessed with a blowing gentle breeze from all around.
Legend has it that the valley surrounding Pavagadh was filled up by the power of the sage
Viswamitra. Legend also has it here that the image of Kalika Mata was set up by
Viswamitra; a river by name Viswamitri originates here.
Kali here is worshipped as Dakshina Kali, and is
worshipped in the Dakshina marga with vedic and tantric rites. The festival season of
Navaratri witnesses several celebrations here.
The fortress at Champaner, bears the scars of the many
wars of possession that happened in this region throughout the second millennium CE.
Originally a glorious city under the Rajputs, Champaner fell into the hands of the Sultans
of the Gujarat region in late 15th century; it then came under the rule of Humayun, and
was then recaptured by Sultan Bahadur Shah; it relapsed into the hands of Akbar, and then
came under the control of the Marathas and finally came under the possession of the
British.
A hilly passage leads to Pavagadh from Champaner. The
Maha Kali temple enshrines an image of Kalika Mata. There are also images of Maha Kali and
a yantra of Goddess Bahuchara. Two lakes - Chhasia Talao and Dudhiya Talao are seen
enroute to the temple.
See Also:
Modhera Sun Temple
Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu
Ambaji
