Gadhkalika Devi

Gadhkalika Mandir is dedicated to Mahakali. It is situated around 5 kms from Ujjain railway station near the Bhartrihari caves. Kalidasa, regarded as one of the India’s finest poets, was extremely devoted to Mahakali and is said to have acquired exemplary skills in literature after worshipping her. The temple has a huge stambh (tower of lights) built in the Maratha style. At the entrance, there is a beautiful idol of a lion, the Devi’s vehicle. Inside the sanctorum lies a huge idol of Gadhkalika Devi painted in red, wearing a silver crown. The temple was originally made by King Harshavardhan in the 7th century and then renovated by the rulers of Gwalior. The main rush to this temple is during the Navaratri festival. You can reach the temple by City Bus and auto rickshaws and cabs.