Kalimath – Holy Place of Goddess Kali in Uttarakhand

Kalimath Temple is one of the most revered Siddha Peeths in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati River near Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district at an altitude of about 1,800 meters. The temple is considered extremely sacred as it is the only temple in India where Goddess Kali is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati.

It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and holds immense religious importance among devotees.

Mythological Significance

According to Hindu mythology, Kalimath is the place where Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktabeej. After slaying him, Kali went underground here, which is why there is no idol of Goddess Kali in the temple. Instead, a Sri Yantra (sacred geometric diagram) is worshipped. The shrine is considered so powerful that only the temple priests are allowed to perform rituals at night, while devotees can worship during the day.

Location

• District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: ~1,800 meters above sea level
• Nearby River: Saraswati River
• Nearest Town: Ukhimath (13 km)

Why Kalimath is Special

In most temples, the idol of the Goddess is kept in the open, but in Kalimath, the idol of Goddess Kali is placed underground. It is believed that here Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktabeej and then went inside the earth. Along with Goddess Kali, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati are also worshipped here, which is very rare.

Temple Rituals

• The main idol of Goddess Kali is kept underground and is only brought out once a year during the Navratri festival.
• Daily prayers are offered to Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati, who are placed in the main temple area.
• Special poojas are performed for health, protection, and prosperity.

🌄 Nearby Destinations to Visit from Kalimath Temple

1. Ukhimath (13 km)

Ukhimath is a prominent town and pilgrimage hub in Rudraprayag district. It serves as the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar deities. The town has several ancient temples and is an important stop for pilgrims visiting the Char Dham and Panch Kedar circuit.

Highlights:

• Ukhimath Shiva Temple
• Ancient Goddess Parvati temples
• Gateway to nearby trekking and pilgrimage routes

2. Guptkashi (22 km)

Guptkashi is a historic town with spiritual and mythological significance. The name means “Hidden Kashi,” and it is believed that Lord Shiva performed penance here.

Highlights:

• Vishwanath Temple
• Ardhnarishwar Temple
• Starting point for trekking to Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar

3. Kedarnath Temple (50 km trek from Guptkashi/Ukhimath)

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major Char Dham shrine. The temple is situated amidst high Himalayan peaks and offers an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Highlights:

• Ancient Kedarnath Temple of Lord Shiva
• Snow-capped Himalayan views
• Trekking adventure for devotees

4. Chopta (29 km from Ukhimath)

Known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” Chopta is a scenic hill station surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows. It is the base for Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila trek.

Highlights:

• Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva temple in the world)
• Chandrashila peak trekking
• Nature walks and wildlife sightings

5. Madhyamaheshwar Temple (via Ukhimath trekking route)

One of the Panch Kedar temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a peaceful spiritual environment.

Highlights:

• Ancient temple architecture
• Scenic trekking trails
• Lesser-crowded than Kedarnath, ideal for spiritual seekers

6. Rudraprayag Town (approx. 50 km from Kalimath)

A sacred town located at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It is a popular stop for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath and other Himalayan shrines.

Highlights:

• Rudra Devta Temple
• Confluence (Sangam) of rivers
• Local markets for handicrafts

Why You Should Visit

Kalimath is a peaceful and holy place. It is perfect for people who want to pray, enjoy nature, and spend time in the calm Himalayas.

Navratri Festival

Navratri is the biggest celebration in Kalimath. Devotees from all over India visit during this time to see the special rituals, processions, and cultural programs. The temple area becomes full of lights, flowers, and devotional music.

Scenic Beauty: Kalimath is not just a religious place but also a beautiful natural spot. The view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, fresh air, and the sound of the Mandakini River make it peaceful and refreshing.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Kalimath from April to November. The weather is pleasant during this time. In winter, there is snowfall, and fewer people visit.

How to Reach

• Nearest Town: Ukhimath (13 km away)
• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (about 189 km)
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 207 km)
  From Ukhimath, you can take a taxi or local vehicle to reach Kalimath.

Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as evenings can be cold.
• Roads can be narrow and hilly, so hire experienced local drivers.
• If visiting in monsoon (July–August), check weather conditions due to possible landslides.

Stay Options

• Kalimath & Ukhimath – Basic guesthouses and dharamshalas.
• Guptkashi & Chopta – More hotels, lodges, and homestays available.