Pavagadh Shakti Peeth: How a mandir was redeveloped after shifting dargah built atop it

India is a continuing Civilization which was viciously attacked and plundered many times by the abhorrent Islamic invaders. The barbarians made a living hell hole and forcefully converted millions of Hindus. In these attacks, thousands of Mandirs were destroyed to subdue the morale of Hindu community. These Mandirs hold special significance in the hearts of Hindus. As the Mandirs are not just a centre of spirituality, it is also the centre of knowledge and rich cultural heritage, practising traditions and rituals. So, the fight for reclamation of the Mandirs, our glorious history and tradition never stopped.

Redevelop the destroyed Kalika Mata Mandir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taking steps to revive the lost glory of the Indian civilization. Be it the grand redevelopment of the Somnath Mandir in Gujarat or efforts for development and the rejuvenation of Ayodhya and Varanasi.

Read More: Somnath Mandir: Nehru disregarded, Patel renovated and now PM Modi is elevating it

Continuing on this path, he inaugurated the redevelopment of Kalika Mata Mandir in Pavagadh. He unfurled the flag atop the Mandir after an aeon of  500 years. The Mandir has been redeveloped after amicably shifting a dargah that was built after destroying the Mandir.

He spoke about this historic moment and emphasised the resolute power of faith. The PM also talked about the holy shrines of Kashi and Ayodhya.

He said, “Today, after centuries, the temple of Goddess Kali is in its full glory before us. It makes us hold our heads high. This ‘shikhar dhwaj’ (flag on the spire top) is not just a symbol of our faith, it is a symbol that centuries pass by, generations go by, but faith remains unshakeable. You have seen the grand Ram temple taking shape in Ayodhya or Vishwanath Dham in Kashi or the Kedar Baba Dham.”

The PM also talked about Gaurav Abhiyaan and re-establishing India’s “cultural treasures”. He emphasised the need to preserve culture along with nurturing talent.

He said, “Today, India’s cultural treasures are being re-established. India is living its culture and ancient history and wearing its identity with as much vigour as the new aspirations she holds. Every Indian is proud of this achievement. This renovated temple of Mahakali is a part of our Gaurav Abhiyaan. Where culture is preserved, art and talent also grows. We have to also nurture our talent. We have to give it a new identity.”

PM Modi highlighted the struggle and long painful struggle of Hindus for no less than a period of five centuries.

Read More: As Ayodhya returns to its former glory, CM Yogi launches Global Encyclopedia of Ramayana

He said, “Can you imagine that for five centuries and so many decades of independence, no flag had been unfurled on the ‘shikhar’ of Goddess Kali? It happened today. And the Shaktipeeth of Pavagadh, the Mahakali temple, will be in its glory and grandeur ahead of Gupt Navratri (beginning June 30, according to the Hindu calendar). When devotion, dedication and perseverance grows, Shakti appears with its full power. With the blessings of Mahakali, we are seeing the same power of Gujarat and India”.

PM Modi also highlighted that the religious site will become a centre for tourist attraction and help in employment generation especially for the tribal community.

He said, “Look at Kevadia (Ekta Nagar in Narmada district), which is home to the Statue of Unity, it has become a world tourism spot. When tourism increases in Pavagadh, Vadodara and Panchmahal will benefit. The tribal belt will have employment. Youth will also benefit. Panchmahal has everything – devotion, history, natural beauty and art”.

Read More: Soaked in Symbolism and Significance: PM Modi’s grand inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Complex

He termed the Kalika Mata Mandir as the centre of religious unity. He said, “On the one hand, there is the Mahakali temple and also the legacy of Jain temples. Pavagadh has been the centre of religious unity. UNESCO has registered Champaner as a World Heritage Site, which will add to the tourism boost for this location, especially for the local tribal community.”

History of the Temple

The Kalika Mata Mandir is situated on the hill top of Panchmahal in Gujarat. The glorious temple was built in the 11th century. In the 15th century Islamic invader Sultan Mahmud Begada launched a barbaric assault on the Mandir and demolished it. To crush the morale and sentiments of Hindus, a Dargah was built atop the Mandir site. The dargah administration had the illegal possession of the Mandir atop which never allowed Hindus to unfurl the flag for 500 years. After an amicable solution the dargah was shifted to a new site making it possible to revive the lost glory of the Kalika Mata Mandir.

The Mandir has been renovated at a cost of Rs 125 crore with 70 per cent being given by the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board of the Gujarat government. Rest of the share is given by the Kalika Mata Mandir trust.

It is great to see the renewed push for the revival of the lost glory of the Indian Civilization. The amicable approach of the government has paved the way for reclaiming the lost Mandirs. This has set a great template for future resolutions and should be replicated in all the current disputes. This will correct many historic wrongs done against the Indian civilisation.

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