Haat Kalika Temple, Gangolihaat

About Haat Kalika Temple, Gangolihaat

Haat Kalika is a Goddess kali shaktipeeth located in Gangolihaat, Uttarakhand, India. Haat Kalika is a consecrated temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Legend has it, that this sacred temple was consecrated by the Adi Shankaracharya during his way to Kedarnath from Lord Pashupatinath temple in Nepal.

According to the legends, earlier there was no temple at the present site and Goddess Kali used to reside here in the form of an eternal light. Due to the wrath of the Goddess Kali, the area was largely inhabited and the local used to shy away from passing by. When the jagad-guru Adi Shankaracharya visited this place, he appeased the Mother goddess with his Tantra sadhana and thus the first temple was consecrated.

Over the time, more idols and deities were added to the temple. The present sanctum is believed to be built by Jangam Baba. The temple complex has several small temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The temple also houses many ancient statues and naturally occuring idols of various deities. The main sanctum is dedicated to the fearsome yet benevolent avatar of Shakti, Goddess Kali.

Goddess Kali saved Kumaon Regiment

Within the temple premesis, you will find multiple smaller complexes raised by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Armed Forces. Goddess Kali is the patron goddess of this highly-decorated regiment of Indian Army. It is believed that Goddess Kali saved the contingent of 2nd Kumaon (BRR) Regiment soldiers when their ship was gravely affected by a storm at the sea on their return to India in 1918. When the soldiers cried to the Mother Kali for help, they were all miraculously saved and the ship safely landed ashore without any loss of life. Since then, Goddess Kali is highly revered by the Kumaon Regiment.

Even today, whenever a new battalion is raised in Kumaon Regiment. A new resting-place, bells or idols are presented to the Goddess Kali to seek the blessings of Mother Goddess Kali.

How to Plan your trip to Haat Kalika Temple

Here are some tips to plan your trip to Haat Kalika Temple, Gangolihaat.

Timing : We recommend visiting the temple during the early hours of the day to witness the sunrise over the lush deodar trees around the temple. An early visit to the temple will also allow you to attend the morning aarti of Goddess Kali, and you will be able to avoid the crowd as well.

Attire : While there are no restrictions as such, please dress modestly and respectfully. Make sure you cover your shoulders, and legs as a mark of reverance towards the sanctity of this ancient temple.

Footwear & Leather items : You should remove your footwear and all animal-sourced items such as leather etc before entering the temple premesis. This action symbolises shedding away the material things we obtain to give us comfort.

Photography : While not restricted, you should refrain from capturing images inside the sanctum out of respect.

How to reach Haat Kalika Temple

The temple is well connected to road network in Uttarakhand. Here are the different mode of transports you can use to reach haat kalika temple.

By Air : The nearest airport to Gangolihaat is Pantnagar airport (PGH), which is approx 210 kilometers away from the temple. From Pantnagar airport you can hire a taxi, or take a bus from Haldwani to Gangolihaat. Travel time from Pantnagar airport to Haat kalika temple is approximately 6-7 hours.

By Train : The nearest railway station to Gangolihaat is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM), which is approx 200 kilometers away from the temple. From Kathgodam you can hire a taxi, or take a bus from Haldwani to Gangolihaat. Travel time from the railway station to Haat kalika temple is approximately 6-7 hours.

By Public Transport : There are regular buses and shared local taxis available from Haldwani to Gangolihaat. To take a public transport reach Haldwani either through bus/train/air, and from there take a bus or taxi to Gangolihaat.

By Cab Service : The most comfortable option is to book a cab service to Haat Kalika Temple. A booked cab will provide you with custom pick and drop to the Goddess Kali temple.