Kalimath Temple, Uttarakhand
Seated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the sacred Kalimath Temple devoted to Goddess Kali is amongst the most visited temple in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This divine temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas in India as per Srimad Devi Bhagwat Mahapuran. As per the local folklore, it is believed that Goddess Kali killed the devil Raktavija which got settled under the earth at this very place where now the temple is sculpted. Kalimath Temple is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand which is visited by worshippers from far and wide. The temple pays homage to the lower part of the Goddess whereas the upper part is worshipped in Dhari Devi Temple which is located between Rudraprayag and Srinagar.
Along with the Goddess Kali, the divine deities of Laxmi and Saraswati are also worshipped here in the temple. One thing that would come as a surprise is that instead of worshipping idols in the temple, a Shakti Yantra is worshipped here. To witness the best of Kalimath Temple, plan a vacation here during Navratri as the whole area celebrates the festival with joy.
History
Some famous Hindu legends state that this is the same place where Goddess Kali killed the demon Rakt Beej and then settled underneath the ground. At that particular place where Goddess Kali settled under the ground, there is a silver plate named Sri Yantra has been established. Devotees visiting the temple pay their homage at this sacred Sri Yantra. It is believed that this silver plate is never opened for homage and is only opened on the eighth day of Navratri and it is also said that it is only the chief priest who performs puja at midnight.
There is another belief which states that the lower part of Goddess Kali is being worshipped at this temple and the upper part is worshipped at Dhari Devi Temple.