Gadkalika is a temple of Goddess Kalika, a form of Mahakali, about two kilometres from Mahakaleshwar. It is associated with the poet Kalidasa and has been rebuilt several times — by Harshavardhana, the Paramaras and the Scindias.
Gadkalika means the Kalika of the garh, the old fort. The fort is gone but the goddess remains, and so does the tradition that the greatest Sanskrit poet, whose very name means servant of Kali, owed his gift to her.
This page describes the place and its traditions. Darshan timings and rules are the temple’s own; check them on the day.
The temple stands where an old fort once stood; archaeology points to a flourishing settlement in the area from about the 6th century BCE. The fort has gone, and the goddess’s name has kept its memory.
Kalika is a form of Mahakali, the dark, fierce aspect of the Goddess who destroys what stands in the way of her devotees.
A familiar story tells that the young Kalidasa, unlettered and unsure, was blessed by Kalika and became the poet of the Meghaduta and the Abhijnanashakuntalam. Whatever one makes of the story, his name — servant of Kali — points the same way.
For this reason scholars, students and writers worship Kalika here and ask for learning and skill with words.
The first recorded renovation is credited to the emperor Harshavardhana in the 7th century. After the destruction of Iltutmish’s invasion, the Paramaras rebuilt it in the 12th century, and the Scindias of Gwalior rebuilt it again in the middle of the 19th.
The two lamp towers that flank the entrance are in the Maratha style.
As with other Devi temples, Navratri is when Gadkalika is busiest. Outside it, the atmosphere is far quieter.
Gadkalika is about two kilometres from Mahakaleshwar, so it can be reached from the main temple area in a short ride. We are an independent booking service, not the temple’s office.
We do not run a separate Gadkalika pooja. Our poojaris perform Rudrabhishek, Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap and other rites in Ujjain on your behalf. Booking through us is free.
Goddess Kalika, a form of Mahakali.
A well-known tradition says Kalidasa gained learning and poetic gifts through Kalika’s blessing; his name means the servant of Kali.
It is ancient and has been rebuilt more than once: first recorded renovation by Harshavardhana in the 7th century, then by the Paramaras in the 12th and the Scindias in the 19th.
About 2 km.