Kalimath is a village at an altitude of around 6,000 feet (1,800 m) on the river Saraswati in the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by the peaks of Kedarnath in Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India. This place has its own cultural and traditional importance. it is the only siddh peeth in Kedarnath valley. The village is famous for the temple of Goddess Kali. It is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year, specially during the “Navratras”.
This village is regarded as a divine place and shakti peeth. Kalimath is situated close to Ukhimath and Guptakashi. It is one of the “Siddha Peeths” of the region and is held in high religious esteem. Kalimath temple is one of the most sacred temple situated in Ukhimath block of Rudraprayag discrict.
Legends:
According to the legend goddess Kali killed asur Raktbeej(Devil) here and went underground in Kalimath, where the temple is situated and that point is now covered with the silver plate. This plate never opens except the day of Navratri festival. Hence inside the temple, there is no statue of goddess Kali. Only that silver plate worshiped.
According to a local legend when Ma Sati sacrificed her body in veneration of Daksha Prajapati. Lord Shiva became angry on Daksha Prajapati. Shiva began doing Tandava on burnt body of mata sati and wherever the pieces of burnt body of Sati dropped in earth that places in known as Siddhapeeth in later years.
Best Time to Visit Kalimath Temple:
The best time to visit Kalimath Temple located in Rudraprayag district is during summers as the land provides a sunny and soothing aura. Winters are also widely preferred by visitors who enjoy the cool environment of the destination for a vacation.
SUMMERS
Summers are ideal time to visit Kalimath Temple. Days remain moderately warm and cool breeze blows in the evening.
MONSOONS
The monsoon starts from the months of July to September. It is better to avoid visiting here during this time.
WINTERS
The winters here are very cold. You my notice the snowfall. The temperature drops between 0 to 15 degrees.
How to Reach Kalimath Temple:
Kalimath temple is only 5 kms from Guptkashi. You can reach Guptkashi:
By Road
Guptkashi is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses. It is almost 190 Km from Rishikesh.
By Train
There are no regular trains from other major cities to Guptkashi. Nearest train station is Haridwar. Haridwar is nearly 225 km from Guptkashi.
By Air
You can a get flight to Jollygrant DehraDun Airport on regular basis. Guptkashi is 117 km away from Dehradun. There are numerous taxis and bus services.