Shree Kalika Devi Temple Mumbai Naka, Nashik City, Nashik

Situated on the old Agra Road in the Mumbai Naka area, the ancient Kalika Devi Temple is considered a jewel in the crown of Nashik’s heritage. This abode of Jagadamba, the presiding deity (Gramadaivat) of the people of Nashik, was originally located in the dense forests outside the city, but it is now situated in the heart of the bustling urban area. This place is highly spiritually awakened (Jagrut), and Kalika Devi is renowned throughout the district as the ‘Goddess who fulfills vows’ (Navsala Pavnari Devi).

Upon entering through the ornate gateway adjacent to the main road, one sees the spacious and beautiful Kalika Temple. There is a lamp pillar (Deepstambh) in front of the temple, and a garden has been developed in the temple courtyard. The first renovation of the temple was carried out by the pious Ahilyabai Holkar around 1705.

The stone temple built by her was 10 feet long and 10 feet wide, with a height of 15 feet. It is recorded that she also built a stepwell (Barav) in front of the temple at that time. A second renovation in 1974 gave the temple structure its new, modern form.

Facing east, the temple consists of a main hall (Sabhamandap) and the sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara). The Sabhamandap is spacious, and queue management is organized here to handle the crowds of devotees. A large brass statue of a lion is also located here. In the sanctum, within a silver arch (Makhar), the idols are placed in order: Goddess Mahasaraswati holding a Veena on the left, Kalika Devi in the center, and Goddess Mahalakshmi on the right. The idol of Kalika Devi is three feet tall and carved from a single stone. The idols of Lakshmi and Saraswati are slightly smaller. A unique feature is that the idol of Kalika Devi here is in the form of a maiden (Kumarika). The Goddess stands upon the heads of three demons, with a nine-hooded serpent over her head. In her right hands, she holds a trident (Trishul) and a sword, while in her left hands, she holds a small drum (Damaru) and a water pot (Kamandalu). The temple spire (Kalash) is also beautiful, standing at a height of 30 feet.

A grand fair (Yatra) is held here during Navratri, from Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada to Dussehra. This tradition of holding a fair during Navratri dates back to the pre-independence era, specifically the time of Lokmanya Tilak’s Swarajya movement. This fair is famous throughout the district. During these days, the Goddess is bathed in rose water, Panchamrut, and pure water, and adorned with ornaments every night between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. This is done because devotees begin to gather from 4:00 AM every day during Navratri; to ensure they do not have to wait in long queues, the rituals are completed in the early hours before the temple opens for public viewing.

During Navratri, the daily morning (6:00 AM) and evening (7:00 PM) worship and Aarti are performed by prominent citizens of the city. For devotees unable to stand in queues, the Board of Trustees provides a special arrangement for ‘Mukh-darshan’ (viewing the face of the deity). Simultaneously, to allow devotees to have Darshan from their homes, the fair is broadcast live on local cable channels. Proper care is taken for the safety of devotees visiting during the fair, and the temple committee provides insurance coverage for them, ensuring that immediate action can be taken in the event of any unforeseen incident within the temple premises.
Under the State Government’s Tourism Development Scheme, well-equipped pilgrim accommodations (Bhaktaniwas) have been built in the Kalika Mata temple complex. These accommodations are available at affordable rates. Additionally, for visiting devotees, ‘Mahaprasad’ is available at a nominal cost between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery