Shri Kalikadevi Temple Kasar Galli, Latur, uka, rict Latur

The Kalikadevi Temple is situated in the heart of Latur city, in an area known as ‘Juna Latur’ (Old Latur). It is said that this temple was established by the Twashta Kasar community of Latur. The temple is believed to have a history dating back to the Peshwa era. According to local legend, the Goddess manifested here to destroy the wicked and consented to reside here to protect the people of Latur. Since then, for centuries, the devotees of Latur have held the firm belief that the Goddess in this temple has protected the city through numerous calamities. For this reason, she is revered as the Gramadevata (presiding deity) of Latur.

The Kasar community considers themselves descendants of the sage Twashta, a son of Lord Vishwakarma. In ancient times, when these artisans worked with metal, they worshipped Kalikadevi to seek protection from the heat and to attain success in their craft. They believe that whenever Latur city faced natural disasters or foreign invasions, the Goddess protected the city in the form of an invisible power. Fundamentally, Kalika is a symbol of destruction, yet she is also a deity who bestows liberation (Moksha). It is believed that she destroys the ego, ignorance, and evil thoughts in the minds of her devotees. Worshipping her is said to grant victory over enemies and freedom from fear. Consequently, for hundreds of years, this temple has remained a center of faith and strength for the people of Latur.

According to mythological legends, Kalika is a form of Goddess Mahakali. The ‘Kalika Purana’ states that Goddess Kalika was born from the womb of Mahamaya. The word ‘Kalika’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Kala’ (Time). Goddess Kalika is considered the deity who controls time and dispels the fear of death. Several legends explain the manifestation of Goddess Kalika, the most famous being the one related to the demon Raktabija. According to the eighth chapter of the ‘Durga Saptashati’, Raktabija was a powerful demon who had received a boon from Lord Shiva that if a drop of his blood fell on the ground, another demon like him would emerge from it, making him invincible. To save the gods from his atrocities, Goddess Durga assumed the form of Kalika. While fighting Raktabija, the Goddess assumed a colossal form to ensure that not a single drop of his blood touched the ground. She consumed his blood before it could reach the earth, and in this way, she annihilated this terrifying demon.

The history of the Kalikadevi Temple in Latur is extremely ancient. The temple was established during the time when Latur was developing as a center of trade. The temple has undergone renovations from time to time, and its structure has changed to some extent over the years. Devotees believe that Kalika Mata responds to the calls of her followers. Old residents of Latur share many stories with devotion about how the Goddess guided them through difficult times by appearing in their visions.

Located in the main city, the temple enjoys a spacious premise. Modern construction materials have been extensively used for the temple structure. At first glance, the temple architecture appears to have a semicircular metal sheet roof in the center, with separate buildings on both sides. One enters the temple’s Sabhamandap (assembly hall) through the main entrance. In the Sabhamandap, a statue of a tortoise (Kurma) is placed on the floor directly in front. The Sabhamandap is spacious, formed by the central semicircular metal roof and the surrounding cement construction, and it is well-ventilated with numerous windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. Stainless steel grills have been used to define the space within the hall. The temple features the main sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess and two smaller sub-sanctums on the left and right sides. A statue of a lion, the vehicle (vahana) of the Goddess, stands before the main sanctum. A sculpture of Lord Ganesha is carved on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. Inside, the Goddess is seated on a Vajrapitha (diamond throne) within a shrine decorated with silver plating and topped with a brass finial. Behind the Goddess is a silver arch (Mahirap). The idol of the Goddess is carved from black stone and is adorned with a crown, earrings, and various other ornaments.

In the sub-sanctum to the right of the Goddess, an idol of Lord Vishwakarma is installed. This idol, carved in black stone, is five-faced (Panchmukhi) and ten-armed (Dashabhujadhari). To the left of the Goddess is the shrine of Lord Mahadeva, where a Shivling is installed. A mask of Lord Shiva with a serpent hood is also kept there. The sanctum of the Goddess is topped by a triple-shikhara (spire) structure, with the central spire being the tallest and the two flanking spires slightly shorter. The spires are adorned with sculptures of various deities and beautiful carvings.

Various religious programs are held throughout the year at the temple, with the Sharadiya Navratri festival being the most significant. During these nine days, special worship of the Goddess is performed, including Ghatasthapana and Homa-Havan. Special prayers and Mahaprasada are organized on Lalita Panchami and Mahashtami. A grand procession (Palkhi) of the Goddess is taken out on Vijayadashami.

Thousands of citizens from Latur city and the surrounding areas participate in this procession. Along with religious programs, many social initiatives are also carried out within the temple premises. The daily Aarti of the Goddess takes place at 9:00 AM and 8:30 PM. Devotees can have Darshan from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 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