#maulakalika #Maula #temple
HISTORY
Historically, it is said that in the 16th century the King of Palpa created a symbolic offering site (“Maula”) in the name of goddess Kalika after which the name of the mountain (Maula hill) was derived.
It is believed, in Hindu mythology that the Goddess Kali or Kalika also called Durga is the symbol of energy, power and new beginning.
The temple has been renovated several times by the local people. The base area has been widened to adjust more visitors.
The temple management has lately decided to stop sacrificing of the animals.
POPULARITY
Local people in Gaindakot have been worshiping at the Maula Kalika for many centuries before it got widespread popularity quite recently. The current temple was built in the early 1990s.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Maula Kalika every year from Nepal and neighboring countries. Dashain or Dussera festival in September–October and in March–April are peak seasons when goddess Kalika or Kali (also called Nav Durga, the 9 different incarnation of Goddess Kalika) is worshiped during these festive season.
Former President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, former King/Princes and High Ranking Government Officials including Finance Minister Ram Saran Mahat of Nepal have visited the temple. World-famous Yoga guru Baba Ramdev from India visited the temple in 2011. Nepal’s First women president Shrimati Bidhya Devi Bhandari visited the temple on 20 April 2016 and inaugurated the temples residential facilities.
HIKING
Regular visitors from Gaindakot and nearby towns of Narayangarh, Bharatpur and Chitwan choose this place as a destination to enhance their leisure time with the feel of the cool breeze, observation of wide panoramic views of wilderness, and the exciting adventure of walking through 2000 meters long sloping and curving stairs to attain the height of the final destination.
Visitors enjoy panoramic views of Narayani River, Gaindakot town and Chitwan Valley on the south of the hill. Mt. Manaslu can be viewed on the north side. Hikers also prefer to visit the temple for the sunrise view early in the morning.
Tourists now who visit Chitwan National Park and Lumbini often also add Maula Kalika in Gaindakot as an additional most-visited tourist destination in their itinerary. It takes less than a half a day for a round trip hiking from Narayangarh town traveling on foot. From the bottom of the Maula hill it only requires less than 4 hours to go up and down. Mineral water and refreshments are available on the way, near Deurali where there is a helipad too.
