Mahakali Temple, Pavagadh

Mahakali Temple, Pavagadh atop the Pavagadh Hill in Panchmahal district, Gujarat, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, enshrining the goddess Kalika (Mahakali). After centuries of a broken dhvajastambha (flagpole) atop the hill — traditionally a sign of an incomplete temple — Prime Minister Narendra Modi restored and lit the flagpole in June 2022, completing a centuries-long aspiration of the devotees.

The hilltop site was originally the capital of the Parmara Rajputs and the medieval Khalji and Mughal dynasties. The major stone shrine at the summit was reconstructed as part of the Pavagadh-Champaner heritage project (the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park being a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The new ropeway and restored stone pathways have transformed pilgrim access to this ancient hilltop goddess shrine, which receives over 5 lakh pilgrims annually.