Kalka Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Sukkur, Pakistan. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kalka Devi, who is considered a manifestation of the goddess Durga in Hinduism. The temple is one of the few surviving Hindu temples in Pakistan and is a significant symbol of the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
Location of Kalka Devi Mandir
Kalka Devi Mandir is located in a mountain cave where it is believed as per Hindu beliefs that the goddess made an appearance during her Hinglaj Yatra. Mandir is located around one mile south of the town of Arror/Arore. In the Shasthi language, Kalka means power or strength.
Legend is that a highly devout and religious woman, named Kalka, used to live in these caves which were called Kalka Hills during the Roe era. The devotees pay homage to Kalka Devi on the first Monday of every month.
Kalka Devi Mandir History
The Kalka Devi Mandir is believed to have been built in the 1920s by a wealthy Hindu merchant named Hemraj Kewalramani. The temple is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Sukkur and is accessible by a flight of stairs. The temple’s architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflecting the syncretic culture of the region.
Around the original temple, there are many rooms been built in the cave, for praying and for accommodating visitors who turn in thousands during festivals. The entrance to the cave is from one of the rooms that are five to six feet high. The smell of agarbatis (incense), created a mystic aura around the temple. There is a place for priests to sit on a stone platform beside the idol of Kalka Devi.
The temple’s main deity is Kalka Devi, who is represented as a four-armed goddess riding a lion or a tiger. The temple also has idols of other Hindu deities. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, who visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The temple also attracts a large number of tourists, who are fascinated by the temple’s architecture and historical significance.
The temple has a rich history, and it has survived numerous challenges over the years. During the partition of India in 1947, many Hindus migrated from Pakistan to India, leaving behind their homes, businesses, and places of worship. The Kalka Devi Mandir was one of the few temples that remained open, and it continued to serve as a place of worship for the local Hindu community.
In the 1990s, the temple faced another threat when a group of militants attacked the temple, damaging its walls and idols. The attack was condemned by the government and the local community, and efforts were made to restore the temple to its former glory. Today, the temple stands as a testament to the resilience of the Hindu community in Pakistan.
The Kalka Devi Mandir is not just a temple but also a symbol of the cultural and religious diversity of Pakistan. The temple is a reminder of the country’s rich history, where different cultures and religions coexist peacefully. The temple serves as a bridge between different communities, promoting tolerance and understanding.
In conclusion, the Kalka Devi Mandir is a unique and significant temple in Pakistan, reflecting the country’s syncretic culture and rich history. The temple is a symbol of the resilience of the Hindu community in Pakistan and serves as a bridge between different communities, promoting tolerance and understanding. The temple’s historical significance and cultural importance make it a must-visit destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
