Situated amidst the dense deodar forests, the Haat Kalika temple at Gangolihat in Pithoragarh district boasts an exquisite complex area. It is believed that the Goddess Kali shifted her abode from West Bengal to this place and has been the popular goddess in the area ever since.
This Shakti-Peeth established by Guru Adi Shankaracharya is more than thousand years old. Chamunda temple about 2 km from here is another holy site located in the vicinity of Haat Kalika temple.
The Haat Kalika temple has utmost religious significance for the people of Kumaon region, especially the brave soldiers of Kumaon regiment of Indian army. A popular legend goes by that once a turbulent sea storm blew which caused tremors in the ship that was carrying the soldiers of the Kumaon regiment. When all the efforts for saving the ship from sinking failed, the soldiers then resorted to Goddess Haat Kali and prayed her.
By the grace of Haat Kalika, the ship miraculously reached the shore safely. Since then the members of Kumaon regiment consider Haat Kalika as 'Isht Devi' or the patron goddess of Kumaon regiment. Many army men visit the Haat Kalika temple and offer their services at the temple.
One can see the saga of Kumaon regiment and their accomplishment in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 painted on the temple walls.
The Abode of Haat Kalika at Gangolihat finds its mention in the Puranas, the ancient religious texts of Hindus as Guru Adi Shankaracharya chose this place to install the Mahakali Shaktipeeth. A perpetual holy fire burns at the temple site since time immemorial which is considered to be the power of the goddess.
In the modern times, Saint Jangam Baba offered prayers at the temple site for years and one day the Goddess appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a temple here. Therefore, the present temple owes the credit of its formation to Jangam Baba.
Haat Kalika Temple is located in In Gangolihat ( On NH-309A, 23 kms from Berinag & 13 kms from Patal Bhuvaneshwar).
Haat Kalika dedicated to Goddess Kali is located at Gangolihat on the route to Patal Bhuvaneshwar-Pithoragarh. The temple is situated about 35 km from Chaukori and around 76 km from Pithoragarh city. Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railhead to Hat Kalika Temple. Taxis to Hat Kalika temple are easily available from Kathgodam railway station. Pantnagar airport is the closest air connectivity to the temple. Taxis to Hat Kalika temple can be hired from the airport.
Haat Kalika Temple is popular place for following activities/ interests - Devi Temples, Religious, Temples.
