Maula Kalika Temple is a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kalika in Gaindakot, Nawalparasi district, Lumbini Province, Nepal. Maula Kalika is a well-known and rapidly expanding tourist attraction in Nepal’s Gaindakot Municipality. Maula Kalika temple is located on the top of the Maula hill, north of the Narayani River near Gaindakot, and is 561 meters (1,841 feet) above sea level.
According to history, in the 16th century, the King of Palpa built a symbolic offering place called “Maula” in honor of goddess Kalika, from where the mountain’s name, Maula Hill, was derived. In Hindu mythology, the Goddess Kali or Kalika, also known as Durga, is said to be a sign of energy, power, and a new beginning. The temple has been renovated by the locals numerous times.The base area has been increased in size to accommodate more visitors. The temple administration has decided to end animal sacrifices. Gaindakot residents have been praying at the MaulaKalika for decades, long before it gained national prominence. In the early 1990s, the present temple was constructed.Large number of visitors from Nepal and surrounding countries visit MaulaKalika each year. Goddess Kalika or Kali (also known as NavDurga, the nine distinct incarnations of Goddess Kalika) is adored at the Dashain or Dussera festival in September–October and in March–April.
Former Nepalese President Dr. Ram BaranYadav, as well as former King and high-ranking government officials, including Nepalese Finance Minister Ram Saran Mahat, have paid a visit to the temple. In 2011, India’s world-famous yoga teacher Baba Ramdev paid a visit to the shrine. On April 20, 2016, ShrimatiBidhya Devi Bhandari, Nepal’s first female president, paid a visit to the temple and opened the temple’s residential amenities.
Locals in Gaindakot have been praying at the MaulaKalika for generations, but it was only lately that it gained widespread appeal. In the early 1990s, the present temple was constructed.Regular visitors from Gaindakot and the surrounding towns of Narayanghat, Bharatpur, Nepal, and Chitwan come to this location to enjoy the cool breeze, wide panoramic views of the wilderness, and the exciting adventure of walking through 2000 meters of slopy and curvy stairs to reach the final destination’s height.On the south side of the hill, visitors can see the Narayani River, Gaindakot town, and Chitwan valley. On the north side, Mt.Manaslu can be seen. Hikers often choose to visit the temple early in the morning for a beautiful glimpse of the sunrise.
Tourists that visit Chitwan National Park and Lumbini are increasingly adding MaulaKalika in Gaindakot to their list of must-see destinations. On foot, a circular trip from Narayanghat town takes less than a half-day. The top and down of the Maula hill takes less than 4 hours from the bottom.
How to get there: Bharatpur Airport is the nearest domestic airport, with daily flights to and from Kathmandu and Pokhara to reach maulakalika temple. Nepal does not have a railway system. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is a 5-hour drive away from maulakilaka temple.
The Maulakalika temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. People flock here during Nepal’s most important festivals, BijayaDashami in October and ChaitraDashain in April. Despite its primary religious significance, the scenic splendor of its surroundings cannot be missed.From the summit of one of the Chure range’s hilltops north of Gaidakot, it offers views of Gaidakot, Naranghat city, Devaghat, and many other sites. The Kaligandaki River, one of Nepal’s most significant rivers, flows through these places, merging with the Trishuli River from the north east at Devghat to produce the massive Narayani River, which flows through Naranghat and Gaidakot and the view from the top of the Maulakalika temple is just breathtaking.
There is a belief that the one who worship in this maulakalika temple with sacred heart, there wish is fulfilled.Prepare yourself for one of the greatest hikes in Chitwan/Bharatpur. Plus, it’ll only take you around an hour to climb the steps. It is a must-see location, whether for exercise or to see the temple.