Temple Profile

Temple Profile: Mandir Shri Uttar Kalika Ji

Location:	Old City of Banswara	God Worshipped:	Kalika (Durga Ji)
District:	Banswara	Road Distance from Jaipur:	500 Kms
Built in the year:	Before 500 yrs.	Nearest Airport:	Dabok, Udaipur (185 kms)
By	Bansya and Bhojya Bheel	Nearest Rly. Station:	Ratlam, MP (85 kms)

Cause of Establishment:
Goddess Uttar Kalika is the family or clan goddess of the royal dynasty of Banswara. Every family worships a family god and a goddess. With the foundation of the town of Banswara, this shrine was also established. The temple was built when Banswara was founded by Bansya Bheel and Bhojya Bheel. As the popular belief goes, it was five hundred years ago that the temple of the goddess was built.

Brief of the Diety:
Enshrined in the temple is the idol of Kalika who killed Mahishasur. This black stone image of the goddess is awe-inspiring. The blood red tongue lolling out makes Kali's face all the more fierce. Goddess Durga in her form of Kali symbolizes the indomitable virulent, violent power of destruction that subdues the evil forces, here symbolized by Mahishasur (or the demon in a bison form). He was killed by Kali (The black goddess). The idol of Blackstone is 3' high. The temple is situated at a place where people move about. Hence the townsmen have a Darshan of the goddess every time on their way when they go to some place or come to some place.
Religious sect to which the temple belongs:
Hindu sect.
Architecture of the Temple:
Important Architectural Characteristics:
The temple is ordinary but the idol commands universal veneration. It is very old. The temple has Sanctum Sanctorum, Sabha Mandap (Portico), Rasoi, an open chowk and circumambulatory path which provides extra facility to the devotee visitors.

Sanctorum, Sabha Mandap (Portico), Rasoi, an open chowk and circumambulatory path which provides extra facility to the devotee visitors.
Material of Construction:	Brick, common building stone and lime mortar etc.
Total Construction Time:	Unknown

Religious aspects of temple:
People strongly believe that the goddess will destroy all their enemies and evil forces. She grants their wishes and fills them with vigor and enthusiasm.
Unique features of the temple:
The pinnacle of the temple is worth seeing. An Akhanda Jyoti (a ceaselessly burning lamp) is lit. For two hundred years, it has been burning. Special care is taken that it does not go off.
Festivals & Fairs in Temple (Main Events):
Navaratras (the sacred nine days) of the months of Chaitra and Ashwin are specially dedicated to the worship of the goddess. For nine days, a continuous stream of visitors may be seen.

Timings:
Morning Time:	4.00 am	Evening Time:	10.00 pm
Custom & Traditions of Temple:

Details of Temple:
Sanctrum:	15'3"x12'6"
Rasoi:	13'8"x37'
Others:	Sabha Mandap (portico) : 15'3"x17'6", open chowk
Vandana (If any particular) in text:
Everyday a prayer "Jai Maa Tripurei" (Victory to three o goddess Tripura) is sung at the time of arati.
Issues requiring global attention for conservation, protection and improvement of the temple:
A departmental priest looks after the temple and performs deity worship. The rasoi is a tinshed which requires repair and rebuilding.