Published via Ecency

Sunday morning was different. Amidst the light mist in the sky and cool breeze, we decided that today would be in the name of Pavagadh. I had decided to go there a few days ago, and today finally the whole family was ready. There was excitement among the children, and a calmness among us adults – perhaps a desire to experience something new on this journey.

^{This image created from canva.com}

We are left home early in the morning. There were light showers on the way which made the weather seem more pleasant. I liked the view of greenery and hill on both sides of the road. As we reached closer to Pavagadh the huge hill standing at a height and the clouds passing through it started appearing. At first glance this place looks like a mysterious mountain which contains within itself both history and faith.

Pavagadh is a historical and religious place located in Panchmahal district of Gujarat. Its name itself is special in its meaning – ‘Pava’ means holy, and ‘Garh’ means fort. This place is dedicated to Mother Kali and is considered one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. It is said that when Sati's body was divided on the trident of Lord Shiva her right foot fell here. Therefore this place is considered very sacred for the worship of Mother Kali.

The height of the hill is more than 800 meters and there are several ways to reach the top — some on foot, some by stairs, and some by ropeway. We decided to climb on foot, because that's the real fun.

The initial route was full of greenery, where bushes and trees grew among the stones. In between, chants of devotees kept echoing, “Jai Maa Kali!” There was a unique energy in that atmosphere. Moving forward, the path gradually changed from slope to sandy area.

The view there was enchanting – golden sand, far-reaching hills and a small village nestled in the valley below. The children started running happily on the sand. I and my friends also started climbing up with them. Although walking on the sand was not easy, every step was slippery, but it was fun to get up and move forward every time. The cool breeze blowing from above took away all the fatigue.

After a while we reached a place from where the entire view below was visible. Green valleys amidst mist wrapped hills and the sound of temple bells could be heard simultaneously. That moment was truly peaceful and divine. I took some pictures there so that this moment remains alive not only in memories but also in photographs.

After reaching the top one had to climb some more stairs to reach the temple of Maa Kali. As soon as we are all reached the temple my mind was filled with reverence. The atmosphere there was very pure and energetic. thousands of devotees were standing in queues to have darshan of the Mother Goddess. The sound of bells, the fragrance of incense sticks in the air and the faith in the eyes of the devotees – seeing all this the mind automatically became calm.

After having darshan of Maa, we rested for some time in the courtyard of the temple. The view from above was no less than a painting – a blanket of clouds below, greenery in the middle and hill ranges stretching in the distance. That scene was worth seeing, which took away all the fatigue.

After some time we started returning down. Children bought toys and bangles from many small shops on the way. We also drank the famous buttermilk there, which gave us freshness after climbing the hills. On the way, I met many people who had come here from different places – some for the first time, some coming every year to see the Mother. There was a feeling of equal happiness and devotion on everyone's faces.

While returning home, the same satisfaction was visible on everyone's faces, which one gets only after a true journey. The children talked about the same moments along the way climbing on the sand seeing the view from the hill and experiencing the sight of their mother.

This trip once again made me realize that Pavagadh is not just a religious place but a place where nature history and devotion come together. Coming here not only calms the mind but also gives peace to the soul away from the hustle and bustle of life.