Chaitra Navratri: A Temple in the Cleanest City of India Where Devotees’ Offerings Help Nourish the Earth
Indore: Kalika Dham, located at Vijay Nagar Square in the eastern part of the city, is a place of deep devotion for many worshippers. The daily decoration of the goddess is nothing short of enchanting. Devotees offer lemon garlands to the goddess, as a way to fulfill their wishes. These garlands come in sets of 11, 21, or 51 lemons, and on Saturdays, over 400 devotees offer these garlands. The lemons offered are later used, along with flowers and leaves, to make compost. The five-feet tall statue of the four-armed goddess is one of the key highlights of the temple. This holy place has been around for 82 years, having been established in 1940. Initially, it was just a 150-square-foot space next to the BRTS. Over time, with the help of the devotees, the temple expanded significantly.
The goddess’s image here is calm and serene, holding a sword in one hand and a human skull in the other. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Thakurji, Balaji, and Bhairav Baba. Various religious activities take place here every day, with local youth participating enthusiastically. During the Chaitra Navratri, the temple is beautifully decorated like a fort, showcasing the lives of warriors who upheld Hindu values. Additionally, the chanting of the Sava Lakh Kali Chalisa is taking place. The Shat Chandi Mahayajna and the Akhand Durga Saptashati recitations are happening in the presence of Yogi Peer Ramnath Maharaj. It is believed that chanting the Kali Chalisa removes the fear of enemies. Throughout the four Navratri days, the temple hosts various prayers and celebrations.
