Halol: Recently inaugurated by PM Narendrabhai Modi, the Kalika Maa Mandir set on the peak of the Pavagadh Hill of Panchmahal Taluka saw a rush of nearly two and a half lacs devotees on Sunday. This influx of devotees made administration very challenging for the authorities.

Large number of masses was understandable as it was Sunday’s holiday, and the temple is not farther from any place than a few hours’ drive from Vadodara city and other major towns. But the inflow of traffic congestion near Pavagadh’s famous ‘City Gate’ brought the administration to its knees. Vehicle queues nearly a kilometer long were experienced on Sunday as only one vehicle at a time could pass through the City Gate. Even the allocated tourist parking was running out of its capacity. This made the devotees park their vehicles on highway 2-3 kilometres afar, towards the foothills of Pavagadh. Vehicles were diverted towards Timbi Patiya, and private vehicles were not allowed to enter from the foothills of Pavagadh.

There has always been a desire among many devotees to visit and worship the Kalika Mata temple. And after the renovation of the grand temple complex at the peak of the hill, devotees were keen to visit it. This resulted in huge numbers of devotees showing up to pray to Goddess Kali. Even after such a massive influx of people at the site, devotees were able to worship their Maa Kali peacefully in the new temple complex at the top.

Having noticed the extra rush following the renovation of Pavagadh temple, the administration is mulling to build a four-lane road till the top. This would make access for the devotees and visitors directly to the temple through their vehicles smoother and swifter. Construction of a parking lot for the temple complex with greater capacity has also been on the cards. DeshGujarat