Kalimath Temple Guide: Distance, History, Navratri

Facts checked November 2026.

Kalimath is a well-known Devi temple of the Kedarnath valley. The Rudraprayag district administration lists it among the Siddh Peeths of the region, visited by devotees round the year and especially during the Navratras. This guide explains where it is, what you see there, how to reach it, and how to add it to a Kedarnath or winter yatra.

This page is part of our Kedarnath Yatra Guide. Planning the yatra? See our Kedarnath yatra packages.

Where is Kalimath temple and how high is it?

Kalimath is a small village in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The district website says it is close to Ukhimath and Guptkashi, the two main towns on either side of the Mandakini valley. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) puts it at about 1,800 metres above sea level, on the bank of the Saraswati river, which is the local name of the Kaliganga stream.

Because it sits off the main Kedarnath road, many pilgrims miss it. But it is only a short drive from Guptkashi, where many Kedarnath yatris stay for the night.

Why is there no idol at Kalimath?

This is the question most first-time visitors ask. According to local tradition, Maa Kali, after destroying the demon Raktabija, withdrew her power into the earth at this place. So the goddess is worshipped at a sacred kund (pit), not as an idol.

• The kund is kept covered, and a Shri Yantra is worshipped as the form of the goddess.
• By tradition, the covering is opened only once a year, on Ashtami of Navratri, when the chief priest performs a midnight puja.
• Another local belief links Kalimath with Dhari Devi temple near Srinagar (Garhwal), where the upper half of the goddess is said to be worshipped.

These are matters of faith and local tradition, as told by devotees and priests. The priests at Kalimath can tell you more.

Which temples are there at Kalimath?

Kalimath is a group of shrines, not a single temple. The main ones are:

• Maha Kali temple: the main shrine with the covered kund and Shri Yantra.
• Maha Lakshmi temple: an eternal flame (akhand jyoti) is kept burning here, as per tradition.
• Maha Saraswati temple: the third of the three forms of the Devi worshipped together.
• Other shrines: Gauri Shankar, Bhairav, Shivlings and images of Nandi and Ganesh.

For families, this means you can take darshan of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati, the three forms of the Mother, in one place.

What is the history of Kalimath temple?

The story of Kalimath is told mainly through tradition and local memory:

• Raktabija legend: the demon Raktabija could create a new demon from every drop of his blood. Maa Kali drank each drop before it touched the ground and killed him. Kalimath is believed to be where she then rested her power in the earth.
• Kalishila: on a hilltop above the village is Kalishila, another place of the goddess. Sources give its distance as about 6 to 8 km from Kalimath, reached on foot.
• Kalidas: local belief holds that the Sanskrit poet Kalidas was born in this area.
• 2013 floods: during the June 2013 floods in Uttarakhand, the swollen Saraswati river damaged the temple area and washed away the footbridge used by devotees, as The Tribune reported. The shrine was later restored.
• Recent plans: in November 2024, All India Radio News reported plans for the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and the Tourism Department to survey the old temples of the Kalimath valley for a pilgrimage circuit.

How do I reach Kalimath?

There is no railway or airport close to Kalimath. You go by road to Rudraprayag, then up the Kedarnath road towards Guptkashi, and then to Kalimath.

1. To Rudraprayag: by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
2. Rudraprayag to Guptkashi or Ukhimath: follow the Kedarnath road (NH 109) up the Mandakini valley. GMVN says buses and taxis run from Rudraprayag to Ukhimath.
3. Guptkashi or Ukhimath to Kalimath: a short drive by taxi or your own vehicle.

The road is a hill road with turns. Travel in daylight and keep some extra time for traffic in the Kedarnath season.

How far is Kalimath from Guptkashi, Ukhimath and other places?

No official road distances are published for Kalimath, and travel sites disagree. The figures below are Reported distances from a travel distance chart. Treat them as approximate and check with your driver on the day.

Is Kalimath temple open all year?

Yes. Unlike Kedarnath, Kalimath is not known to have a winter kapat closing. The district administration says devotees visit round the year. This makes it a good Devi darshan to add to a winter yatra, when the high shrines are closed.

No official daily darshan timings are published. Plan to reach in the morning or by early afternoon, and ask the priests on arrival about aarti times.

Why is Navratri special at Kalimath?

Navratri is the most important time at Kalimath, both in Chaitra (spring) and Sharad (autumn). The Rudraprayag district website notes the large number of devotees during the Navratras. By tradition, on Ashtami the covering of the sacred kund is opened and a midnight puja is performed by the chief priest. Crowds are heaviest on this day.

If you plan to be at Kalimath on Ashtami, book your stay in Guptkashi early and confirm the exact puja time locally, as it follows the temple’s own calendar.

How can I combine Kalimath with Ukhimath and Triyuginarayan?

Kalimath fits easily into a day of temple darshan around Guptkashi.

• Winter Kedarnath darshan: when Kedarnath closes for winter, Baba Kedar is worshipped at Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, as GMVN notes. Our Omkareshwar temple Ukhimath guide explains this winter darshan. Ukhimath is reported to be about 17.5 to 20 km from Kalimath, so you can take Kedar darshan at Ukhimath and Devi darshan at Kalimath on the same day.
• Triyuginarayan: the temple where Shiva and Parvati are believed to have married. It is about 32 km from Kalimath, near Sonprayag. Read our Triyuginarayan temple guide before you go.
• Summer Kedarnath yatra: many families stay in Guptkashi before or after the Kedarnath trek. Kalimath can be visited on the way up or the rest day after. See our Kedarnath yatra guide for the full route.

If Maa Kali darshan is your main purpose, our guide to famous Kali temples in India covers other Siddh Peeths too.

What should I know for a winter visit?

December to February is very cold at Kalimath. Reported: temperatures can drop to around 0°C, and snow is possible on the hills around the village.

• Carry warm layers, woollen caps, gloves and good shoes with grip.
• Start early. Days are short, and hill roads are safer to drive in daylight.
• Check weather and road updates before leaving Rudraprayag or Guptkashi.
• Elders should avoid the walk to Kalishila in cold or icy weather.
• In the monsoon (July to August), landslides can block hill roads, so keep buffer days.

How Yatra To Temples can help

Kalimath can be added to our Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar on request. For a Kalimath, Ukhimath and Triyuginarayan winter darshan plan, ask us.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kalimath temple located?

Kalimath temple is in Kalimath village, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. It is close to Guptkashi and Ukhimath, at about 1,800 metres, on the Saraswati (Kaliganga) river.

What is the distance from Kalimath to Guptkashi?

No official figure is published, and travel sites disagree. A travel distance chart reports about 13 to 16 km by road. It is a short taxi drive, but confirm the time with your driver.

Is there an idol in Kalimath temple?

By tradition, no idol is shown for regular darshan. The goddess is worshipped at a covered sacred kund with a Shri Yantra. The covering is opened only on Navratri Ashtami.

Is Kalimath temple open in winter?

Yes. Devotees visit all year, and there is no winter closing like Kedarnath. Expect cold weather and possible snow from December to February.

Why is Navratri important at Kalimath?

Kalimath is a Siddh Peeth of Maa Kali, and Navratri is the main festival. On Ashtami, the sacred kund is opened and a midnight puja is held by tradition, drawing large crowds.

Can I visit Kalimath and Omkareshwar Ukhimath on the same day?

Yes. Ukhimath is reported to be about 17.5 to 20 km from Kalimath. You can take winter darshan of Baba Kedar at Omkareshwar and Maa Kali at Kalimath on the same day.

Which is the nearest railway station and airport?

Rishikesh is the nearest major railway station, reported to be about 183 km away by road. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is reported to be about 213 km away.

What is Kalishila?

Kalishila is a sacred rock and Kali shrine on a hilltop above Kalimath. Sources put it about 6 to 8 km from the village, reached on foot.