Gadhkalika Temple, Ujjain: Where a Female Pujari Leads All Rituals

In Hindu temples, there aren't many female purohits or pujaris (priests) tasked with performing religious rituals. However, there are a few rare exceptions, such as the Guntigangamma Temple in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, where women priests conduct rituals.

Another example is the Gadhkalika Temple in Ujjain, where a female pujari is in charge of aarti, puja, and abhisheka ceremonies. Dedicated to goddess Kalika, the Gadhkalika Temple has been managed by the Nath clan for over ten generations. Karishma Nath, the daughter-in-law of the temple's priestly family, serves as the official pujari. The popularity of Karishma Nath is evident from the numerous people who wait to get pictures clicked with the priestess. Her Instagram account boasts of more than 100K followers.

Ujjain, a city in Madhya Pradesh, is home to Harsiddhi Devi, a revered Shakti Peetha. Although the Gadhkalika Temple is not officially recognised as a Shakti Peetha, it holds immense significance. Many do believe that this temple is a Shakti Peetha. According to the Puranas, it is believed that the lips of Mother Bhagwati Sati fell on the Bhairav mountain near the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain. Poet Kalidas used to worship Kalika Devi at this very temple. The temple is said to have been established during the Mahabharata period, with the idol inside dating back to the Satya Yuga.

For those unfamiliar, the Satya Yuga (also known as Krita Yuga) is considered the first and best of the four yugas in Hinduism. It lasts for 1,728,000 years (equivalent to 4,800 divine years) and is preceded by the Kali Yuga of the previous cycle and followed by the Treta Yuga.

The temple was renovated by Emperor Harshvardhan in the 7th century.