Sri Kalika Devi Temple - Sirasangi - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 64 km from Badami, 86 km from Hubli, 99 km from Belgaum, Sri Kalika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the small village of Sirasangi in Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka, and among the best place to visit as part of Hubli Packages.

The Kalika Devi Temple at Sirasangi is dedicated to Goddess Kali. As per the studies conducted by the department of archaeology, the temple of Shri Kalika Devi in Sirsangi might have been constructed during the first century. Sirasangi is mentioned as Rishishringapura, Pirishingi, or Hirishingi in two records from the same place dated 1148 of Jagadekamalla and another dated 1186 of Someshwara IV. It was a noted commercial center.

According to mythology, Kalika Devi Temple is the exact place where sage Vrushya Shrunga is involved in penance. However, demons like Narundasur, Bettasura, and Nalundasur disturbed his meditation. Then the goddesses Chikkumbasura (Chikkumbi) and Hirekumbasura (Hirekumbi) killed these demons heeding the please of the ascetic Vrushya Shrunga. The Goddesses later settled down here and consequently the sanctuary of Sri Kalika Devi was raised in Sirsangi.

The place also has many monuments, and temples including Kalmeshwara Temple, and Bhairaveshwara or Kalamma Temple. Also, there are two small hillocks at the outskirts of the village, one having a cave locally called Maunappanagavi and the hillock is called Kallupuragudda. The cave can accommodate about 200 people. Another hillock near Kalika temple has a cave locally called Siddeshwaragavi, approachable by climbing nearly 200 steps. One would see a Shivlinga inside the cave.

The Kalika Devi temple is also popular for the religious and cultural events which are celebrated on Amavasya. The Palanquin Festival of Kalamma is held at the Bannimantapa during the Ugadi Festival for five days when about 15,000 people assemble.

Timings: 6 AM - 8.30 PM

Temple Timings: 6 AM - 12.30 PM, & 3 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free