About Kalika Mata Temple
Across form Padmini place is the Kalika Mata Temple, an 8th-century
temple originally dedicated to Surya or the Sun God but later
converted to a temple to the goddess Kali. The temple architecture is of
the early Paramara (Pratihara) period. It was built upon a large raised
plinth, and features beautiful carvings and sculptures on the exterior
and the Mandap (pillared hall), also on the pillars, ceiling and gates
of the shrine. Unfortunately, today it has lost its spire and also
reveals vestiges of considerable repairs, but its beauty remains an
inspiration, but not for Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji. After the first sack
of Chittor in 1303, he and his Muslims destroyed the temple.
Once a year a fair takes place here in which thousands of visitors from
distant places participate. Of similar style are the ruins of a small
temple and a colonnade near the Mahasati, the fort's royal cremation
ground.
