
Planning to visit Kali Paltan Temple in Meerut? This sacred and historically significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva holds deep spiritual value and is closely connected with India’s freedom movement. Discover the complete guide including temple timings, history, architecture, importance, and travel tips to make your visit memorable.
Kali Paltan Temple, also known as the Kali Paltan Mandir or Monti Mahadev Temple, is one of the oldest and most powerful Shiva temples in Meerut. It holds a unique place in history because it played an important role during the Revolt of 1857, when freedom fighters gathered here before the uprising. The temple is famous for its serene environment, divine Shivling, and its ancient connection with warriors and saints. Devotees visit this temple to seek courage, protection, and peace. Its calm surroundings, old banyan trees, and sacred vibrations make it a spiritually uplifting place for all who come here.
India is home to many historic temples. In the city of Meerut, located in western Uttar Pradesh, there is a temple known as "Kali Paltan" during the British era because the Indian army used to be stationed there. Meerut is famous for its many old and special places that remain etched in people's memories. India has numerous ancient and historic temples. In the city of Meerut, western Uttar Pradesh, there is a temple that was referred to as "Kali Paltan" during the British period because Indian soldiers resided there. Meerut is renowned for its rich heritage and several significant historical landmarks. Some associate it with the in-laws of Ravana, while others link it to the legendary king of demons, Mayarashtra. Within this historical backdrop stands the famous and ancient Baba Aughadnath Temple. The small Shiva Lingam installed here is considered self-manifested and is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees as Aughaddani Shiva.
During the first war of Indian independence in 1857, this temple in Meerut held special significance. The site was peaceful, which led the British to establish a military training center here. Indian soldiers lived near the temple, and many freedom fighters would visit, stay, and hold secret meetings. Among these fighters, “Hathi Wale Baba” was especially notable. It is said that he was actually Nana Saheb in disguise. In 1856, when new cartridges arrived, soldiers had to open them with their mouths, which contained cow fat. The temple priest refused to provide water to the soldiers, angering them. As a result, they rebelled against the British on 10 May 1857, without waiting for 31 May.
Kali Paltan Temple is simple yet uniquely designed. It reflects the traditional style of construction using bricks and stones. Inside the temple is a small Shiva Lingam, believed to have manifested on its own. The central part of the temple is open and airy, allowing devotees to comfortably perform their worship. The surroundings are clean and well-maintained, and a small dome adorns the top. The walls feature pictures and sculptures related to deities, highlighting the temple's spiritual and historical significance.
Also known as Aughadnath Temple, Kali Paltan Temple is a well-known Shiva temple in Meerut. It is significant both religiously and historically. Temple Hours: Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
These timings remain the same daily, but they may change slightly on festivals or special occasions.
The temple has a special tradition of distributing prasad, reflecting devotees’ faith and devotion. Chhappan Bhog: On special occasions, 56 varieties of food are offered to the deity, including sugar crystals, laddoos, fruits, and sweets, with help from devotees.
Festival Prasad: During Mahashivratri and the month of Sawan, special worship and prasad distribution take place.
Daily Prasad: Every day after worship, devotees receive sugar crystals, fruits, and sweets as prasad.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Meerut City Junction
From Delhi: Trains from Hazrat Nizamuddin Station, Delhi, to Meerut City Junction take about 1.5–2 hours.
From Station to Temple: 15–20 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
By Bus: From Delhi: Buses from Anand Vihar or Kashmiri Gate go to Meerut.
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours.
From Bus Stop to Temple: Easily reachable by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
By Air: Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
From Delhi to Meerut: After the flight, a taxi or bus takes around 1.5–2 hours to reach the temple.
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