The annual pilgrimage to Ma Kalika Dham located on Someshwar Hills has commenced in the West Champaran district of Bihar. Often referred to as ‘Bihar’s Amarnath’ due to its difficult terrain and high altitude, the temple doors open only for the nine days of Chaitra Navratri. Situated at an elevation of 2800 feet in the Ramnagar Govardhana area, this shrine attracts a large number of devotees from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and neighboring Nepal.
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What are the main features of the Someshwar Dham Yatra?
The journey to the temple is considered highly challenging, even more so than the Vaishno Devi trek. Pilgrims have to trek for nearly 6 to 7 hours starting from the Govardhana forest range to reach the hilltop. The path involves navigating through dense forests, crossing rivers, and climbing steep rocky mountains. Several points of interest such as Pareva Dah, Dumdamwa Hill, Bhartrihari Kuti, and Titanic Tila are located along the route.
Security arrangements and facilities for devotees
As the shrine is located near the sensitive India-Nepal border, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is responsible for the security of the pilgrims. The Nepalese Armed Police Force (APF) also maintains a high alert in the region. To assist the thousands of devotees, the following facilities have been organized:
- SSB has established medical camps along the trekking route to provide healthcare services.
- Local puja committees and residents organize community kitchens or ‘Bhandara’ for the entire nine-day period.
- Drinking water and snacks are provided by local volunteers at various checkpoints in the forest.
- Security personnel are stationed at critical points like Someshwar Bungalow and the Mahadev temple site.
The yatra for 2026 is currently active during the Chaitra Navratri period, following the previous year’s schedule which began on March 29, 2025. Thousands of pilgrims have already gathered at the site to offer prayers to Ma Kalika in her divine form.
