Shri Kalika Devi Temple
Kalika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple in Belgaum, Karnataka dedicated to Shaktism.
History
The place name 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.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. Sirsangi is a place which is prominent in Karnataka and this is due to the monuments and temples in and around this small village. Earlier this place was known as Pirising but later, during the Medieval era, the name was changed as Hirisingi.
Mythology
The temple of Shri Kalika Devi in Sirsangi is of mythological significance as its name is mentioned in many Hindu mythologies.One such myth mentions that a saint by the name of Vrushya Shrunga was involved in penance in Vrushya Shrunga Tapovan, which is currently the place where the temple of Shri Kalika Devi is present. However, demons like Narundasur, Bettasura and Nalundasur disturbed his meditation. Then the goddesses Chikkumbasura and Hirekumbasura killed these demons heeding the pleas of the ascetic Vrushya Shrunga. The goddesses later settled down here and hence the temple of Shri Kalika Devi was erected in Shirasangi.
Geography
There are two small hillocks at the outskirts of the village, one having a cave locally called Maunappanagavi and the hillock is called Kalluru Gudda . Inside the cave is a hill which can accommodate about 200 people; after this is a six-meter-long passage leading to a small pit having water. Another hillock near Kalika temple has a cave locally called Siddeshwaragavi, approachable by climbing nearly 200 steps and inside the cave there is a Shivalinga.Worship
Depending upon devotees' pledges, they put jaggery, wheat, coconuts, rice, edible oil, etc. equivalent to their weight in Tulaa Bhara Seva.Anna Dasoha seva is also a part of worship.