Kali Paltan Mandir of Meerut A Temple Steeped in History

The temple of


Augarnath at


Meerut in the


Northern

Indian state

of Uttar Pradesh is a


little-known place of


worship but of great


historical importance. It is


significant not only for its


religious significance but


also for its distinctive role

in India’s freedom struggle.

No one knows exactly when

this temple was built. It is

said the ‘shiv linga’ present

in this temple emerged on

its own – a miracle that has

been attracting the

followers of Lord Shiva ever

since its inception.

According to local priests,

the great Maratha rulers

used to worship here and

seek blessings before

proceeding with their

victory processions.

This temple is in Meerut Cant area,Which is known as the Army area.

A Favorite Place for the Army
During the British rule, the Indian army was called ‘Kali Paltan’ (black army). Since the temple is located close to the army barrack, it is also know by the name ‘Kali Paltan mandir’ (not to be confused with Goddess Kali). Its close proximity to the Indian army camps offered a safe haven for freedom fighters, who used to visit and stay here for their secret meetings with the officers of ‘Kali Paltan’.

The Revolt of 1857
There was also a well inside the temple complex that the soldiers use to frequent to quench their thirst. In 1856, the Government introduced new cartridges for their guns, and soldiers were supposed to remove its seal using their teeth. Since the seal was made of cow fat (cow is sacred in Hinduism), the priest disallowed them to use the well. In 1857, this triggered off a revolt against the British establishment by the Indian army that spread throughout Northern India and jolted the very roots of British rule in the country.

The New Avatar
Until 1944 this huge complex consisted only of a small temple and the nearby well. All this was surrounded by huge cluster of trees. In 1968, a new temple with modern architecture (with the old shivlinga very much there) replaced the old temple. In 1987, a huge hexagonal hall was built for the purpose of religious ceremonies and ‘bhajans’. In May 2001, a 4.5 kg gold plated ‘kalash’ (pitcher) was installed at the spire of the temple.