Maula Kalika (, ) is a famous Hindu temple of Goddess Kalika in Gaindakot town of Nawalpur district in Gandaki province of Nepal. Located on the top of the Mauladada or Maula hill on the north of Narayani River (also called Gandaki River) in Gaindakot, Maula Kalika temple is situated above sea level. History Historically, it is said that in the 16th century the King of Palpa created a symbolic offering site ("Maula") in the name of goddess Kalika after which the name of the mountain (Maula hill) was derived. It is believed, in Hindu mythology that the Goddess Kali or Kalika also called Durga is the symbol of energy, power and new beginning. The temple has been renovated several times by the local people. The base area has been widened to adjust for more visitors. The temple management has lately decided to stop sacrificing the animals. Popularity Local people in Gaindakot have been worshipping at the Maula Kalika for many centuries before it got widespread popularity. The current temple was built in the early 1990s. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Maula Kalika every year from Nepal and neighbouring countries. Dashain festival in September–October and in March–April are peak seasons when the goddess Kalika or Kali (also called Nav Durga, the 9 different incarnations of Goddess Kalika) is worshipped during these festive seasons. Former President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, former King/Princes and High Ranking Government Officials including Finance Minister Ram Saran Mahat of Nepal have visited the temple. World-famous Yoga guru Baba Ramdev from India visited the temple in 2011. Nepal's First women president Shrimati Bidhya Devi Bhandari visited the temple on 20 April 2016 and inaugurated the temples residential facilities. Hiking Regular visitors from Gaindakot and nearby Chitwan choose this place as a destination to enhance their leisure time with the feel of the cool breeze, observation of wide panoramic views of wilderness, and the exciting adventure of walking through 500 meters long sloping and curving stairs to attain the height of the final destination. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of Narayani River, Gaindakot town and Chitwan Valley on the south of the hill. Mt. Manaslu can be viewed on the north side. Hikers also prefer to visit the temple for the sunrise view early in the morning. It takes less than half a day for a round trip hiking from Narayangarh town traveling on foot. From