Kali Bari Temple is perhaps the only temple which is located at the vicinity of Shimla. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is known as Shyamala. It is often believed that Shimla received its name from the temple of Shyamala. Kali Bari Temple had been another important place of worship that was constructed during the British period. It was mainly constructed for the devotees who had to travel from Delhi to Simla and settled there for a long period six months or so.
Kali Bari Temple in Shimla is one of the popular sights of Simla that remains overcrowded during the Navratris and Duga puja. Along with the rituals the Kali Bari provides accommodation to its tourists who visit the shrine along with the shrine at Kalka. Among all the deities of Goddess Shakti, Kali has been revered in many forms. While some follow the Shakti system of performing rituals other follow the tantric system to worship the goddess. In both ways Kali has been considered as the liveliest goddess who can create nature and can destruct the entire `Brahmand` if she is not satisfied. Usually the rituals of Kali puja include sacrifices of life forms. This has been replaced in Shimla Kali Bari as well as Delhi Kali Bari which includes some more complicated forms Vedic rituals.
The Shyamala Kali Bari in Shimla has been one of the most commonly visited tourist spot in Shimla. Located near the Mall it is nearest tourist spot around Shimla that invites devotees from all over India.
