Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali at Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is a Shakti Peetha, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. On the former route (Adi Ganga) of the Hooghly river (Bhgirathi) in Kolkata, there existed a Ghat (landing stage) dedicated to Kali. The term Kalikata devi of Kalighat Temple is thought to have inspired the name Kolkata. Over time, the river has drifted away from the temple. The temple is now located on the banks of the Adi Ganga, a minor canal that links to the Hooghly. The Adi Ganga was the Hooghly River's original course. As a result, the river is known as Adi (original) Ganga.
Even though it is mentioned in Mansar Bhasan, written in the 15th century, and Kavi Kankan Chandi, written in the 17th century, the Kalighat temple is only roughly 200 years old in its current form. The current temple edifice was erected in 1809 under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family. The Kali temple is also mentioned in Lalmohon Bidyanidhis' poem "Sambanda Nirnoy." Bengal has only two varieties of Chandragupta II coins, which absorbed Vanga into the Gupta Empire. His Archer type coins, which after Kumaragupta I became the most popular kind of coinage among Gupta emperors, have been discovered near Kalighat. This is evidence of the location's antiquity. The Kalighat Kali idol. This temple's Kali picture is one of a kind. It deviates from the design of other Bengali Kali representations. Two saints, Atmaram Brahmachari and Brahmananda Giri, created the current touchstone idol. Currently, there are three massive eyes, a long protruding tongue made of gold, and four gold-plated hands. Two of these hands are holding a scimitar and an asura king'Shumbha's severed head. The scimitar represents Divine Knowledge, while the asura (or human) head represents human Ego, which must be slain by Divine Knowledge in order for Moksha to be accomplished.The other two hands are in the abhaya and varada mudras (blessings), indicating that her initiated devotees (or anyone worshipping her with a sincere heart) would be saved since she will guide them both here and in the afterlife. Shoshti Tala This is a three-foot-high rectangular altar with a little cactus plant. Three stones are placed side by side on an altar beneath the tree, signifying the goddesses Shashthi (Shoshti), Shitala, and Mangal Chandi, from left to right. Shoshti Tala or Monosha Tala is the name of this sacred site. In the year 1880, Gobinda Das Mondal built this altar. The altar is located at Brahmananda Giri's Samadhi. All of the priests here are female. There is no daily worship or Bhog (food offering) performed here. Here, the goddesses are regarded to be a component of Kali. Natmandir The face of the image may be seen from a big rectangular covered platform called Natmandir, which has been created close to the main temple. In 1835, Zamindar Kasinath Roy constructed this structure. It has been renovated several times since then. Jor Bangla The temple's bathing ghat, 1947. Jor Bangla is the large verandah of the main temple that faces the portrait. Through the Jor Bangla, rituals taking place inside the sanctum sanctorum can be seen from the Natmandir. Harkath Tala This is the site south of the Natmandir, destined for Bali (sacrifice). Side by side, there are two sacrificial altars for animal sacrifices. These are referred to as Hari-Kath. Radha-Krishna Temple This temple, known as Shyama-raya temple, is located within the temple on the west side of the main temple. In 1723, a Murshidabad district settlement commissioner built the first distinct temple for Radha-Krishna. In 1843, a Zamindar named Udoy Narayan Mondal built the current temple in the same location. Madan Koley of Saha Nagar created the Dolmancha in 1858. There is a separate kitchen where vegetarian Bhog (meal offering) for Radha-Krishna is served. Kundupukur Kalighat Temple Tank (Kundupukur) This is the sacred tank, which is located outside the temple's boundary walls to the south-east. The tank's current area is approximately 10 cottahs. It used to be bigger and called 'Kaku-Kunda.' The 'Sati-Anga' (Sati's right toe) was discovered in this tank. It is said that taking a plunge in this small pond/tank will grant you the blessing of a kid. This tank's water is considered as sacred as the Ganges. There have been failed attempts in the past to drain the water from the tank for cleaning, raising the potential of a subterranean connection with the Adi Ganga.
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This is a three-foot-high rectangular altar with a little cactus plant. Three stones are placed side by side on an altar beneath the tree, signifying the goddesses Shashthi (Shoshti), Shitala, and Mangal Chandi, from left to right. Shoshti Tala or Monosha Tala is the name of this sacred site. In the year 1880, Gobinda Das Mondal built this altar. The altar is located at Brahmananda Giri's Samadhi. All of the priests here are female. There is no daily worship or Bhog (food offering) performed here. Here, the goddesses are regarded to be a component of Kali.
The face of the image may be seen from a big rectangular covered platform called Natmandir, which has been created close to the main temple. In 1835, Zamindar Kasinath Roy constructed this structure. It has been renovated several times since then.
The temple's bathing ghat, 1947.
Jor Bangla is the large verandah of the main temple that faces the portrait. Through the Jor Bangla, rituals taking place inside the sanctum sanctorum can be seen from the Natmandir.
This is the site south of the Natmandir, destined for Bali (sacrifice). Side by side, there are two sacrificial altars for animal sacrifices. These are referred to as Hari-Kath.
This temple, known as Shyama-raya temple, is located within the temple on the west side of the main temple. In 1723, a Murshidabad district settlement commissioner built the first distinct temple for Radha-Krishna. In 1843, a Zamindar named Udoy Narayan Mondal built the current temple in the same location. Madan Koley of Saha Nagar created the Dolmancha in 1858. There is a separate kitchen where vegetarian Bhog (meal offering) for Radha-Krishna is served.
Kalighat Temple Tank (Kundupukur)
This is the sacred tank, which is located outside the temple's boundary walls to the south-east. The tank's current area is approximately 10 cottahs. It used to be bigger and called 'Kaku-Kunda.' The 'Sati-Anga' (Sati's right toe) was discovered in this tank. It is said that taking a plunge in this small pond/tank will grant you the blessing of a kid. This tank's water is considered as sacred as the Ganges.
There have been failed attempts in the past to drain the water from the tank for cleaning, raising the potential of a subterranean connection with the Adi Ganga.
Maa Kali
Daily Routine
TIMING
All days of the week 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
The temple has a powerful security system at the entrance and exit doors
If you're anxious about how to go to Kolkata via plane, don't be. The Kolkata International Airport, also known as the Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, is located in Dumdum and serves all of India's and the world's major cities.
Kolkata's Nscbi Airport is the closest airport.
The city's two major railway stations are Howrah and Sealdah. Both of these railway stations are well connected to all of the country's major cities.
The state buses of West Bengal make it easy for visitors to get to this city. You can also take a variety of private buses from here to travel to various regions of the country for a cheap price. Sunderbans (112 km), Puri (495 km), Konark (571 km), and Darjeeling (624km)are all close to Kolkata.
Birla Mandir Kolkata, West Bengal is a captivating edifice designed in the pious white colour that is likely to appeal to your ardent heart. The entire temple took roughly 26 years to finish, thanks to the industrialist Birla.
This temple, which first opened to the public in 1996, has seen a lot of visitors over the years, and for good reason. The temple's construction has been meticulously built, with minute carvings displaying Bhagvad Gita quotes.
The temple, which was originally dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, eventually added statues of numerous other deities. If you're unsure which temple to visit first in Kolkata, this is the place to begin any religious adventure.
· Location: Ashutosh Chowdary Ave, Ballygunge
· Timings: 5.30 am to 11.00 am and 4.30 pm to 9.00 pmSource: fabhotels.com
Following your visit to the world-famous Kolkata Kali Mandir, there is another one that you should not miss. The Chinese Kali Mandir is unique in its own right, demonstrating that religion unites rather than divides people.
If you consider yourself a dedicated follower of Lord Kali, this place should surely be on your list. Dedicated to Lord Kali, yet run by priests of Chinese heritage, and a site where predominantly Chinese people flock to worship the goddess, this site should surely be on your list.
The goddess is worshipped according to Chinese rites, and the most intriguing aspect of the temple is that on Saturday nights, regular Chinese takeout is provided as Prasad.
· Location: Tangra
· Timings: 5 am to 2 pm; 5 pm to 10:30 pm
The Kali Temple of Dakshineswar is situated on the banks of the river Dakshineswar. The most famous and iconic Dakshineswar Kali Temple is located in Hoogly. This Kali Mandir, a three-story temple built in the early nineteenth century, will leave you speechless. Unlike other Hindu temples, this one has nine spires and was designed in the Navratna style of Bengali architecture.
The narrative of how this temple came to be is fascinating. After Goddess Kali appeared in a dream, a devotee is supposed to have ordered the construction of this temple. Goddess Kali asked the creator (and follower) Rani Rashmoni to cancel a planned journey to Varanasi, and instead suggested Kolkata as the location for a temple
· Location: May Dibas Pally, Dakshineswar
· Timings: 5 am to 8 pm
Kolkata residents are devout devotees of Goddess Kali. This is demonstrated by Lake Kalibari. This Kali temple was constructed in honour of the legendary Goddess. The deity inside the temple, on the other hand, is Goddess Karunamoyee, another facet of Kali.
Mr. Haripada Chakraborty, another fervent disciple of the Goddess, established the temple in 1949.
Visit this temple on Southern Avenue if vistors are to seek the blessings of this Goddess of Justice and Shakti.
· Location: Southern Avenue
· Timings: 6 am to 12:30 pm; 3:30 pm – 9 pm
In India, there are only a few temples that follow the Parsi prayers and ceremonies. One of the reasons why the Agni Mandir in Kolkata is unique is because of this. Agni Mandir is dedicated to the famed Fire God, as the name suggests. The deity of fire is a central figure in Hindu mythology, and he is called first anytime a prayer for the five elements of the earth is offered. This is due to the fact that fire is both the source of life and a crucial factor in its maintenance.
It was constructed in 1912 and is significant to both Hindus and Parsis. The temple, which is painted a bright vermilion red, houses a holy flame that burns all day and night. This, however, is not accessible to the general public. On the first floor, pilgrims and visitors can witness a picture of the sacred flame. Even this photograph draws a lot of attention.
· Location: Metcalfe Lane, Central Kolkata
· Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
Swami Vivekananda established this temple as a centre for the Ramakrishna Mission and as a temple dedicated to Ramakrishna Paramhanse. This temple, situated on the banks of the Hoogly River, is located directly across from Dakshineswar Temple.
The centre, which consists of four temples, was completed in 1938. If the facade of the temple does not grab your curiosity, the Christian, Hindu, and Muslim elements constructed inside will. Unlike other temples, this one is a magnificent example of religious brotherhood.It is progressively gaining the acclaim and admiration that it so richly deserves.
Take a tour of the temple or simply listen to Swami Vivekanda's teachings for a few hours. They are awe-inspiring and discuss how India's youth will shape the future.
· Location: Belur, Howrah
· Timings: 6 am to 12 pm; 4 pm to 9 pm
Jain temples are uncommon in India, particularly in Eastern India. While there are many well-known Jain temples in Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Delhi, these great examples of superb architecture and sites of worship for the Jain community can only be seen in specialised tourist destinations.
It was founded in 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadur Mookim and is also known as the Parshwanath Jain Temple. The structure, a prominent Jain dharamshala in Kolkata, is made up of four separate buildings, each of which provides breathtaking insight into the Jain culture.While the 23rd Tirthankar - Pareshnath – is the principal deity of worship here, four other deities who are also thought to be the Tirthankar's avatars are worshipped in the various buildings.
If visitors do decide to visit the temple, take time to take in the magnificent sights it has to offer. Each structure features rich detailing, stained glass, and colourful decorations, making it one of the city's most stunning temples.
The eternal flame, which has been blazing since the temple's establishment in 1867, is another notable feature of the location.
· Location: Badridas Temple Street
· Timings: 6 AM to 11:30 AM, 3 PM to 7 PM
There was no temple dedicated to Sai Baba in Kolkata prior to the establishment of this temple in 1913. Today, it is one of the most frequented temples and an essential destination and worship centre for all Sai Baba devotees. While the structure itself is not as magnificent and opulent as most temples, it exudes a sense of calmness and calm that draws tourists all year.
· Location: Sodepur
· Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a magnificent marble structure that was constructed between 1906 and 1921. It is currently a museum under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and is dedicated to the memory of Empress Victoria. The memorial is located on the Maidan and is one of Kolkata's most well-known landmarks.
The Mother House in Kolkata, which is more of a pilgrimage than a tourist attraction, is a holy and tranquil location to visit. The Mother House, which attracts thousands of people from all over the world, is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity.
Mother House was created in 1950 with the sole objective of providing selfless service to the lowest of the poor. Members of the congregation take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, as well as a fourth and most crucial vow of “wholehearted selfless and free service to the poorest among the poor.”