Most Popular Kali temples in Kolkata
Kolkata has always been the hub of religious idealism. It is more inclined towards worshipping the feminine force of divinity. Did you know, among the 51 Shakti Peethas, 13 are situated in different regions of Bengal, with 1 of them being in Kolkata? Hence, very naturally, Shaktism is predominant in Kolkata. The most famous Kali temples in Kolkata are the Kalighat temple and Dakshineswar Kali temple.
From having famous Kali temples to celebrating the biggest festival of the Bengalis, Durga Puja, the female energy of goddess Sati is always kept on top of the list. In other words, she is the ‘Shakti Rupen’ (form of Shakti), incarnating as the ‘Feminine Divine Power’ as Goddess Kali
People worldwide come to Bengal to visit these temples to seek blessings from Goddess Kali. If you are willing to pay a visit, then here is a quick guide for you to note before you head out.
Here are the 5 Kali Mandir in Kolkata you must visit:
Kalighat Temple
Kalighat temple is well known as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas found in the Hindu Daksha Yajna mythology. It is situated in the bustling southern part of Kolkata. It is a firm belief that the name Kolkata (formerly called Calcutta or ‘Kolikata’ in Bengali) is derived from the sacred temple of Kalighat.
During the Shiva’s Rudra Tandav, the right foot of Devi Sati fell in the Adi Ganga. It flows near the Kalighat temple. Hence, the Goddess Kali of Kalighat is known as Dakshina Kali, the world’s benevolent mother. Over time, the Adi Ganga has turned into a canal with little water flow. However, Maa Dakshina Kali’s unique idol with three big, bold eyes is worth a visit. Even if you are an atheist, a tour of this temple is a must if you come to Kolkata.
Entry fee:
You do not need any entry fees to enter the temple premises. It is accessible both for Indian citizens and foreign travelers. However, you can donate money as a part of an offering to the Goddess inside the temple.
Travel Route:
As we mentioned earlier, the temple is in the Sothern part of Kolkata. Being a bustling area, you will not face any travel issues. Buses, trams, autos and taxis are readily available.
Metro access:
The fastest way to reach Kalighat temple is by metro undoubtedly. The southern gate of the temple is nearer to the Kalighat station. However, the northern gate, on the other hand, leads to the Jatin Das Park metro station.
Timing:
There are opening and closing hours in the temple, which are strictly followed. If you want to pay a visit in the morning, come by 5.00 am-2.00 pm. Evening hours for visit are from 5.00 pm to 10.30 pm.
Easy days:
In Hindu mythology, Tuesday and Saturday hold special value for worshipping Goddess Kali. So, if you prefer experiencing a smooth visit instead of getting carried away by the crowd of devotees, choose any other day.
Note:
The Mother Goddess looks at all her children in the same light. There is no compulsion for offering money, but one may be encouraged at different stages to show their gratefulness by making financial offerings. So, go about it as per your will, and not as per coaxing. This apart, you will experience tremendous peace and calmness once inside the temple premises. You can feel the divine energy of the Mother Goddess there for sure.
Lake Kalibari
Kolkata is well known for being devoted to the Goddess Kali. Apart from the famous kali temples located in the city, many roadside temples have a great history behind their foundation. One of the most prominent among all of them is Lake Kalibari.
One day, in his thatched hut, Sree Haripada Chakraborty noticed a radiance that can equal ten suns together. It was Goddess Kali whom he saw and was bathed in the divinity of light by the Goddess of destruction Ma Kali. Consequently, he performed a Tantra Kriya by placing Ma Kali ‘Devi Korunamoyee’ upon four skulls, followed by establishing the temple.
Formerly, the temple was known as Sree Sree 108 Korunamoyee Kalimata Mandir. However, the temple is now known as Lake Kalibari locally. The temple’s location in the Southern Avenue of Kolkata, near Rabindra Sarobar Lake. That is why it has come to be known by this name.
Timing:
Unlike most Kolkata temples, you will never face a rush in getting a glimpse of Ma Kali inside the temple. In here, you can sit as long as you want during the visiting hours.
The best days you can visit are Tuesdays and Saturdays when ‘Anjali’ (special session of worshipping and offerings) is performed in the temple for 15 minutes. The temple is open most days from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm in the morning (Tuesday and Saturday upto 1:00 pm) and in the evenings from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm (except Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday upto 9:30 pm. Saturday upto 10:30 pm).
Location:
The Lake Kalibari temple of Kolkata is located at 107/1, Southern Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal- 700029, India. You can spot the temple very quickly as it is adorned by flower vendors, sweet shops for worshippers to buy ‘puja samagri’ (offerings) for the ‘Anjali’.
Establishment:
The establishment of the temple dates back to 1949. It was a small temple at first. With the increase in popularity, it now stands tall at 42.5 feet today. The construction was supposed to be over by 2013. However, due to financial constraints, it remains incomplete.
Thanthania Kalibari
The Thanthania Kalibari of North Kolkata was established back in 1703 AD (1110 Bengali Year) as per a certain tradition. But, Babu Shankar Chandra Ghosh holds the title of formally establishing the temple in the year 1803 AD. He did so after creating a primary boundary, as is mentioned at the temple itself.
You can find mention of the Thanthania Kalibari in the books published by Ramkrishna Mission. When in Shri Ramprasad Mitra’s house in Kolkata, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to visit to worship Ma Kali. There are many tales of his devotion associated with this temple.
The real name of the temple is Shree Shree Siddheswari Kalimata Mandir. Goddess Kali is worshipped in the form of Ma Siddheshwari. This temple is famous due to its long history. Also, the direct association with Ramakrishna is the main charm.
Entry fees:
The Thanthania Kalibari trust does not charge any entry fees from its visitors seeking blessings from the Goddess. Just like other temples, you will have the option to donate money if you wish.
Location:
The temple is located in Bidhan Sarani Road, near College Street Market, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006, India. You will be able to find it near College Street and M. G. Road Crossing in the Thanthania area.
Travel route:
The travel route will depend on the distance between your home and the temple. There are buses, trams, metro, and autos available for visiting this temple quickly.
Timing:
The usual visiting hours of the temple are 06:00 am – 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. But the most preferred time to visit is from 06:00 am to 09:00 am. It is better to go when there is less rush. However, that is only possible during the early morning hours.
The temple gates remain open for the visitors for all the days of the week. But Saturdays, Tuesdays, and the new moon days are regarded the most auspicious. So, the place is very crowded during the festivities conducted on those days. Every day, during the evening ‘Arati’ (prayers), there is a huge crowd that gathers and the atmosphere is electric. And on the occasion of Poila Boishakh, there is a long queue of devotees. Arrangements are made by the authorities as well. They even put up tents during Kali Puja.
Contact details:
In case you face any problem going to the temple. Or have any other queries regarding donation, bhog, etc., please contact +91-9231942601.
Dakshineswar Temple
Among the holy places in India, more preciously in Eastern India, the Dakshineswar Kali temple is one of the most famous.
The Dakshineswar Kali mandir is built on 25 acres of land. It has a height of 120 feet. The Dakshineswar mandir consists of nine shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and one to Radha-Krishna. There is a ghat for bathing and the “Nahabat” area.
In the Dakshineswar temple, Goddess Kali is worshipped in the form of Ma Bhabatarini. She appeared in the dream of Queen Rashmoni on the night before she was about to set out for her pilgrimage to Banaras(Varanasi). She commanded her to build the temple on the banks of river Ganga.
The Goddess is also known as Dakshineswar Kali Ma due to the name of the temple. The temple is considered one of the most secular religious places in India because Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, his wife Sarada Devi, and his disciple Swami Vivekananda spent a long duration of their lives here. These names are stalwarts of Bengali culture. In almost every Bengali home, you can see their pictures. Shree Ramakrishna was especially known for his devotion. It is said that Ma Kali used to appear and have food from his hands every day. Only after that would he have his food. He became the chief priest of the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.
Entry fees: The temple does not have any entry fees. But you cannot take any of your belongings, including your mobile phones, inside the temple premises. So, a token amount is charged for keeping your belongings at the entry counter.
Location:
The Dakshineswar Kali temple is located at Dhakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal- 700076. The place Dakshineswar is a famous location for the temple, so finding it is easy.
Timing:
The Dakshineswar Kali temple is made ready for the visitors to enter from 6 o’clock in the morning. The gates are closed at 12:30 in the afternoon. It again lets visitors enter from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The temple premises are filled with devotees throughout the year. The place is exceptionally crowded on Amavasya and other festive days.
Travel route:
The temple can be easily reached by train through the Sealdah railway station, which is just 13km away from the Dhakshineswar temple. It links directly to Dakshineshwar Station through the Calcutta chord line.
Kolkata Metro Line 1 from Dum Dum to Dakshineswar was sanctioned for extension in 2010–11. It was extended up to Noapara in 2013. The subsequent work was held up because of the encroachments on railway land. On 22 February 2021, the government of West Bengal inaugurated the extended metro line up to Dakshineshwar Kali temple. There is a walkway for visitors to reach the temple. They can reach the premises directly that way. It has made the journey very comfortable.
You can also visit the Dhakshineswar temple through the Maa Bhabatarini Jetty services. Do not forget to pay a visit to the Belur Math created by Vivekananda, too, in memory of Ramakrishna. It is on the other side of the Ganges river.
Establishment:
The construction of Dakshineswar Kali temple began in the year 1847 and was complete in the year 1855. A sum of 9 lakh rupees was spent for making the pilgrimage.
Shree Shree Nistarini Debi Kali Temple
Shree Shree Nistarini Debi Kali temple is one of the lesser-known Kali temples of Kolkata. It has a unique history behind its foundation. A local resident named Krishna Chandra Sinha, made the temple of Goddess Kali of Shimla, keeping in mind the Bhabatarini Debi idol of Banaras.
Unfortunately, he had to pass the idol to his neighbour Ishwar Chandra Naan who then established the idol. He built a Navaratna or a Nine-shrined temple and installed the idol in the sanctum sanctorum.
It was established in the year 1865 on the day of Ratha Yatra by Ishwar Chandra Naan. Additionally, on both sides of Devi Nistarini, Shiva temples are established along with a Radha-Krishna temple. In North Kolkata, the temple is popularly known as ‘Iccha Kali Mandir’.
Location:
The 166 years old temple is located at Bethune Row, Hedua, Manicktala, Kolkata – 700006. In North Kolkata, finding this temple will not be difficult for you as it is quite a famous locality.
Travel route:
The temple is approximately 0.39km away from Girish Park. Also, it is at a 10 minutes walking distance from Girish Park metro station. Therefore, it would not take you long to reach there via Vivekananda Road or Bethune Row.
Timing–
The temple’s gates open at 7 o’clock in the morning and remain open till 10 o’clock at night. But the puja timing is 08:00 am – 10:00 am. In the evening visitors are allowed from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Here ends the list of the most popular Kolkata Kali temples. I hope you liked them and will want to visit them sometime.
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