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Kalighat Temple is a hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and is situated on the banks of the Hooghly river (Bhagirathi), Kolkata, India.
Kalighat Kali Temple is being regarded as one of the most important Shakti Peeths out of 51 peeths that are spread across India.
It has been in existence for centuries but the present form was built around 1809 A.D. In due course of time the river changed its course and the temple is now on the banks of a small canal called “Adi Ganga”.
The image of Kali in this temple is unique. Three huge eyes, a long protruding tongue made of gold and four hands, which are all made of gold too. Two of these hands holding a scimitar and a severed head of “asura” king ‘Shumbha’.
The scimitar signifies Divine Knowledge and the ‘asura’ head signifies human Ego which must be slain by Divine Knowledge in order to attain Moksha.
The other two hands are in ‘abhaya or varad mudra’ or blessings ,which means her initiated devotees (or any one worshipping her with a true heart) will be saved as she will guide them here and hereafter.
Kalighat’s earliest history can be gauged from the coins originating from Gupta period{4th to 5th AD} that were discovered here. Kalighat was earlier known as Kali-Kshetra.
Also Read: ABOUT DAKSHINESWAR KALI TEMPLE
History of Kalighat Temple
Out of the many legends associated with the Kalighat Kali Temple, the most talked about is of the Brahmin named Atma Ram, who found a human toe shaped stone structure in the Bhagirathi River.
It is believed that he was guided by a ray of light that appeared to be coming from the direction of the river.
The Brahmin prayed to the piece of stone that evening and had a dream the same night wherein he was informed about Sati’s toe that had fallen in the river and that the stone piece he found was nothing else but Sati’s right toe.
He was asked in his dreams to set up a temple and also search for a Swambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav, which he eventually did. Atma Ram later started worshipping both Swambhu Lingam and the toe shaped stone.
It is believed that the temple was initially built by Raja Mansingh I of Amber (AD 1594 – 1606) when he was sent as a Governor of Bengal by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
In 1809 this temple was modified and reconstructed by an affluent Zamidar named Santosh Roy Chaudhary of Sabarna Roy Caudhary family under the patronage of Kaliprasad Dutta.
Quick Facts
Address: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
Festivals: Navratri
Deity: Mata Kali
Entry Fee: Nil
Temple Timings : 5:00 am – 2:00 pm
5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Time Required : 1-2 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Dress Code :-
Women: the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
Men: Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth
Photography: Not Allowed
The Temple Premises comprises of the following:-
- Sosthi Tala: This is a rectangular altar about three feet high bearing a small cactus plant beneath which, on an altar, are three stones. The stones represent the Godesses Sosthi, Sitola and Mongal Chandi.
- Natmondir: This is adjacent to the main temple from where the face of the image can be seen. It was built by Zamindar Kasinath Roy in 1835.
- Jor-bangla: This is the spacious verandah of the main temple.
- Harkath Tala: This is the spot adjacent to Natmondir and is meant for animal sacrifice.
- Radha-Krishna Temple: This temple is situated at the west side of the main temple.
- Kundupukur: This is the sacred tank situated in the south-east of the temple outside the boundary walls. It is said that the right toe of Sati was discovered here.
Interesting Facts About Kalighat Temple
- Kalighat is regarded as one of the 52 Shakti Peethams of India.
- The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat.
- Kalighat was earlier known as Kali-Kshetra.
- Goddess Kali stands for enlightenment or liberation. She is considered a compassionate deity who provides moksha or liberation to her children.
How To Reach Kalighat Temple?
By Air
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport which is around 25 kilometres from the temple.
By Rail
Howrah Junction is the nearest Railway station that is connected to all major cities in India via rail network. One may either hire a cab or travel by local or mini bus to reach the temple.
By Road
Any buses that goes towards South Kolkata would take visitors through the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road, which is off the temple road.
One needs to get down at Kalighat bus station and walk down the Kali temple road towards the temple.
Where To Stay?
Travel Packages:-
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