Famous Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata of West Bengal

Read this article to know about the famous Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata. This article is written on history of the temple, holy spots surrounding the temple and location of the temple.

Few words about the Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata

One of the 51Shakti Peethas of India, Kalighat Kali Temple is associated with the worship of Goddess Kali, its presiding deity. The temple stands on the Ghat of a small canal named Adi Ganga connecting to the River Hooghly. It is said that it is the place where the body parts of Sati had fallen due to Lord Shiva’s Rudra Tandava. Kalighatis the place where Sati’s toes of the right foot have been found. The pilgrims from various parts of the world come to visit the Kalighat Kali temple with their prayers addressing to Goddess Kali, whom they treat as human mother. Their prayers to the Goddess kali are sent through the guidance of temple priests and the devotees’ heartfelt gratitude. It is said that a devotee found a piece of stone in the form of human toe on the river bed of Bhagirathi and also started worshipping the Svayambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav as Kali which he found there. It is heard that the name of Calcutta is derived from the word Kalighat.

History of the Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata

Kalighat Kali temple was established in 1887. We can find the reference of the temple in Mansar Bhasan and in Kavi Kankan Chandi. The popular Archer type coins established by Chandragupta 2^nd were found in Kalighat. It contributes to the historical significance of the place. At first the Kalighat Kali temple was built by King Mansingha. The current building has been erected by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Barisha. The Haldars once claimed that the land on which the Kalighat Kali temple stands was their property, now the responsibility of conducting pujas of the deity lies with them. The image of Kali is different from that of other temples and is crested by the two saints – Brahamananda Giri and Atmaram Giri. The idol shows off three big eyes, long tongue made of gold and four hands, two of which holds sword and severed head and other two hands give blessings and abhaya. 

Holy spots surrounding Kalighat Kali temple

There are many temples surrounding the Kalighat Kali temple. Zamindar Kahinath Roy erected a platform in rectangular shape, Natmondir in 1835. Jor bangle is the large veranda located inside the main temple. Soshtitala is a place which consist a small cactus plant under which Goddess Soshti, Sitala and Mongal Chandi are worshipped. Harkath tala is the place where animals are sacrificed to please the Goddess for accepting the prayers of the devotees. Radha Krishna Temple is inside the temple in the western side. Kundupukur is the sacred tank known for the power it offers to have child birth. Nakuleshwar Mahadev temple is the Shiva temple located in Haldar Para lane erected by the Shebait families.

Location and how to reach the Kalighat Kali temple

Kalighat Kali temple is located on the bank of Adi Ganga River in South Kolkata. Buses and trams can be hired to reach the place. One can get down at the Kalighat bus stoppage and can walk to the temple. Metro railway is also available to reach there. Metro stations near to the temple are Jatin Das Par and Kalighat. Kalighat Kali temple opens at 5.00 am and closes at 10.30 pm.