Updated May 26, 2023
Kalighat Hindu Temple
In Kolkata, India, Kalighat Temple is a Hindu temple on the Adi Ganga of the Hooghly River (also known as the Bhagirathi), devoted to Goddess Kali. Of the 51 Shakti Peeths located throughout India, the Kalighat Temple is one of the most significant Shakti peeth. Although it has existed for hundreds of years, the current structure dates back to about 1809 Anno Domini (AD). Over time, the river’s flow shifted, and the Temple is now along the riverbanks of the “Adi Ganga” waterway.
History of Kalighat Temple
The account of the Brahmin called Atma Ram, who discovered a stone construction in the form of a humanoid toe in the Bhagirathi River, is probably the most well-known of the various traditions related to the Kalighat Kali Temple. He’s said to have been led by a glimmer of illumination that seemed to be coming from the way of the river.
That evening the Brahmin worshipped the stone, and that night he had a dream in which he discovered that Sati’s toe had slipped into the river and that the stone part he had found was nothing more than that toe. He advised him to build a temple and look for a Nakuleshwar Bhairav Swambhu Lingam in his dreams, which he ultimately did. Afterward, Atma Ram began to revere the toe-shaped stone and the Swambhu Lingam.
When the Mughal Emperor Akbar appointed King Man Singh Me of Amber in AD 1594 to 1606 as the Administrator of Bengal, he constructed the shrine. A wealthy landlord called Santosh Roy Chaudhary of the Sabarna Roy Chaudhary family repaired and rebuilt this Temple in 1809 with the support of Kaliprasad Dutta.
The Kalighat Kali Temple Shows
The shrine is well known for its distinctive Bengali design, which is exclusive to this region of the nation. This holy location is to as Monosha Thala. There is a place of worship with three stones that stand in for the Mangal Chandi, Goddesses Shashthi, and Sitala.
#1 Sasthitala
This quadrilateral Temple is approximately 36 inches high, adorned with three stones and a little cactus plant. The rocks represent the goddesses Sosthi, Mongal Chandi, and Sitola.
#2 Harkath Tala
Jhatka Bali is at this location, which is close to Natmandir.
#3 Nata Temple
The face of the figure is visible from Natmandir, which is close to the primary Temple. In 1835, village headman Kasinath Roy constructed it.
#4 Jor-Bangla
This area is the main Temple’s wide verandah.
#5 Kundupukur
The holy tank, Kundupukur, is located beyond the Temple’s perimeter walls in the southeast corner. It is that this is where Sati’s right toe is present.
#6 The Radha-Krishna Temple
This Temple is on the western flank of the primary Temple.
Festivals Related to Kalighat Temple
The Snan Yatra, during which the priests bathe the Goddess Kali while covering her eyes, makes the Kali temple recognizable. On Diwali, people perform Kali Puja with zeal and devotion. People perform pooja on the moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin. In addition, the year’s main holiday, Durga Puja, is celebrated in the Temple with much grandeur. Numerous worshippers from throughout the nation and the globe attend the Temple’s celebrations and prayer in higher proportions. The Temple’s festival season is a happy moment, and the neighborhoods are solely comfortable during these festivals.
Facts Worth Knowing About Kalighat Temple
- Kalighat is considered one of India’s 52 Shakti Peethas.
- The term Kalighat is to be the source of the period Calcutta.
- Kali-Kshetra was the previous name for Kalighat.
- Mother Kali represents emancipation or wisdom. She is a benevolent deity who grants her offspring moksha or freedom.
Five Transportation to reach Kalighat Temple
- By Air: The distance between the Temple and the Kolkata Airport is about 24 kilometers.
- By Rail: The distance between the Temple and the Kolkata Train Station is roughly 8 kilometers.
- By Road: Bus services connect Kolkata with nearby towns and cities.
- By Metro: Many of the city’s key sites connect by Kolkata’s effective metro train system.
- Local Transportation: From many parts of the capital, one can take a cab or a van to travel to the Temple.
Quick Data
- Address: Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026, Anami Sangha
- Entrance Charge: No
- Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours
- Temple Hours: From 5:00 am until 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Celebration: Navratri
- Perfect Season: October through March
- God: Mata Kali
Final Thoughts
The Kalighat Temple receives many devotees, especially on auspicious occasions like Kali Puja, Poila Boishakh, Durga Puja, and the Bengali new year’s Day.
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