Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata India

Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali who is one of the main deities worshipped in West Bengal, India. Kalighat Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Shakthi. Kalighat represents the spot where the right toe of the Goddess fell. Kali is considered as the destroyer or rescuer and is portrayed in a fearful form. One of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of India, the Kalighat Kali Temple draws numerous devotees throughout the year.

Temple and the Deity

The Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is about 200 years old, situated on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects to the Hoogly. The original temple was a small hut and during the early Sixteenth century, a small temple was built by King Manasingha. The present structure was constructed by Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Banisha in 1809. The Goddess is worshipped here as Kalika and the Lord as Nakuleshwar Bhairav. The idol of Kali is a touchstone which was created by two saints - Brahmananda Giri and Atmaram Giri. Her image is unique, featuring three huge eyes, long protruding tongue made of gold, and four hands. Two of these hands hold a sword and a detached head. The Sword implies Divine Knowledge and the Human Head implies human Ego which must be killed by Divine Knowledge to attain Moksha. The other two hands are in the abhaya and varada mudras or blessings which mean her devotees will be saved by her.

History of Kalighat Temple

Legend has it that a devotee found a luminant ray of light coming from the Bhagirathi River. He observed that the source came from a piece of stone carved in the form of a human toe. A Syayambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav was also found nearby and the devotee started worshipping Kali in the deep forest.

Inside the Kalighat Temple

There is a large rectangular covered platform called Natmondir, adjacent to the main temple, from where the face of the image can be seen. Jor-bangla is a spacious varandah of the main temple, facing the image. One can see the rituals inside the sanctum sanctorum from the Natmondir through the Jor-bangla. There is a rectangular altar called Sosthi Tala which is about three feet high, with a small cactus plant. Below the tree, there are three stones placed on an altar, representing the Goddesses Sosthi, Sitola and Mongol Chandi. This holy spot is known as Sosthi Tala or Monosha Tala. These Goddesses are considered as part of Maa Kali. To the south of Natmondir is the Harkath Tala which is used for Bhali (sacrifice). Located on the west side of the main temple is the Radha-Krishna Temple. It is known as Shamo-ray temple. Kundupukur is the sacred tank situated in the south-east of the temple. It is said that that during the sixteenth century, ‘Sati-Ango' (the right toe of Sati) was discovered from this tank.

Important Festivals

Ceremonial bath is given to mother on snanyatra day. During the time, priests tie their eyes with cloth. The temple is crowded during Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year day and Sankranti.

How to reach Kalighat Kali Temple

The nearest Metro station is the Kalighat Metro Station. Buses, rickshaws and taxis are available from Kolkata to Kalighat temple.