Kalighat Kali Temple: Bridging Mythology with Contemporary Pilgrimage

Kalighat Kali Temple: Bridging Mythology with Contemporary Pilgrimage

Kalighat Kali Temple In Kolkata is believed to be the holiest Shaktipeeth, also known as the pith among 52 Shakti Peethams in India, and is where the different portions of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen during The course of Shiva’s Rudra Tandava. Kalighat is believed to be where Shakti or Sati’s toes on one’s right foot fell.

A different legend states that a devotee once noticed a bright ray of light from the Bhagirathi River. The light was visible, and he found a stone shaped like a human foot. A ‘Svayambhu lingam’ was also found nearby in Nakuleshwar Bhairav. The images were placed inside a small shrine and began to offer them a rite of worship inside the woods. Kalighat Kali Temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali.

The story of Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata

It is believed that the Kalighat Kali temple, in its present configuration, is approximately 200 years old. However, it has been described as Mansar Bhasan, composed around 15 centuries ago, in addition to Kavi Kankan Chandi during the late 17th century. The current construction of the temple was constructed under the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family’s stewardship in 1809. Santosh Roy Chowdhury, a Kali devotee, initiated his construction work for the current temple in 1798. The construction took eleven years to finish. The truthfulness of Roy Chowdhury’s status as the patron saint of the god is in dispute. Visitors to the temple participate in a holy dipping event called Snan Yatra in the temple’s Kundupukur tank.

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Kalighat kali maa

The main shrine contains the goddess Kali. The deity’s image appears unfinished. The goddess’s face was created initially, and then hands and tongues made of silver and gold were added to the design. On the day that marks the ‘Snan Yatra’ (Bathing Ceremony), the priests are covered with cloth strips and give the ritual bath to the goddess. Festivals such as Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year Day, and Sankranti are awash with devotees in the temple.

Kalighat Kali Mandir Location

Kalighat Mandir is located (map) in the river Adi Ganga; the temple is home to a sanctum sanctorum and a large hall dubbed Nat Mandir. In the northeast corner of this area, there is a Shiva Temple and a tiny shrine to Radha Krishna. The most notable feature of the temple is the goddess image of Kali, who has three massive eyes, a protruding tongue, and four hands, all of which are made of gold. Two hands are holding the scimitar, and there is an amputation of Shumbha’s head’ Shumbha, the asura king. The remaining two hands are located in the Abhaya and the Varada mudras.

Kalighat Kali mandir timing

Kalighat Kali Temple timings is from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

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The best time to visit Kalighat temple

The best time to go is between October and March. During this period, Navratri is celebrated with grand pomp and spectacle, and an influx of devotees come to the temple and place their heads before the temple gods. Furthermore, October through March are ideal for travel to Kolkata.

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How do I Reach Kalighat Kali Mandir Kolkata?

By air: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Map) is the closest airport. Taxis can be hired from Kolkata’s leading car rental firms to take you to the temple, about 25 kilometres from the airport. It takes between 50 and an hour to get there.

By Bus: Any bus travelling toward South Kolkata would take visitors through the Shyama Prasad Road, which is located off the road for temples. They must arrive at the Kalighat bus station and then stroll down the Kali temple road until they reach the temple.

By train: Howrah railway station is the closest railway station to major states and cities in the country, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Chennai. Taxis and buses are easily available from the train station.

Closest metro stations: The closest metro stations for Kalighat Kali Temple are Kalighat station, located at the south exit, and Jatin Das Park Metro from the northern exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story behind Kalighat Kali Temple?

The Kalighat Kali Temple, dating back more than 200 years, is believed to be steeped in mythology and culture. It is believed to be where Goddess Sati was sunk in Shiva’s Tandava. The present structure was constructed in 1809 under the aegis of family members of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury clan.

What are the major points of interest in Kalighat Kali Temple?

The principal shrine of the temple is home to the image of the goddess Kali, which is decorated with silver and gold. Large crowds of worshippers characterize celebrations such as Kali Puja and Durga Puja. The temple’s architectural style and tranquil surroundings make it an essential location in Kolkata.

What’s the significance of the picture of Goddess Kali in the Kalighat Temple?

The Goddess image of Kali in the Kalighat Temple is revered for its spiritual power and distinctive characteristics, such as three massive eyes, a protruding tongue, and four gold-plated hands. Devotees believe that worshiping the goddess brings blessings and protects against evil forces.

What are the kalighat kali temple timings?

Kalighat kali temple timings are open from 5:00 AM until 2:00 PM and between 5:00 PM and 10:30 PM, so people can pay reverence at any time.

What is the ideal season to go to Kalighat Kali Temple?

The ideal season is between October and March, which coincides with Navratri celebrations and a pleasant climate. At this time, devotees throng the temple to perform rituals and seek blessings.

Are there any rituals or celebrations being held at the Kalighat Kali Temple?

Many ceremonies and rituals occur at the Kalighat Kali Temple, including the Snan Yatra or Bathing Ceremony, which involves devotees participating in a holy dip within the temple’s Kundupukur tank. Festivals such as Kali Puja, Durga Puja, and Poila Boishakh are held with great fervor and attract people worldwide.

How can I reach Kalighat Kali Temple?

Kalighat temple visitors can reach the temple by plane, via the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, or by train, with Howrah railway station being the closest station. Taxis and buses are readily available, allowing easy access to this holy place.

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