Kalighat Temple Kolkata

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Kalighat Temple is a famous Hindu Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal. People from all over the country visit the temple to seek the blessings of Maa Kali. Kalighat Temple is believed to have existed from the time of Chandragupta II. The original temple was a small hut-shaped structure built by Raja Mansingh in the 16th century. The structure was completed in 1809 under the guidance of Sabarna Roy Chowdhry.

The main shrine of the temple has a unique image of Goddess Kali. Two saints made the present idol of Maa Kali – Brahmananda Giri and Atmaram Giri. The idol has three huge eyes, a long tongue, and four hands, which are made of gold. The temple features floral and peacock motif tiles, which give it a Victorian look.

There is a sacred tank called Kundupukar, which lies in the southeast corner of the temple complex. The water of this tank is considered as holy as the Ganga. It is believed that water has the power to bestow the boon of a child.

Legend of Kalighat Kali Temple

The Kolkata Kalighat mandir or temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. According to the legend, the temple stands where one of the parts of Sati’s body had fallen during Shiva’s Rudra Tandava. Kolkata Kalighat is the site where the toe of Sati fell. It is believed that, long back, a devotee discovered a ray of light from the Bhagirathi river bed. Later, the source was found to be a piece of stone carved as a human toe. After finding that, the devotee started worshipping Maa Kali in a jungle. The temple is also associated with Chowringi Nath, a Dasanami monk who prayed to Goddess Kali.

Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 

Timings of Kalighat Temple Kolkata

• 05:00 am- 02:00 pm and 05:00 pm to 10:30 pm
• 02:00 pm – 05:00 pm (closed for Bhog)

Kali Temple Pooja Timings

• Mongal Aarti- 04:00 am
• Nitya Pooja- 05.30 am – 07.00 am
• Bhog Rag: 02.30 pm – 03.30 pm
• Sandhya Aarti: 06.30 pm – 07.00 pm

Major Attractions of Kalighat Temple 

Natmandir

Natmandir is a vast rectangular platform or area that was built adjacent to the central building of Kalighat Mandir. It was commissioned by Kashinath Roy in 1835. You can climb on this platform and clearly spot the face of Goddess’s image. Natmandir goes through renovation from time to time to maintain this Temple’s beauty.

Jor Bangla

Jor Bangla is one of the major elements in Kalighat Temple that is settled outside the sanctum sanctorum. This verandah is a platform for performing Garbha Griha that is truly a visual feast for your eyes. 

Sosthi Tala

Sosthi Tala is a rectangular platform that forms three stone structures. These structures are represented and worshiped as three Goddesses: Sosti, Shitala, and Mangal Chandi. They all are considered a part of Goddess Kali. It is said that this place is a samadhi place of Brahmananda Giri. Now, this Sosti Tala is referred to as Monosha Tala.

Radha-Krishna Temple

Radha Krishna Temple is a quaint temple located inside Kalighat Mandir’s premises. It was built by a settlement office of Murshidabad in 1723. After numerous years, it was built in the same spot by Uday Narayan Mondal. Pure vegetarian kitchen that is used for preparing the bhog for Radha Krishna.

Kundupukar

This is a sacred tank that is located outside the boundary wall of the main temple. It is spread across an area of around 7,200 square feet. Kundupukar was also called Kaku-Kund in the past, and it is also believed to be as sacred as the water of the Ganges.

Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple 

This temple of Kalighat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located opposite the lane of Goddess Kali. The lane on which Nakuleshwar Mahadev temple is situated is well known as Haldar Para Lane.

Best Time to Visit Kalighat Temple

The Navratri Period is considered the ideal time to visit Kalighat Temple.During this period, you will witness the grand celebration and local people doing traditional worship of Maa Kali here. Hence, you can visit this temple between October and March. 

How to reach Kalighat Temple 

Kalighat Temple is situated 12 km away from Kolkata Junction. You can hire a taxi, cab, or any other public vehicle. You will have to move toward Kali Mandir Marg, also connected to the metro railway. The nearest metro station to this temple is Jatin Das Park and Kalighat. After reaching there, you will take a rickshaw to reach Kalighat Temple.  

Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is one of the best-sacred destinations that you should visit while enjoying your holiday here. Apart from that, you can cover several tourist attractions in this town by planning your holiday here. We offer customizable Kolkata tour packages that let you get the best of this capital city of West Bengal.