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Kalighat Kali Temple

Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the most revered and ancient Hindu temples in Kolkata, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, making it a major pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the world. The temple is believed to have been built on the spot where the right toe of Goddess Sati fell during Lord Shiva's Tandava dance. The present temple structure was built in 1809 by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family. The temple's atmosphere is charged with a powerful spiritual energy, and the sight of devotees offering their prayers is a deeply moving experience. The inner sanctum houses a unique idol of Goddess Kali, made of touchstone, with a long protruding tongue and four hands made of gold. The temple complex includes other smaller shrines dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Shiva, and other deities. The surrounding area is a bustling hub of religious activities, with shops selling flowers, offerings, and religious items.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1-2 hours for a darshan and exploring the complex.
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    Place Type:
    Religious Site, Pilgrim Center.
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    Entry Fees:
    There is no entry fee to the temple. ...
    There is no entry fee to the temple.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The temple is closed in the afternoon for bhog (offering) and cleaning.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning to avoid the crowd or in the evening to witne...
    Regular Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The temple is closed in the afternoon for bhog (offering) and cleaning.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning to avoid the crowd or in the evening to witness the aarti.
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    Special Events:
    The temple celebrates Kali Puja and Durga Puja with great enthusiasm. During these festivals, the temple is crowded with devotees, and special rituals and aartis are performed. The annual 'Snan Yatra' (bathing ceremony) of the idol is another significant event. ...
    The temple celebrates Kali Puja and Durga Puja with great enthusiasm. During these festivals, the temple is crowded with devotees, and special rituals and aartis are performed. The annual 'Snan Yatra' (bathing ceremony) of the idol is another significant event.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Photography is generally prohibited inside the temple premises, but you can take photos of the bustling streets, the vibrant markets, and the overall atmosphere of the area from outside the temple complex. ...
    Photography is generally prohibited inside the temple premises, but you can take photos of the bustling streets, the vibrant markets, and the overall atmosphere of the area from outside the temple complex.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Get a Darshan: The primary activity is to get a 'darshan' of the Goddess. Be prepared to wait in queues, especially during festivals.

    Explore the Complex: Walk around the complex to see the other shrines, including the Shiva temples and the Radha-Krishna temple.

    Witness the Aarti: The evening 'aarti' is a beautiful and spiritual experience.

    Visit the Shops: The streets around the temple are lined with shops selling flowers, religious items, and souvenirs.

    Explore the Neighborhood: The Kalighat area is a vibrant part of Kolkata, with its own unique culture and street life. ...

Hotels

● Best Inn By BookMeriHotel


Address: Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2 km

Details: A new and well-maintained budget hotel that offers a clean and simple stay. It is a good choice for travelers who are looking for a basic, no-frills a...

● Hotel Casa Fortuna


Address: Minto Park, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.6 km

Details: A well-rated boutique hotel that offers a peaceful and clean stay. It is a great choice for travelers who want to be close to the major attractions wi...

● Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata


Address: Ballygunge, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.3 km

Details: This modern and stylish hotel offers a luxurious stay in one of Kolkata's most upscale neighborhoods. It is a popular choice for its excellent service...

● Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata


Address: Park Street, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.9 km

Details: A stylish hotel located in the heart of the city's entertainment hub. The Kenilworth provides comfortable rooms and a variety of dining options. It's ...

● Southern Plaza


Address: Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2.5 km

Details: This hotel is located in a convenient area in South Kolkata and offers a comfortable stay. It is a good option for travelers who want to be close to t...

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Restaurants

● Balwant Singh's Eating House


Address: 10/1A, Harish Mukherjee Rd, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700025

Distance: ~1.0 KM

Details: Balwant Singh's Eating House is a legendary vegetarian eatery located near the Kalighat Kali Temple. The restaurant is famous for its Doodh Cola, a un...

Food List: ...

● Fire and Ice Pizza


Address: 17/1B, Sarat Bose Rd, Near Hazra Crossing, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020

Distance: ~2.0 KM

Details: Fire and Ice Pizza is a popular pizza joint in Bhawanipur, known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant offers a variety of classic and m...

Food List: ...

● Gopala's


Address: 173, Rash Behari Ave, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

Distance: ~1.5 KM

Details: Gopala's is a renowned sweet shop and snack counter in the Kalighat area, famous for its traditional Bengali sweets and savory snacks. The most popula...

Food List: ...

● Mizuki


Address: 56, Southern Ave, Lake Market, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

Distance: ~2.5 KM

Details: Mizuki is a Japanese restaurant located in the Lake Market area, known for its authentic sushi and ramen. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining...

Food List: ...

● Oh Calcutta Bhawanipur


Address: 10/3A, Elgin Rd, Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020

Distance: ~2.0 KM

Details: Oh Calcutta is a fine-dining restaurant that has been instrumental in popularizing Bengali cuisine. It offers a sophisticated take on traditional dish...

Food List: ...

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Shakti Peeth: It is famous for being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, places of immense spiritual power associated with the legend of Goddess Sati. This makes it a primary destination for pilgrims.

    Spiritual Significance: The temple has a powe...
    Shakti Peeth: It is famous for being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, places of immense spiritual power associated with the legend of Goddess Sati. This makes it a primary destination for pilgrims.

    Spiritual Significance: The temple has a powerful spiritual aura and is a center of devotion for millions of people.

    Unique Idol: The idol of Goddess Kali is unique, made of touchstone, and is a major point of interest for devotees.
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    Architecture:
    The Kalighat Kali Temple's architecture is a traditional Bengali temple style, characterized by its unique roof and structure.

    Roof Style: The main temple is a four-sided building with a truncated dome. The sloping sides of the roof, known as 'chala', give it a di...
    The Kalighat Kali Temple's architecture is a traditional Bengali temple style, characterized by its unique roof and structure.

    Roof Style: The main temple is a four-sided building with a truncated dome. The sloping sides of the roof, known as 'chala', give it a distinctive appearance. This style is an emulation of the traditional mud and thatch-roofed huts of Bengal villages, but built with brick and mortar.

    The Sanctum: The sanctum sanctorum, known as the 'garbha griha', is where the idol of Goddess Kali is kept. The space is small and intimate, allowing devotees to get a close darshan (view) of the deity.

    The Natmondir: In front of the main shrine is the 'Natmondir' or dancing hall, a large platform from which devotees can view the deity. This is a common feature in many Bengali temples, used for performances and large gatherings.

    The Sacrificial Altars: The temple complex also has two sacrificial altars, a key part of the temple's religious practices.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), a taxi or an app-based cab will take you to Kalighat, which is about 23 km away.

    By Train: The nearest major railway stations are Howrah Junction (HWH) and Sealdah (SDAH). ...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    1.

    Rabindra Sarobar Lake: 1. 5 KM. 2.

    Victoria Memorial: 3 KM. 3. St.

    Paul's Cathedral: 3 KM. 4.

    Indian Museum: 5 KM. 5.

    National Library of India: 4 KM. 6.

    Alipore Zoological Gardens: 3 KM. 7.

    Eden Gardens: 5 KM. 8.

    Park Street: 4 KM. 9.

    Birla Planetarium: 3. 5 KM. 10.

    Fort William: 4 KM.

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: The temple and the surrounding area can be very crowded. Be cautious of pickpockets and be prepared for long queues.

    Packing: Dress modestly and respectfully. You will be required to leave your shoes and any leather items ...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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