Kalighat Kali Temple

One of the 51 Shakti Peeths, the Kalighat Kali temple is a one of the most well-known places of worship in Kolkata. The present temple dates back to the 19th century, however, it finds reference in certain bhakti literature of Bengal dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries. This is evidence enough for the antiquity of the location. Constructed under the patronage of a zamindar, the present temple was completed in 1809. The idol is unique with three huge eyes, a long protruding tongue and four hands—all made of gold. Two of these hands hold a scythe and the severed head of the demon Shumbha. The temple is built in the style of traditional Bengal school of architecture with a single large dome at the top. Different sections within the temple are earmarked for different purposes. The Natmondir and Jor Bangla provide a better view of the sanctum sanctorum and the harkath tala is the sacrificial altar. A temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna is positioned within the western part of the complex. Another temple, the Nakhuleshwar Mahadev Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) is situated just opposite the main Kalighat temple.

A popular tourist spot
Thousands of devotees flock to this holy place to offer daily prayers and seek blessings. Lying on the coast of the Adi Ganga River, the Kalighat Temple is one of the most iconic temples of the city. Pay homage, seek blessings, make offerings, or take a holy dip at the Adi Ganga—do remember to include this temple in your itinerary when you visit Kolkata. In fact, just like a lot of other tourists and pilgrims, if you are looking to stay near the Kalighat Kali temple, then bear in mind that there are quite a number of hotels near Kalighat temple in Kolkata that those travelling to the city in general also like to stay in. Taj Bengal, for instance, is one of the most iconic hotels in Kolkata and is also not too far from the Kalighat temple. The five star hotel is just over two kilometres away from the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, thus making it one of the best hotels to stay near the Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata. This just goes to show the kind of tourist attraction the city’s iconic Kalighat temple is in general. Since it is also revered as one of the holiest temples in the city, the locals also visit in huge numbers to offer their prayers in this temple.

A historical temple
As far as the Kalighat Temple timings are concerned, the temple is open to public from 5 am to 2 pm and then from 5 pm to 10:30 pm. Although the temple’s first aarti takes place early in the morning right at 4 am, it is not open to the public. Besides, the bhog or prasad timing is from 2 pm to 5 pm, but then the temple’s sanctum sanctorum is not open for prayers or public viewing at that time. There are reasons why the Kalighat temple in Kolkata is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Well, it is not just the holiness of the temple that has made it famous. The temple has been around for a long time and has years of history behind it. In fact, it can easily be called one of the heritage sites in the city. It showcases the classic form of Kolkata city in its best. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this revered temple lies next to a small canal which is originally a part of the Adi Ganga river, literally meaning the old part of the Ganga river, and it connects directly with the Hooghly river.