Introduction of Kalighat Temple
At a distance of 13 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kalighat area of Kolkata, West Bengal. Lying on the old course of River Hooghly, it is consider as one of the popular Kali temples in India and among the popular places to visit as part of Kolkata Tour. Dedica to Goddess Kali, Kalighat Kali Temple is regarde as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of the country.According to mythology, this is the place where toe from the right foot of Goddess has fallen when Lord Shiva did Rudra Tandava with Goddess body in his hands after her immolation at the holy pyre of yagna by King Daksha. Kalighat Kali temple is one of the most famous landmarks of eastern India.
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Information of Kalighat Temple
Kalighat Temple is to have existed from the time of Chandragupta II. The original temple a small structure constructed King Manasingha in the early 16th century. The present structure in 1809 under the patronage of Sabarna Roy Chowdhry family of Banisha.There is a dispute about the ownership of the temple between Chowdhrys of Banisha and Haldar Family, who claims to be the original owners of the temple property. Some sources claim that the name ‘Kolkata’ has plucked from the word ‘Kalikata’ Devi of Kalighat Temple
Situated on the banks of Adi Ganga, the temple has a sanctum sanctorum along with a huge hall called Nat Mandir. In the north-east of this sanctum, there is a Shiva Temple and a small shrine dedicated to Radha Krishna.The main attraction of this temple lies in the image of Goddess Kali that bears three huge eyes, a long tongue and four hands which all are made of gold. Two of these hands holding a scimitar and a severed head of the asura king ‘Shumbha’ while the other two hands are in the Abhaya and Varada mudras.
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Details of Kalighat Temple
The Kalighat Kali Temple is regard as one of the most important Shakti Peeths which are across the Indian subcontinent.Mythological stories that revolve around the temple’s establishment relates to Rudra Tandav of Lord Shiva, which he started after he enrag the self-immolation of his consort, Goddess Sati.Lord Shiva carried Sati’s burnt body while performing Tandav throughout universe which made the gods afraid. It was when Lord Vishnu cut her body through his sudarshan chakra, various parts of the Goddess’s body fell on earth, which were ultimately worshipp as temple of Adi Shakti. However, some Puranas also mention that the ‘Mukha Khanda'(face) of Sati fell here, got fossilis, and stored and worshipp here.
At this particular temple, the right toe of Sati is to and the presiding here is Kalika, after whom the city also its name, Kolkata.The most about legends that circulate among the locals is of the Brahmin Atma Ram, who found a structure in the Bhagirathi River shap as a human toe.He was then a ray of light that a t coming from the direction of the river flow.Some sources claim that the name ‘Kolkata’ has plucked from the word ‘Kalikata’ Devi of Kalighat Temple.
The Brahmin prayed to the piece of stone the very evening and had a dream wherein he about Goddess Sati’s toe that had fallen in the river and was in his dreams to set up a temple and along with searching for a Swambhu Lingam of Lord Shiva. He was successful in finding the Lingam and later started worshipping both Swambhu Lingam and the toe shaped stone here.
Location of live darshan kalighat Temple
How to Reach Kalighat Temple in Kolkata
By Air:
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport. One can hire a taxi from top car rental companies in Kolkata to reach the temple. The temple is located at around 25 kilometres from the airport and takes 50 mins to an hour to reach.
By Train:
Howrah Junction is the nearest Railway Station connected to all major cities in India via rail network.
By Metro Railway:
Kalighat Kali Temple is well connect with the metro railway(Underground/Subway) to each corner of the city. Pilgrims or devotees can avail themselves of the Kalighat metro station(south exit) or Jatin Das Park metro station(north exit) to reach this Temple.
By Bus:
Any buses that goes towards South Kolkata would take visitors through the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road, which is off the temple road. One needs to get down at Kalighat bus station and walk down the Kali temple road towards the temple.
FAQS of Kalighat temple
1)How much time it takes for darshan at Kalighat Temple?
It opens up at 5 am for Aarti. Rush days are Tuesdays, Fridays Saturdays and Bengali festivals. But early morning visit is the best. Approx 30 mins if early morning otherwise it is 1 hour.
2)Is mobile allow in Kalighat Temple?
so before you go to temple dont take any mobile and money just go to darshan of maa . Kalighat temple is the famous temple of kolkata.
3)Is camera allow in Kalighat temple?
over a year ago. 3 months ago. Clock rooms are available but no permission for camera inside the main temple. over a year ago.
4)Can we go to temple with socks?
Removing one’s shoes before entering someone’s house, or a temple, mosque or gurdwara (Sikh temple) is essential. Wearing socks or stockings in these places is usually permissible.
5)Why mobile are not allow in temple?
The decision to ban mobile usage in temples is intended to preserve the purity and sanctity of the sites of worship.
Conclusion
Kalighat Mandir is one of the most sacred sites and a top tourist destination in Kolkata.The Kalighat Kali Temple bears its history with the worship event offered to its presiding deity, ‘Kali’ by a Dasamani Monk, namely ‘Chowranga Giri’. The ‘Snan Yatra'(Bathing Ceremony) is a unique scriptural ritual of the ‘Kalighat Kali Temple’ reaching its utmost reverence. This ceremony attracts its entire focus when the priests bathe the goddess and tie their eyes with cloth strips, reasoning that the children should not observe the mother’s bathing. ‘Kali Puja’ is perform here on the moon day of the Bengali month, Ashwin, with enthusiasm and grandeur.This temple has a special place in the hearts of Hindu devotees,who flock to the temple in numbers to seek the blessings of the Goddess Kali.Kolkata is a city of festivals, and more devotees visit the temple during festivals.
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