Most Famous Temple of Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is renowned for its sacred Kali Temples, with Kalighat and Dakshineshwar Kali Temple being two of the most famous and revered ones. Kalighat Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is an ancient temple where it is believed that the right toe of Goddess Sati fell during Lord Shiva’s Rudra Tandava.
This makes the temple a vital pilgrimage spot, attracting devotees from across the country. The second famous temple, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, is known not only in Kolkata but throughout eastern India. Established by Rani Rashmoni in 1855, this temple holds significant spiritual importance, with Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the guru of Swami Vivekananda, serving as its priest.
How to Reach
You can visit both Kalighat and Dakshineshwar temples via flight, train, or bus.
•By Flight: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, located in Dum Dum. After landing, you can take a taxi to Kalighat Temple, which is about 25 km and will take roughly an hour.
•By Train: Kolkata is well-connected by train. The nearest stations are Sealdah (9 km from Kalighat) and Howrah (12 km from Kalighat). You can easily find a taxi from both stations.
•By Bus: If you are traveling by bus, you can arrive at any bus terminal in Kolkata and then take a taxi to the temple.
Accommodation
After reaching Kolkata, there are several accommodation options near both temples. Hotels range from budget (₹500-₹600) to luxury (₹4000-₹5000). For a comfortable stay, mid-range hotels cost around ₹1500-₹1600. It’s best to find a place near the city center or close to the temples for convenience.
Kalighat Kali Temple
Upon arriving at Kalighat Kali Temple, the first step is to purchase flowers and prasad, especially the Arul flower, which is traditionally offered to Maa Kali. These items are available outside the temple, but be cautious of vendors who may try to sell additional offerings or suggest paid darshan services. These vendors have no affiliation with the temple and may overcharge. There is no official paid darshan arrangement at the temple, so avoid falling into such traps. Simply proceed to the temple directly for your darshan.
At the temple, there is typically a queue for darshan, and it may take 2-3 hours to have a proper glimpse of the goddess, especially on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and during Amavasya (new moon), when the crowds are denser. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited within the temple premises, so ensure that you do not carry any electronic devices inside.
The idol of Goddess Kali inside the temple represents her fierce form. The deity is depicted standing on the chest of Lord Shiva, with a garland of human heads around her neck, an axe in one hand, and her long tongue, covered in gold, extending from her mouth. This form of Kali is one of the most revered by devotees.
The Kalighat Temple is open from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm, allowing visitors ample time to offer prayers. In addition to the main temple, there are several other shrines on the premises, such as the Nokuleshwar Mahadev Temple, Sheetal Mata Temple, and Radha Krishna Temple.
A significant feature of the temple complex is the holy pond known as Kundapuranam, located in the southeast corner. The water of this pond is considered as sacred as the Ganges, and it is believed that bathing in it while chanting mantras can fulfill one’s wishes.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
To visit Dakshineshwar Kali Temple from Kalighat, you have two nearby metro stations: Kalighat and Jatin Das, both within a 10-minute walk from Kalighat Temple. The metro ride to Dakshineshwar Metro Station will take around 40 to 45 minutes, and from the station, the temple complex is just 1 kilometer away. You can either walk or take a rickshaw. A beautiful skywalk connects the metro station to the temple, lined with shops where you can purchase puja materials. Alternatively, taxis and cabs are available for a direct ride from Kalighat to Dakshineshwar.
When you reach Dakshineshwar, you will enter through the Lion Gate. Please note that mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises, but lockers are available for a nominal fee to store your belongings, including shoes and slippers.
Before offering prayers, you may want to take a holy dip in the Ganga River at one of the two bathing ghats near the temple. Bathing here is considered a sacred ritual, after which you can proceed to stand in the darshan line to seek blessings from Maa Kali. The temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, is one of the most famous religious sites in Eastern India.
The Dakshineshwar Temple was founded in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a devout philanthropist. It is said that she received a divine command from Goddess Kali in a dream, instructing her to build the temple. The revered spiritual leader Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the guru of Swami Vivekananda, served as the temple’s priest. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, a benevolent form of Goddess Kali. Thousands of devotees visit daily to seek her blessings.
After completing your darshan, explore the temple complex further. You will find 12 Shiva temples along the banks of the Hooghly River and a large Vishnu Temple in the northeastern section of the complex. These temples offer a serene environment for prayer and meditation.
The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is open daily from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and again from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm for darshan. Nearby, you’ll also find vibrant markets where you can shop for religious items and souvenirs.
With its deep historical significance and spiritual atmosphere, a visit to Dakshineshwar is a deeply fulfilling experience for devotees and tourists alike.
Nearby Attraction
While in Kolkata, other notable sites you can explore include:
•Howrah Bridge
•Victoria Memorial
•Belur Math
•Birla Mandir
•Indian Botanical Garden
Food Options
Though Kolkata is famous for its non-vegetarian cuisine, there are plenty of vegetarian options near both temples. Meals cost between ₹100-₹150 per person.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kolkata and its temples is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and festive celebrations like Durga Puja are in full swing. However, during Navratri, the temples can get extremely crowded, so plan accordingly if you wish to avoid large crowds.
Estimated Budget
A two-day trip to visit Kalighat and Dakshineshwar will cost around ₹2500-₹4000 per person, excluding airfare or train tickets. This budget includes accommodation, food, and travel within Kolkata using public transport like buses or the metro.
By following this guide, you will have a well-rounded and fulfilling spiritual journey to Kolkata’s famous Kali temples, leaving you with cherished memories and divine blessings.
conclusion
A visit to the Kalighat and Dakshineshwar Kali Temples is more than just a journey—it’s a deeply spiritual experience that connects you with Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and devotion to Goddess Kali. These temples, revered across India, offer a unique blend of history, mythology, and devotion, making them must-visit sites for anyone exploring the spiritual essence of the city.
From navigating the lively streets of Kalighat to the serene atmosphere along the Hooghly River at Dakshineshwar, your pilgrimage will leave you with lasting memories of reverence and devotion. As you conclude your journey, the blessings of Maa Kali and the vibrant energy of these sacred sites will stay with you, offering a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Whether you came seeking blessings, history, or simply to explore the spiritual depth of Kolkata, your visit to these iconic temples will undoubtedly enrich your soul and inspire a deeper connection to India’s divine traditions. Jai Maa Kali! Jai Bhawani!