Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural experience in Kolkata? Do you want to visit one of the most revered and ancient temples in India? If yes, then you should not miss the Kalighat Kali Temple, a sacred Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Kali. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this temple, its history, legend, idol, and how to visit it. Whether you are a pilgrim, a traveler, or a curious person, you will find this guide useful and informative.
History and Legend of Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Kolkata. It is believed to have been built around 15th century, but some sources suggest that it may date back to 12th century or even earlier. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and the current structure was completed in 1809 by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family, who were the landlords of the area.
The temple is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, where the body parts of Devi Sati fell after she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire of her father Daksha. According to the legend, Lord Shiva, enraged by the death of his wife, carried her corpse and performed the Tandava, the dance of destruction. To stop him, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Sati into 51 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra, and each piece fell on a different location, creating a Shakti Peeth. The right toe of Sati fell at Kalighat, and hence the temple was established there.
The name Kalighat is derived from the Sanskrit word Kali Ghat, which means the landing place of Kali. It is said that once a devotee named Atmaram Brahmachari was sailing on the Hooghly river, and he saw a bright light emanating from the bank. He followed the light and found a stone image of Kali, which he installed in a small hut and started worshipping. Later, the temple was built around the image, and it became a popular pilgrimage site.
The Kali Idol and Its Symbolism
The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Goddess Kali, which is unlike any other depiction of Kali in India. The idol is made of black stone, and it has three huge eyes, a long protruding tongue, and four hands. In two hands, she holds a sword and a severed head, representing her power to destroy evil. In the other two hands, she holds a lotus and a rosary, representing her grace and compassion. She wears a garland of skulls, symbolizing her victory over death, and a skirt of human arms, symbolizing her protection of her devotees. She is also adorned with gold and silver ornaments, and a snake is wrapped around her neck.
The idol of Kali is unique because it shows her in a benevolent and maternal aspect, rather than a fierce and terrifying one. The tongue of Kali is not sticking out to show her bloodthirsty nature, but rather to express her embarrassment and regret for stepping on her husband Shiva, who lies under her feet. The story goes that once Kali was fighting a demon named Raktabija, who had the power to multiply from every drop of his blood. Kali was killing him, but his blood was creating more demons. To stop him, Kali drank his blood and became intoxicated. She started dancing wildly and destroying everything in her path. Shiva tried to calm her down, but she did not recognize him and stepped on him. When she realized her mistake, she stuck out her tongue in shame and stopped her rampage.
The idol of Kali is also unique because it is not made by human hands, but by divine intervention. It is said that once the original stone image of Kali was stolen by a Portuguese sailor, who wanted to sell it abroad. However, as soon as he boarded the ship, a storm broke out and the ship started sinking. The sailor threw the image into the water, hoping to save himself, but he drowned. The image floated back to the shore, where it was found by a saint named Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who was a great devotee of Kali. He took the image to the temple and asked a sculptor to carve it into a beautiful idol.
However, the sculptor could not do it, as the image was too hard and his tools broke. He gave up and left the image in the temple. The next day, Ramakrishna saw that the image had transformed into a magnificent idol of Kali, with all the features and ornaments. He realized that it was a miracle of Kali, and he started worshipping her with devotion.
How to Visit and Experience Kalighat Kali Temple
If you want to visit and experience the Kalighat Kali Temple, here are some useful information and tips for you:
The temple is open from 5 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 10:30 pm every day. The best time to visit is in the morning or evening, when the temple is less crowded and the atmosphere is more serene.
The admission fee is free, but you may have to pay a nominal amount for shoe storage, photography, and special darshan (viewing of the idol). You can also buy flowers, sweets, and other offerings for the deity from the shops outside the temple.
The dress code is modest and respectful. You should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or any revealing clothes. You should also cover your head with a scarf or a cap, and remove your shoes before entering the temple.
The photography rules are strict and variable. You may not be allowed to take photos inside the temple, especially near the idol. You may also have to pay a fee for using a camera or a phone. You should ask the temple authorities before taking any photos, and respect their decision.
The temple is located in Kalighat, a busy and crowded area of Kolkata. You can reach the temple by various modes of transport, such as metro, bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw. The nearest metro station is Kalighat, which is about 10 minutes walk from the temple. The nearest bus stop is Kalighat Tram Depot, which is about 5 minutes walk from the temple. You can also hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw from any part of the city, but be prepared to bargain and deal with traffic jams.
The temple is surrounded by many other attractions and activities, such as the Kalighat market, where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food. You can also visit the Kalighat paintings, which are a traditional art form depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and folklore. You can also visit the Kalighat Home of the Pure Heart, which is a hospice founded by Mother Teresa, where you can volunteer and serve the poor and the dying.
Kalighat Kali Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Kolkata. It is a place where you can witness the devotion and faith of the people, the beauty and power of the goddess, and the history and legend of the temple. It is a place where you can feel the divine presence and grace of Kali, and seek her blessings and protection. It is a place where you can discover and explore the fascinating aspects of Kolkata, and create unforgettable memories.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. If you have visited the Kalighat Kali Temple, please share your experience and tips with us. And if you are planning to visit the temple, we wish you a happy and safe journey. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more articles on Tripoto.
