List of famous Kali temples in and around Kolkata

Kalika is the feminine manifestation of Shakti (Power) in Hindu, whose name simultaneously implies her mastery over darkness and time. She is celebrated as the Destroyer of Evil Forces, and is the yang to Shiva’s yin as the Divine Protector. 

While Her form is recognized and revered across India, worship of Kali happens mostly in Eastern India, or the followers of the Tantric sect in the country. The temples dedicated to Kali are all considered potent portals of prayers. Here is a list of landmark temples, where the legend of Maa Kali can be best appreciated: 

1. Kalighat Kali Temple

Located in Kalighat, South Kolkata, this 200-year old temple is one of the greatest landmarks of the city. Believers from different parts of the country visit this place throughout the year. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, supposedly four toes of Sati’s right foot fell over here.

Deity Name – Kalika

Source: Wikipedia

Website- http://kalighattemple.com/

2. Dakshineshwar Kali temple

Located in Dakshineshwar, this temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1855. It gained more popularity for its association with Sree Ramkrishna who spent a considerable part of his life over here.

Deity Name – Bhabatarini

Source: Wikipedia

Website-http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org/

3. Karunamoyee Kali Temple

Located near Tollygunge, this 250-year old temple was built by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family. The temple remains comparatively crowd-free on most days and is a nice place for photo-shoots.

Deity Name – Kalika

Website – http://www.sabarnakali.org/

 4. Thanthania Kalibari

Located in Shyambazar, this 200-year old Kali temple is the most popular Kali temple in North Kolkata. It has a clay idol of Goddess Kali that is painted in red and black every year.

Deity Name – Siddheshwari

Source: Wikipedia

5. Lake Kalibari

Located near Southern Avenue, this 60-year old temple is one of the popular Kali temples of Kolkata. This temple is currently undergoing reconstruction (as of Dec 2016) and is expected to become a multi-storied colorful temple.

Deity Name – Karunamoyee

Source: http://www.pilgrimaide.com/

 6. Firingi Kalibari

Located near Bowbazar, this 500 year old temple is one of the oldest temples of Kolkata. This temple is more famous since it was built by Anthony Firingi, a Portugeese who converted to Hinduism and became a great devotee of goddess Kali. The temple became more famous after the release of the Bengali movie Jatiswar, portraying Anthony Firingi’s life.

Deity Name – popularly known as Firingi Kali

 Source: http://www.eternallycreative.com/i-heart-my-city/kolkata360/attachment/firingi-kalibari/

 7. Chinese Kali Temple

Located in Tangra area, Kolkata’s Chinese neighborhood, this 60-year old unique Kali temple serves Noodles, chopsuey, Chinese fried rice and vegetables as prasad (food for the visitors).

Deity Name – popularly known as Chinese Kali

 Source: 101India and www.scoopwhoop.com

 8. Dhaka Kalibari

Located on Prince Anwar Shah Road, this 30 year old temple gained popularity in the neighborhood in recent times.

9. Tripurasundari Temple

Located near Garia, this lesser known temple also hosts Pancha devata, the five gods of Hinduism, Rudra, Ishwar, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. The deity has four hands, three eyes and rests on a lotus that has come out from the naval of Lord Shiva.

Deity Name – Tripura Sundari

 Source: http://www.tirthatanay.com/

 10. Bipodtarini Kali Bari

Located at Rajpur, near Narendrapur, this temple is the biggest temple in that area which hosts many other Kali temples.

Deity Name – Bipodtarini

Hope you are all set for your Kali pilgrimage now. Are there any you would add to the list? Comment below or write to us at editor@blankslatechronicles.com

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About Anandita Dasgupta

Anandita is a techie, an adventurer and a closet romantic. She eats to survive and backpacks around the world for nourishment. Her practical worldview is reflected in her crisp and relatable writing style. She writes on a wide range of topics, but her core areas of interest are travel, career and culture!

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