Kalighat Temple
Kalighat temple is one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in West Bengal. It is situated on the banks of the holy River Hooghly in Kolkata and is an important Shakti Peetha in Hinduism. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil. Every day, hundreds of devotees come here to seek her blessings.
The temple was built in 1809 and has a unique architectural style. It consists of two main parts - the main temple and the smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was believed to be built in honour of the Goddess after a part of her body fell here.
A large courtyard surrounds the main temple, consisting of an inner sanctum, a mandapa, and a spacious veranda. The inner sanctum is the holiest part of the temple and houses the idols of Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. The main festival celebrated in the temple is the Kali Puja. During this festival, devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the Goddess.
The temple complex also has a large market where devotees can buy puja items and souvenirs. There are also a few eateries where visitors can have a quick bite.The temple is located in the heart of Kolkata and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Sealdah Railway Station, about 1.5 km away.
Places To Visit Near Kalighat Temple:
Belur Math:
Ramakrishna Mission's international headquarters is in Belur Math. It is a famous pilgrimage site and has a serene atmosphere.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple:
Located on the banks of the River Hooghly, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This is believed to be the site where the famous mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa attained enlightenment.
Marble Palace:
This is an exquisite 19th-century palace built by a wealthy Bengali merchant. It houses some of the most valuable artworks, sculptures, and paintings.
Nakhoda Masjid:
This is one of India's largest mosques and was built by a Gujarati merchant in 1926. The mosque is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Victoria Memorial:
This huge memorial was built in honour of Queen Victoria. It houses several galleries and exhibits related to the British Raj in India.
Birla Planetarium:
This is a huge planetarium located in Kolkata. It is a great place to learn about astronomy and space science.
Science City:
This interactive science centre has several educational exhibits and activities related to science and technology.
Indian Museum:
This is one of India's oldest and largest museums, and it houses a huge collection of artefacts from different parts of the world.
Botanical Garden:
This sprawling garden has a large variety of plants and flowers. It is a great place to relax and admire nature.
Eco Park:
This large park is near the Kolkata airport. It has a wide range of flora and fauna and is a great place to spend time outdoors.
Nearby Places
