Kalighat Temple

The holy temple on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga is visited by devotees throughout the year. It counts amongst Kolkata's holiest spot . There is a general believe that the name of the city derived its name from Kalighat.

Kalighat Kali Temple is dedicated Hindu temple to goddess Maa Kali, and commands great respect in the heart of Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims flock daily to the temple to seek the blessings of Divine Mother.

Revered as 51 Shakti Peethas of India, Kalighat represents the site where the toes of the right foot of Dakshayani or Sati fell. 

The famous temple that represent ancient old Indian culture and belief in its present form was constructed by King Manasingha in 1809. Haldar family claims to be the original official owner of the temple property. 

In 1960 a committee was formed for the administrative management of the temple with representation from the Government and the Haldar family. The responsibility to conduct the worship in the temple is of the Haldars and their heirs, normally known as Shebaits.

Kalighat Kali Temple is visited by pilgrims from all over India and the world. The image of divine goddess Kali is unique and one of its kind. The present idol with its three huge eyes, long protruding tongue and four hands was created by two saints - Brahmananda Giri and Atmaram Giri. 

It is rectangular altar with three feet high bearing a small cactus plant, and altar three stones are placed side by side (Representing the Goddesses Sosthi, Mongol Chandi and Sitola). The altar dates back to early 19th century and was constructed by Gobinda Das Mondal in 1880.

Constructed by a Zamindar named Kasinath Roy in 1835, Natmondir is a large rectangular covered platform situated adjacent to the main temple.

It is the bathing ghat or place of temple and built in 1947. Jor-bangla consists of much spacious large verandah.

This can be spoted next to Natmondir, and is used for Bali (Sacrifice) of animals and so known as Hari- Kath. The bigger one inside the complex is meant for bigger and heavier animals like for buffalo sacrifices while the smaller part is reserved for smaller for goats and sheep.With sufficient space it is easy to sacrifice of buffalo, goats and sheeps.

In the west side of Kalighat Kali Temple, Shamo-ray temple (Radha-Krishna Temple) is situated. For this temple there is separate kitchen for preparation of vegetarian Bhog (food offering) for Radha-Krishna.

It is situated on the south-east of the temple outside the boundary walls, the water from this tank is regarded as sacred similar to those of Ganges.

Dedicated to the consort of Maa Kali, Lord Shiva, Nakhuleshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in Haldar Para lane on the opposite side of the temple.Shebait families retains control over the management of four Shiva temples inside the temple.