Kolkata is famously known as the city of joy and the cultural capital of India. It is a metropolitan city with advanced technological innovations still it holds the grace of folklore, narratives, literary intellectuals, and mesmerizing temples. Kolakata gives many masters of different arts some of them are Satyajit Ray, the best storyteller, and Rabindranath Tagore, who gave the National anthem of India. Kolkata is a glamorous city depicted in its temples and surroundings rather than just modernization and technology.
Temples have their dignity and paintings, Idols of Gods, and many more spiritual vibes, which increase devotees’ keen interest in visiting again. It retains historical and mysterious facts about different temples that are not defined by scientists still today. If you want to experience the vibes of Durga puja then must visit Kolkata temples. If you are a Hindu devotee, then make sure to visit these temples in Kolkata, which gives you the feeling that you are at God’s home/place. Let’s share some famous temples in Kolkata where you can enjoy positive energy and feel refreshed after prayers.
Originally Kolkata word derived from the Bengali word Kalikshetra which means ground of Kali (the goddess). Many people also say that the name was derived from the word which means settlement on the bank of a canal (khal). You can feel the essence of cultural development in the name of the city, and it beautifully welcomes a diverse spectrum of spiritual beliefs and traditions. It’s a place of numerous temples, and everyone shows the spiritual and architectural heritage of the city.
Apart from the Hindu temples, there are many Jain temples and other religious entities and structures which are famous for their respective school of thought. Temples in Kolkata represent religious harmony and its co-existence with other faiths. Every temple has its architectural importance with historical beliefs, which are on deep-rooted religious traditions.
Let’s explore the 15 famous temples in Kolkata, which are widely known for their beliefs.
1) Kalighat Temple, Kolkata
Goddess Kali protects the city of Kolkata, and this is the most prominent temple of the Bengali Community, and they have a deep reverence for all the forms of Goddess Durga. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas across India, and in this temple, you can worship the Idol of Maa Durga Kali form carved out in black stone. It’s a very powerful Idol and has an assertive story behind it. It has Bengali architecture that showcases elaborate terracotta artwork and sculptures.
Story:- The belief behind this temple is that when Lord Shiva got to know that Sati (wife of Shiva) burn herself in the fire of Hawan. Shiva performs a cosmic dance by holding Sati in his arms, which can destroy the whole world. Then chakra of Lord Vishnu cut the parts of Sati and every part where it throughs become a Shakti Peeth and holy place in the Hindu religion. Must visit to see this powerful place in Kolkata.
Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal.
2) Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
Another holy temple of Maa Kali known as Dakshineswar Kali Temple lies on the banks of the Hoogly river. It’s a three-story temple built in the 19th century in the classic Bengali architectural style of Navratna. This temple is famous due to the existence of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a respected saint who performed as its priest. Devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings and glimpse the vibrant traditions and ceremonies performed here.
Story:- The belief behind this temple is that it was built on the order of the Goddess Kali. Once a devotee Rani Rashmoni had a dream in which Maa Kali said that construct the temple and cancel the upcoming trip to Varanasi.
Location: May Dibas Pally, Dakshineswar
3) Birla Mandir, Kolkata
This temple is of Lakshmi Narayan constructed by the Birla family dedicated to the symbol of love Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The temple’s architecture shows detailed marble carvings and sculptures, forming a peaceful aura for devotees and visitors. The architecture is beautifully built in a pious white color. This temple also has different shrines of different deities.
Story: It took 26 years just to complete and started for the public in 1996. It had crafted with perfection with engraving quotes from Bhagavad Gita.
Location: Ashutosh Chowdary Ave, Ballygunge
4) Belur Math, Kolkata
Belur Math temple is a spiritual and cultural center in Kolkata that serves as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and is dedicated to the Ramakrishna Paramahansa built by the Swami Vivekananda on the banks of the Hoogly river. It was built in 1938 and has four temples and the interior of the inner can increase your interest in this temple with Hindu, Muslim, and Christian motifs built inside the temple.
Story: Ramakrishna was a priest at the temple of Kali temple and this temple is visited by some of the devotees who follow the words of Ramakrishna.
Location: Belur, Howrah
5) Chinese Kali Mandir, Kolkata
This is one of the famous temples in Kolkata constructed by the Chinese and Bengalis community. It’s very unique and a symbol of unity among people. It is dedicated to the Lord Kali and Chinese priests worship the godness. Rituals of Chinese people are performed and staple Chinese takeaway is served in Prasad on Saturday.
Story: Once a Chinese boy fell sick and nothing got work on him after they worship the Idol and the cured magically then Bengali and Chinese communities came together to build the Chinese Kali temple in Tangra.
Location: Tangra, Kolkata
6) Lake Kalibari, Kolkata
Goddess Kali is worshiped in Kolkata in different forms. In this temple, another aspect is worshiped known as Karunamoyee and this temple is established in 1949 by the devotee of Kali Mr Haripada Chakraborty. Take the blessing of Shakti and the Idol of justice.
Story: The faith of devotees led to the construction of this temple by the Maa Kali devotee.
Location: Southern Avenue
7) Agni Mandir, Kolkata
In this temple, the Parsi traditions of prayers and rituals are performed. As the temple depicts the Idol power of fire, which is worshiped here, and it is one of the important elements from the Panch Bhuta, which are Prithvi (Earth), Apa (Water), Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air), Akasha (Ether or Space).
Story: This temple is built in 1912 and is equally important in the beliefs of Parsi and Hindus. It was built in stark red color and contains a holy flame that burns throughout the day and night. It was not open to the general public, and portraits of flame are shared on the first floor.
Location: Metcalfe Lane, Central Kolkata
8) Calcutta Jain Temple, Kolkata
One of the rare Jain temples is in Kolkata and some are in Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Delhi, and these are fine examples of great architecture and a location of worship for the Jain community. It is also known as the Parshwanath Jain Temple founded in 1867 by the Badridas Bahadur Mookim. The building structure has elaborate detailing, shaded glasses, and multicolored elements making it one of the most beautiful temples in the whole city. The flame is burned from the day of the inauguration.
Story: It is also a Dharamshala in Kolkata with a design of four buildings each offering a stunning understanding of the Jain community. Here the main deity worshiped by the devotee, 23rd Tirthankar Pareshnath, and four other deities are also worshiped known as the avatar of Tirthankar.
Location: Badridas Temple Street, Kolkata.
9) Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Kolkata
This temple is dedicated to Sai Baba and is visited by lots of devotees throughout the year. The design is not magnific and wealthy like most temples, this one has its air of tranquillity and peace, which attracts visitors throughout the year. It was established in 1913, and it is the only temple of Sai Baba in Kolkata.
Story: His story started as he was a born Hindu Brahman and after time he was adopted by a Sufi Fakir. Later he moved to Shirdi and spent his life to serve the devotion for his Lord and needy people. From that time many people worship him and he believes that “God is one for all”.
Location: Sodepur, Kolkata.
10) Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir, Kolkata
This is one of the famous temples in Kolkata where Lord Hanuman is worshiped, who is popularly known as Sankat Mochan. In every temple of Lord Ram, you can see the Hanuman at the feet of him as he is one of the biggest devotees of Lord Ram and help him in every situation. You can feel the power and strength of Lord Hanuman in this temple of Kolkata. This place is visited by Hindus as well as Non-Hindus.
Story: Devotees of Lord Hanuman built this temple, and you can feel the essence of his presence let me tell you that Shri Hanuman ji is one of the (Chiranjeevi) immortal persons living with us.
Location: Lake Town, Kolkata.
11) ISKCON Temple, Kolkata
ISKCON temple in Kolkata was established in 1970 and it was built in the memory of Lord Krishna. It depicts the lifelong love and respect of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and teaches the protection of dharma and life lessons. It is a beautifully inscribe of quotations from the Bhagavad Gita on the interior, and an enormous hall meant for religious actions and evening aartis renounced to Lord Krishna.
Story: It was founded by the Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna and here you can know about every part of Lord Krishna and its main focus behind it. They teach the learnings of their life and your life.
Location: Minto Park, Kolkata.
12) Bhukailash Rajbari, Kolkata
The Bhukailash Shiv Mandir Kolkata, West Bengal dedicated to Mahadev Lord Shiva, this temple is flocked by devotees and common visitors throughout the year. This has the tallest Idol of the God Shiva, and twin temples are built here, which will be supreme for the devotees.
Story: It was constructed by the Raja Joynarayan Ghosal in 1781. It become a heritage site in 2013, but nothing changed, and neglected by the government. It is one of the oldest Shiva Lingam situated in Kolkata.
Location: Bhukailash Rd, Babu Bazar, Khidirpur, Kolkata.
13) Ayyappa Temple
Swamy Ayyappa is worshiped by the devotees of Kolkata and many devotees came from South India. The temple furnishes an area for worship, spiritual shiftings, and cultural occasions related to Lord Ayyappa. People seek blessings, offer prayers, and participate in numerous practices and traditions. Devotees worship Lord Ayyappa by fasting, pilgrimage, and the annual Sabarimala expedition.
Story: Lord Ayyappa is the son of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, and he has a long tail behind it. You can worship him anywhere but his temples are mainly in the south part of India.
Location: Lake Range, Kalighat, Kolkata.
14) Nabaratna temple
This place accommodates a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, which is known as Nabaratna temple.
Temple architecture is one of the considerable intriguing elements of the architectural heritage of Bengal.
Story: Here the Goddess Bhabatarini is worshipped by the devotees with two Aatchala Shiva temples of 2/2A. It is a great heritage structure in Kolkata and is graded in the list of Heritage Buildings.
Location: Balaram Ghosh Street in North Kolkata
15) Tara Mata
It is one of the famous temples in Kolkata dedicated to Goddess Tara, located in Belgharia, and is famous for its spiritual energy and peaceful aura. Tara Rani is famously the devotee of Maa Kali.
Story: Once she was playing with her sister and unknowingly, they go against their Dharma. Bharman gives them a curse to face difficulty in their next life, and the elderly sister was Tara, who help her younger sister worship Maa Durga with his spiritual powers and now no Night worship of Durga is completed with the story of Tara mata.
Location: Belgharia, Kolkata.
Conclusion
These are famous temples in Kolkata worshiped by many devotees, and per year many people came to worship in different temples. You can also visit these architectural and peaceful temples and there is also a saying that you can pray in consideration of something and when your wish came true you have to give consideration to that temple where you wish. Must visit these temples and for more engaging blogs, do visit our official page and read out other similar blogs. Remember to share your thoughts on these places.
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