The culture and tradition of a region can be thoroughly witnessed through its architectures and assemblies. Not being an exception, the temples of Kolkata are a proud display of Bengal’s origin and history. This post is directed towards a list of 8 temples in Kolkata that are worth visiting while on a Kolkata tour.
- Dakhineswar Temple
The most common name in the list of temples of Kolkata is Dakhineswar. The temple near the banks of River Ganga was constructed in 1855 under the supervision of Rani Rashmoni, an ardent devotee of Goddess Kali. Besides, the temple has a long history associated with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. The Goddess here is addressed as Bhavatarini. The riverfront temple has 12 sets of Shiva temples facing the main shrine of Goddess Kali. Apart from these shrines, a temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna is also located inside the premises.
Address: Dakhineswar, Kolkata 700076
Opening hours: 6 am to 12 pm, 3 pm to 8 pm
- Belur Math
Belur Math and Dakhineswar are the two tourist cum religious places lying on the opposite banks of River Ganga. Belur Math also acts as a monastery that homes the monks and disciples of the Ramakrishna cult. Belur Math was established in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. The temple architecture symbolizes a cultural fusion emphasizing the equality of religion. The main deity here is of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and his wife Mother Sarada. The organization also carries out various social outreach programs like medical services and women and child education.
Address: Belur, Howrah 711202
Opening hours: 6 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm
- Kalighat
Kalighat lists among one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is said that a long time ago, River Ganga used to flow beside Kalighat. But slowly the river changed its course and presently only a small canal remains. The deity here is quite different from those in the other Kali temples of Kolkata. The figure has a prominent expanded tongue and four hands that are made of gold. The giant three eyes of the deity also draw the attention of the commoners. There is a Shiva temple located close to the main premises of Kalighat.
Address: Kalighat, Kolkata 700026
Opening hours: 5 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm
- Firinghi Kalibari
This 500 years old Kali temple is situated on BB Ganguly Street along the lanes of North Kolkata. The temple history is associated with a European named Anthony Firingee. It is said that he took a deep interest in Hindu scriptures and studied them thoroughly. Later he became an earnest devotee of Goddess Kali.
Address: B B Ganguly Street, Kolkata 700012
Opening hours: 6 am to 11 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm
- Thanthania Kalibari
Yet another historical place in Kolkata that also bears religious importance is Thanthania Kalibari. Some say it was built in the 17 the century while some others further date it back to 18th. The Goddess is worshipped here as Sidhheswari Kali. The place receives a large number of devotees during special occasions like Diwali and Amavasya.
Address: Bidhan Sarani, College Street Market area, Kolkata700007
Opening hours: 6 am to 11 am; 4 pm to 8 pm
- Birla Mandir
Just as you cross the teeming lanes of Gariahat, this silvery temple stands on the left side of the road. The temple was patronized by the famous industrialists of the Birla family. It was inaugurated in 1996 and was constructed in resemblance to the Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar. The marble erection homes shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, Goddess Durga, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.
Address: Ballygunge, Kolkata 700019
Opening hours: 6 am to 11 am; 4 pm to 9 pm
- Chinese Kali temple
Kolkata homes a large amount of Chinese population who settled here during the 18 century and worked at the port. Gradually the Chinese natives following their culture and tradition started worshipping Goddess Kali. Among the several Chinese temples in Kolkata, the one in Tangra is an appropriate mention here. The interiors of the 60-year-old temple are decked up with Chinese flags, incense sticks and glittering designs. The Goddess is even offered noodles, rice, vegetables and choupsey as prasad.
Address: Tangra, Kolkata 700046
Opening hours: 5 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
- Parasnath Jain Temple
Dedicated to the 10th Teerthankar, Shitalanatha Parasnath Jain Temple is one of the most popular Jain temples in Kolkata. It was built by Ray Badridas Bahadur in 1867. The interior of the temple boasts of tinted glassworks and mirror works. The temple premises are also adorned with lush green garden and fountains.
Address: Jiban Krishna Ghosh Road, Kolkata 700037
Opening hours: 6 am to 11 am, 3 pm to 8 pm
Apart from these, some prominent temples include Lake Kalibari, Adya Peeth, and ISKCON Temple.
