The Kalighat Kali Temple of Kolkata, West Bengal is one of the famous Shakti Peethas. Situated on the banks of Adi Ganga, the original path of the river Hooghly. Hence the name Adi or original Ganga.

It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the various parts of Devi Sati’s body fell during the course of Lord Shiva’s Tandava dance in anger. It is said to be the place where the toes of the right foot of Devi Sati fell. According to some it is the face and according to some others it is her tongue.
While many ancient Indian scriptures mention about this temple, the present temple is about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century. The present temple is said to be constructed by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury’s family in 1809.
The image of the Devi Kali in this temple is quite unique with three huge eyes a long protruding tongue and four hands – all are made of gold. One hand is holding a scimitar, signifieing Divine Knowledge and the other hand holds the severed head of the Rakshasa Shumbha, signifieing human Ego. The other two hands of Kali are showing the abhaya and varada mudras – blessings to the devotees.
Shoshti Tala or or Monosha Tala is an altar of three feet high which has a cactus plant. Under the tree there are three stones are placed side by side representing Goddess Shashthi , Shitala and Mangala Chandi. In this place all the priests are females and there is no daily worship or offering of Bhog here.
Natmandir was built by Zamindar Kasinath Roy in 1835. It is a rectangular covered platform from where you can see the face of the Kali image.
Jor Bangla is the big verandah facing the image of Kali is known as Jor Bangla. You can see the rituals occurring inside the sanctum sanctorum from here.
Harkath Tala situated next to the Natmandir is sacrificial altar – the place for Bali or animal sacrifice.
Radha Krishna Temple also known as Shyama-raya temple is situated inside the temple to the west side of the temple.
Kundupukur is the Kalighat Temple Tank which is situated in the south-east of the temple outside the boundary walls. It is said that the ‘Sati-Anga’ or the right toe of Devi Sati was discovered in this tank. It is said that taking a dip in this tank can bless one with a child.
Timings: 5:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Other things to see: Calcutta being one of the major historic big cities has many things to see:
- Sundarbans – Admire Wildlife In Their Natural Habitat
- Victoria Memorial Palace – Marvel At The Architecture
- Dakshineswar And Kalighat Temple – Take Blessings
- Calcutta planetarium
- Howrah Bridge – Capture The Beautiful Landscape
- Nicco Park – Have Some Fun Time
- Park Street – Shop Your Heart Out
- Eden Garden – Take A Plunge Into History
- St. Paul Cathedral – Treat The History Buff In You
- State Archaeological Gallery – Gaze At The Artifacts
- Princep Ghat – Watch The Sun Go Down
- Birla Planetarium – Treat Your Adventurous Soul
- The Marble Palace – Peep Into The 19th Century
- The Indian Museum – Take A Glance At Antiques
- Mother’s Wax Museum – Meet Realistic Wax Figures
- Salt Lake – Enjoy A Boat Ride
- The Academy Of Fine Arts – Appreciate The Art
- Tram Ride – Explore The City Like Bengalis Do
- Vidyasagar Setu – Gape At The Panoramic View
- The New Town Eco Park – Relax At This Picnic Spot
- Kolkata Restaurants – Relish Bengali Dishes
- Mallick Ghat Flower Market – Flower Shopping
- Mother Teresa House – Explore The Place
- Belur Math – Calm Your Senses
- Terreti Morning Market – Gorge On Tasty Dishes
- Fort William – Spectate The Birtish Inspired Structure
- Birla Temple – Offer Homage To Lord Krishna
- Chowringhee – For All The Recreational Activities
- South Park Street Cemetery – For Haunted Escapades
- Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden – To Get Closer To Nature
- Ferry Ride – Enjoy A Night At The Waters
- Rabindra Sarobar – A Paradise For Birdwatchers
- Nightlife – Call It A Day With Some Fun
- How to reach: Well connected by Air, Train and Bus routs.
- Accommodation: Being a major city Calcutta has plenty of choices from budget to 5 star hotels.