Positioned in the busy heart of Kolkata, on the banks of the Adi Ganga canal, West Bengal, the Kalighat Kali Temple is a sacred shrine of worship dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce slayer of evil. Rebuilt in 1809 by Sabarna Roy Choudhury, this temple is famed for its Bengal at-chala style and its rank as a Shakti Peetha, where Sati’s right toe fell.
Notable Fact: The temple’s 3-foot black stone Kali idol, with three eyes and a golden tongue, marks it as a Shakti Peetha, its tantric rites and Kalighat paintings named UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018.
Overview of Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Kali Temple, in Kolkata’s Kalighat area, is one of the oldest and most important places of worship in India for Shaktism, mixing Bengali faith with old Hindu traditions. Known for its 3-foot Kali idol, the 1-acre complex holds shrines for Shiva and Radha-Krishna. Devotees offer hibiscus, vermilion, and sweets, believing Kali gives protection and freedom from rebirth. Run by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury trust since 1809, it sees thousands at festivals.
History of Kalighat Kali Temple
The temple was rebuilt in 1809 by Sabarna Roy Choudhury, a zamindar, on a site holy for ages as a Shakti Peetha, linked to Sati’s right toe, per the Devi Bhagavata Purana. It took 11 years to complete the construction. The Kalighat Kali temple in its present form is about 200 years old, although it was referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and Kavi Kankan Chandi in the 17th century. Ramprasad Sen, a 1700s poet, spread its name with Kali songs. A ghat was added in the 1800s for rituals. One of the oldest and most important places of worship in Eastern India, being one of the four Adi Shaktipeeth the temple draws hundred of thousands of devotees throughout the year, especially on occasions like Kali Puja, New Year, Poila Baisakh, Snan Yatra, Durga Puja and the numerous Amavasyas.
Architecture of Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Kali Temple, set on a 1-acre plot by the Adi Ganga, uses the Bengal at-chala style with a curved, eight-sloped roof, no spire. The main shrine, 10 meters by 10 meters, made of brick and plaster, holds a 3-foot Kali idol. Two smaller shrines, each 3 meters by 3 meters, keep a Shiva linga and Radha-Krishna idols. A ghat, 30 meters long, meets the canal. The borders below the ath-chala are intricately designed with terracotta motifs of various Hindu deities and natural elements, which is a significant element in most of the historical temples in Bengal architecture. The entry, a 4-meter-wide arch with flower marks, opens to a tiled yard, 1000 square meters, fit for thousands. The build is plain, made for worship.
Sculptures of Kalighat Kali Temple
The temple’s core is the 3-foot Kali idol, black stone, four-armed, with three eyes and a golden tongue, holding a sword and head, standing on Shiva’s chest. The Radha-Krishna idols, 2 feet tall, white stone, show Krishna with a flute. The Shiva linga, 2 feet, black stone, is bare. The main shrine’s walls have 10 carved panels, 0.8 meters by 0.4 meters, showing Kali’s battles, painted red and black. The entry arch, 4 meters wide, has lotus cuts.
Top Things to Do in Kalighat Kali Temple
Join Holy Prayers: Attend morning or evening aarti, giving hibiscus or sweets to Kali, seeking her protection, led by priests for some dakshina.
See Kalighat Art: Check stalls for Kalighat paintings, a UNESCO craft with gods and tales, costing ₹100–500.
Visit the Canal Ghat: Step to the Adi Ganga ghat for a holy dip or quiet sit, feeling the site’s calm surroundings.
Watch Tantric Rites: See tantric chants and offerings at Kali Puja, showing Bengal’s rich traditions.
Walk the Markets: Roam Kalighat’s markets for puja items, sweets, and Bengali crafts, tasting Kolkata’s streetness.
Information for Travelers
How to Reach Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata
In Kalighat, 8 km from Kolkata’s heart, the temple is reached by metro, taxi, or auto-rickshaw, set by the Adi Ganga canal.
By Air
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata, 22 km away, ties to Delhi (2 hours), Mumbai (2.5 hours), Bangalore (2.5 hours). Taxis take 45 minutes.
By Train
Sealdah Railway Station, 6 km away, joins Howrah (10 minutes), Kolkata (15 minutes). Autos or taxis take 20 minutes.
By Road
Kalighat links to Kolkata (8 km, 20 minutes), Howrah (10 km, 25 minutes), Dum Dum (12 km, 30 minutes) via NH-12. State buses cost ₹10–50; private buses run hourly. Taxis cost ₹150–400. Autos cost ₹10–30, no steps to enter.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 5:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM. Free entry while puja costs ₹50–300. No photos in the shrine. Wear clothes hiding shoulders, knees; women in sarees or suits, men in kurtas or dhotis. Stalls sell offerings nearby.
Best Time to Visit
October to March, 14–25°C, fits visits. Kali Puja (November) and Durga Puja (October) bring crowds; go at dawn. Skip April–June, 25–40°C, or rains for crowded ways.
Nearby Attractions
Alipore Jail Museum, 3 km away, old prison with history displays.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Home, 3 km, freedom fighter’s residence.
Victoria Memorial, 4 km, marble museum with British relics.
Indian Museum, 5 km, 1814 museum with old relics.
