West Bengal, a sacred land in eastern India, is renowned for its ancient Hindu temples, shaped by Bengali traditions and deep devotion. These shrines, with their intricate terracotta, marble, and stonework, reflect West Bengal’s rich faith and cultural heritage. Below are twenty-one key temples in West Bengal, each with its unique origin and divine significance, welcoming devotees and visitors from India and beyond.
Notable Fact: West Bengal’s temples, from the ancient Shakti Peethas like Kalighat to modern marvels like Belur Math, blend Vedic roots with Bengali artistry, creating a spiritual art revered across centuries.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, venerates Goddess Bhavatarini, a Kali form, with a 4-foot black stone idol. Its nine-spired Navaratna structure shelters twelve Shiva shrines and a Radha-Krishna temple. Linked to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Kali Puja draws devotees offering flowers and lamps, with aartis at dawn and dusk.
Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata
In Kalighat, a 200-year-old Shakti Peetha where Sati’s right toe fell, this temple worships Kali with a three-eyed, gold-tongued idol. Known for Kalighat folk paintings, it is a key site for Durga Puja, with offerings of rice and flowers.
Belur Math, Howrah
Founded in 1938 by Swami Vivekananda, Belur Math honors Sri Ramakrishna with a marble statue. Its unique design blends Hindu, Christian, and Islamic motifs, with Sarada Devi shrines. Evening aartis and meditation draw devotees to its serene Hooghly bank.
Tarapith Temple, Birbhum
In Rampurhat, a Shakti Peetha where Sati’s eyeball fell, Tarapith venerates Goddess Tara with a 3-foot black stone idol. Linked to Sadhak Bamakhepa, Navratri brings vermilion and rice offerings, with aartis at dawn and dusk. Its cremation ground adds tantric mystery. Set in rural Birbhum, it is a significant spiritual site.
Hangseshwari Temple, Hooghly
In Bansberia, built in 1814 by Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy, this temple worships Hangseswari, a Kali form. The temple is distinguished by its 13 lotus-bud towers, designed in a tantric architectural style, and spans a modest complex.
Kiriteswari Temple, Murshidabad
A 1000-year-old Shakti Peetha in Kiritkona, where Sati’s crown fell, honors Mahamaya with a 2-foot idol in a simple brick shrine. Durga Puja brings rice and lamps, with dawn aartis, radiating ancient sacredness. Set in rural Murshidabad, its ancient origins make it a revered spiritual landmark.
Kripamayee Kali Temple, Kolkata
In Baranagar, built in 1848 by zamindar Jayaram, this Navaratna temple venerates Kripamayee Kali with a 3-foot idol. Kali Puja offers flowers and sweets, with aartis at dawn and dusk, set by the Hooghly’s calm.
ISKCON Temple, Mayapur
In Nadia’s Mayapur, founded in 1970, this ISKCON hub honors Krishna and Radha with 3-foot marble idols. Gaura Purnima brings tulsi and mishri offerings, with aartis at dawn and evening, a global spiritual beacon.
Baba Taraknath Temple, Hooghly
Located in Tarkeshwar, Hooghly, this temple was built in 1729 by Raja Bharatchandra. It houses a 2-foot Shiva linga and is a focal point during Shivratri, with devotees offering milk and bilva leaves. Set in the Hooghly district, it is a key site for Shiva worship.
Thanthania Kalibari, Kolkata
Founded in 1803 by Shankar Ghosh, this Kolkata temple worships Siddheshwari Kali with a clay Durga idol renewed yearly. Kali Puja brings flowers and lamps, with aartis at dawn and dusk.
Birla Mandir, Kolkata
In Ballygunge, built in 1996 by the Birla family, this temple honors Vishnu and Lakshmi with 4-foot marble idols. Its white marble structure glows, with flower offerings and aartis at morning and evening.
Shyam Ray Temple, Bankura
In Bishnupur, built in 1643 by Malla King Raghunath Singha, this terracotta temple venerates Krishna with Ramayana carvings. Janmashtami offers tulsi and sweets, with dawn and dusk aartis.
Madan Mohan Temple, Cooch Behar
Built in 1889 by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, this Ek-ratna temple honors Krishna with a 3-foot idol. Janmashtami brings flower offerings, with aartis at morning and evening, a royal gem.
Jalpesh Temple, Jalpaiguri
In Maynaguri, a 16th-century Shiva temple, rebuilt in 1660 by Pran Narayan, houses a 2-foot linga. Shivratri offers milk and bilva leaves, with aartis at dawn and dusk, set in lush forests.
108 Shiv Mandir, Bardhaman
Built in 1788 by Maharani Bishnu Kumari, this Bardhaman complex features 108 Shiva shrines in a circular pattern. Shivratri brings milk offerings, with morning and evening aartis, a spiritual marvel.
Antpur Temple, Hooghly
In Antpur, built in 1786 by Krishna Ram Mitra, this Radha-Krishna temple boasts terracotta carvings of 18 Puranas. Janmashtami offers tulsi and lamps, with dawn and dusk aartis.
Kanakdurga Temple, Jhargram
In Chilkigarh, an 18th-century Durga temple with a 3-foot idol, set by a medicinal forest. Durga Puja brings rice and flowers, with aartis at morning and evening, near the Kangsabati River.
Kapil Muni Temple, Sagar Island
This temple honors Sage Kapil with a stone block idol, famed for the Gangasagar Mela. Offerings of rice and lamps mark the fair, with dawn and dusk aartis by the Bay of Bengal.
Rampara Kalibari, Hooghly
Built in the 19th century by the Nandy family, this Hooghly temple worships Siddheshwari Kali. Kali Puja offers flowers and sweets, with aartis at morning and evening, in a rural setting.
Calcutta Jain Temple, Kolkata
Built in 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadur Mookim, this Parshwanath Jain temple features an eternal flame and marble interiors. Jain festivals bring lamps, with aartis at dawn and dusk.
Chinese Kali Temple, Kolkata
In Tangra, an 80-year-old temple worships Kali with Chinese rituals, offering noodles and candles. Kali Puja brings unique offerings, with aartis at morning and evening, a cultural fusion.
Final Thoughts
West Bengal’s 21 temples, from the ancient Kiriteswari to the modern Belur Math, are living testaments to the state’s rich spiritual heritage, blending ancient traditions with vibrant local culture. sacred heritage in India’s heart. Their divine grace, cradled by rivers, hills, and rich history, touches them who come, making them places you must see among India’s holy spots if you’re visiting the state.
