Kalighat Mandir – the Home
of Maa Kali
Kalighat Mandir, located in Kolkata, India, is dedicated to Goddess Kali and, according to legends, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It attracts millions of devotees each year, who come seeking strength, protection, and spiritual transformation.
Mandir History
Mandir Timings
More Information
Legend of Kalighat Mandir
The name “Kalighat” originates from the goddess Kali, enshrined in the temple, and “Ghat,” referring to its location near a riverbank. According to mythology, when Shiva performed the Tandav Nritya in grief over Sati’s death, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to prevent destruction by scattering Sati’s body into 51 pieces. Kalighat is believed to be the site where the toes of her right foot fell, making it a sacred Shakti Peetha. It has since become a revered site of pilgrimage, drawing devotees from across India to seek blessings from the fierce yet compassionate goddess.
History of Kalighat Mandir
The Kalighat Mandir, in its current form, is about 200 years old, although it is mentioned in texts like Mansar Bhasan (15th century) and Kavi Kankan Chandi (17th century). The present structure was completed in 1809, under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family. Santosh Roy Chowdhury, a devotee of Kali, began its construction in 1798, taking 11 years to finish. The authenticity of the Roy Chowdhurys as traditional patrons is debated. Pilgrims engage in the sacred Snan Yatra in the Kundupukur tank.
In 1835, Kashinath Roy added a Nat Mandir to the complex, and in 1843, Uday Narayan Mondal built the ShyamRai temple. In 1858, Madan Gopal Koley installed a Dal Mancha for the ShyamRai temple, further enriching its legacy.