Kolkata, an integral part of West Bengal is a metropolitan city, a city of modernization, early morning vermillion skies set against the river bed, a hustle and bustle of every day life trying to make a hard earning in this busy city. Kolkata is a vibrant city made of cultural histories holding onto the last remnants, a city of art enthusiasts painting their everyday struggle through the jostling city life.
Infact, the very name of Kolkata was derived from the word Kalighat, which was a ghat for Goddess Kali. It is also home to one of the 51 Shaktipeethams of India where it is said that the parts of the severed Sati’s body. Among st the technology and urbanization, one thing that stayed stagnant forever was the love and devotion for god, us being blessed under the divine city of joy. A rich heritage of ethnicity and culture mixed with folk believes integrated a deep devotion in our minds, the reason why Kolkata is also a hub for many temples, temples being a house of the Hindu gods. Even though our gods and goddesses have a myriad basis, the temples, be it for the divine idol or the beautiful décor is really worthy a visit. This article uncovers Kolkata all temple list.
12 Must-Visit Temples In Kolkata With Pictures:
1. Kalighat Temple:
A jostling temple right in the middle of a bustling city, Kalighat in south Kolkata is famous not only for the rampant everyday crowd flocking to the temple, but also for its lively past where it is believed that the Goddess residing within the idol is one of the most lively and vibrant Goddess of all time. A tribute to Goddess Kali, Kalighat temple attracts a huge crowd every single day.
2. Lake Kalibari:
Another form of Goddess Kali, Goddess karunamoyee resides in this temple that is located in southern Avenue in Kolkata. A intense worshipper and believer of Goddess kali, Mr. Haripada Chakraborty established this temple. The word of mouth calls this place lake Kalibari but the real name is Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir.
3. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple:
Grazing the City of Joy just by a few yards is Dakshineshwar on the banks of river Hooghly, one of the most well famed temples in the city that attracts thousands of worshippers throughout the month. A must visit for the religious buffs when in Kolkata, Dakshineshwar is a Kali Temple, sheltering probably one of the most responsive and live deities of all times as considered.
4. Belur Math:
Belur Math is yet another must visit place when in Kolkata. Once again set on the banks of river Hooghly just opposite to Dakshineshwar is Belur Math, established by devoted Swami Vivekananda in remembrance of Ramkrishna Paramhansa. If the architecture and surrounding scenery doesn’t baffle you, the unique fuse of Islam, Hindu and Christian Motifs sure will.
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5. Birla Temple Kolkata:
Elegantly structured in bright white marble, this temple can be seen residing on Ballygunge, Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue built by the wealthy industrialist family, Birlas. The temple is constructed to provide shelter to Lord Krishna and his wife Radha, a classic couple from the Indian folk believes.
6. Pareshnath Jain Temple Kolkata:
One of the most astounding beauties still standing high and mighty is the Pareshnath Jain temple Kolkata. The tranquil surrounding blends in with the scenic beauty that not only appalls the architecture of the place but also the brilliant gardens surrounding it. a peaceful gateway from the busy city, this temple is constructed on remembrance of Pareshnath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar.
7. Chinese Kali Temple:
Goddess Kali is mainly regarded as a Hindu God but this unusual Chinese Kolkata Kali temple is way more cooler than simply a Goddess kali worship place. This astonishing temple is actually built for the Chinese where the priests are Chinese oriented and serves typical Saturday night Chinese take away as the Prasad.
8. Agni Mandir:
The Agni mandir in Kolkata is a vibrant temple painted in vermillion red established and worshipped by the Parsee traditions over here. Parsee religion believes the in the divine power of fire and straight from that concept is this temple of stupefying beauty emerged.
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9. Sai Baba Temple Kolkata:
Sai Baba temple is located on B.T. Road and has been open to public from 2020. With the rising number of Sai Baba devotees in Kolkata, this temple is always crowded with people and bustling with activities. Each day starts with a Puja and Arti to Baba and weekly bhajans are also conducted which are full of energy. The Evening arti is a must visit in the temple.
10. Shiva Temple In Kolkata:
The Tarakeshwar temple in Kolkata is one of the most popular divine destinations. This temple is the holy abode of Lord Shiva and was established by King Bharamalla in the year 1729. The temple is located near the Tarakeshwar railway station and there is also a King’s palace adjoining it. The temple is usually very crowded and on Shivaratri, there is a huge line of devotees waiting for get a glimpse of their favorite God.
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11. Buddhist Temple In Kolkata:
The Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist temple is one of the most visited places in Kolkata. This is a beautiful structure and is located in Southern Kolkata. The milky white building was constructed by Nichidatsu Fujii who was the disciple of the revered Buddhist monk Nichiren. This amazing temple has golden borders on the white structure and has a golden stupa.
12. ISKCON Temple Kolkata:
ISKCON temple in Kolkata is one of the most serene and blissful places of the busty city. It offers peace and trans quility amid the chaotic life of Kolkata. Kolkata being the birth place of Srila Swami Prabhupada, this temple is India’s first ISKCON center which was established in the year 1970. Till date, the temple is always filled with the chants and bhajans of scores of devotees, who get deeply absorbed by the beauty of the temple.
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Kolkata is India’s one of the most busiest cities. Over population, busy lives and pollution make the city drab and chaotic. These temples are a savior to the city dwellers, who wish to break the monotony of their mundane life and wish to get a moment of peace. Each of these temples are significant in their own way and offer devotes a chance to spend their personal time with the divine. Inspite of the heavy crowds in the temples, one glimpse of the idol is sure to fill our hearts with peace.