About Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Kali Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali located in the Kalighat locality of South Kolkata, West Bengal. Considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, it is among Kolkata's most important pilgrimage sites. The present temple structure was completed in 1809. The temple features a distinctive hut-style architecture with a black stone idol of Kali and attracts thousands of devotees daily.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a busy pilgrimage complex with narrow approach lanes lined with shops selling flowers, vermilion, and offerings. The main temple has a hut-shaped roof (chala style) and houses the black stone idol of Goddess Kali with three eyes and a long gold tongue. The complex includes the main sanctum, Natmandir (prayer hall), Kundupukur sacred tank, and smaller shrines to Shiva and Radha-Krishna. Expect large crowds, queues for darshan, chanting, and priests performing rituals throughout the day.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the toes of the right foot of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen
- 02
Black stone idol of Goddess Kali with distinctive long protruding tongue made of gold
- 03
Present temple built in 1809 by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family in traditional Bengal hut-style architecture
- 04
Sacred Kundupukur tank within the temple compound
- 05
Centre of Kalighat painting style that originated in the temple surroundings in the 19th century
History of Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hindu tradition. The original temple is believed to be ancient, with references dating back to the 15th-16th century. The present structure was built in 1809 under the patronage of Santosh Roy Chowdhury of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family, zamindars of the area. The temple gave the city its name, as Kalikata is believed to be derived from Kalighat.
Culture & Context
The temple is one of the most revered Shakti shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali and a major pilgrimage centre in Eastern India. It is deeply associated with Bengali culture and devotion to Kali. The area around the temple gave rise to the Kalighat style of painting in the 19th century. The temple is especially crowded during festivals such as Kali Puja, Durga Puja and Navratri.