Kali Puja 2024: 8 Must Visited Kali Temples in Kolkata

 

Do you feel a sense of sadness after Durga Puja? It’s understandable — the festivities seemed to end too soon this year. Are there still new clothes left unworn? Well, it's time to gear up again! The next big festival, Kali Puja 2024, is just around the corner, and the excitement is building up across Bengal and beyond. Celebrated widely in eastern India — particularly in Kolkata, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Odisha — Kali Puja is another vibrant and spiritually significant event for Bengalis.

This year, Kali Puja will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2024, offering devotees a fresh opportunity to immerse themselves in the divine blessings of Maa Kali, the fierce incarnation of Maa Durga. She is worshipped after Kojagori Laxmi Puja in West Bengal, and devotees believe Maa Kali protects her children, granting them spiritual growth and courage.

While Kolkata's renowned club pandals are popular destinations for Kali Puja, the city is also home to many ancient Kali temples where the goddess is worshipped with grandeur and devotion on this auspicious day. If you’re seeking the blessings of the Mother this Kali Puja, let’s explore 8 must-visit Kali temples in Kolkata for 2024!

Daksineswar Temple

Located on the banks of the Ganga, Dakshineswar Kali Temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. Dedicated to Maa Bhavatarini, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, this nine-spired temple holds deep spiritual significance. It is closely associated with Ramakrishna Paramahansa Deb, who served as the head priest and preached religious harmony. His room in the temple is also a must-visit for devotees, offering insight into his life and teachings.

Time: 5am to 8pm (every day)

Location: May Dibas Pally, Dakshineswar. Follow Google Maps.

Sidheswari Temple

Sidheswari Kali Temple is often called the home of "Kolkata’s Ginni". It was established by a Kali devotee from the Himalayas, who had a vision of a Shakti Peeth in Kolkata. He created the idol using twigs, soil, and leaves, placing it near the Adi Ganga in Kumortuli. The Chakraborty family initially continued the worship, and today, the Mukherjee family maintains the tradition. Ramakrishna Paramahansa Deb frequently visited, offering coconuts and sugar to Maa Kali. Don't miss this temple during Kali Puja 2024.

Time: 6am to 12pm & 4pm to 9:30pm (everyday)

Location: 520, Rabindra Sarani, Kumartuli, Kolkata. Follow Google Maps.

Thanthania Kali Bari

Thanthania Kali Bari, established in 1809 by Shankar Ghosh, is one of Kolkata's oldest temples, though the deity is believed to be even older. The temple holds spiritual significance as both Ramakrishna Paramahansa Deb and Sadhak Ramprasad Sen visited here. Kali Puja, especially on Diwali, attracts huge crowds eager for Maa Kali's blessings. Devotees also visit on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Prasadam is available after the evening prayer for those with tokens.
Time: 6am-11am & pm- 8pm  (every day)

Location: Bidhan Sarani Road, Near College Street Market.  Kolkata. Follow Google Maps.

Firinghi Kali Bari

Firinghi Kali Bari in Bowbazar is one of Kolkata's oldest and most popular Kali temples. Established in the 905 Bengali year by Srimanta Dom, it was initially worshipped by the founder himself, as priests refused due to his lower caste status. Another belief links the temple to Antony Firinghi, a famous Bengali folk poet (Kabial) who converted to Hinduism and was a devotee of Maa Kali. This historic temple, named after him, remains a significant spiritual site, especially during Kali Puja.

Time: 6am-8pm (Everyday)

Location: 244 Bipin Bihari Ganguly Street. Kolkata. Follow Google Maps.

Lake Kali Bari

Lake Kali Bari, located in South Kolkata, is also known as 108 Karunamoyee Kali Mata Mandir, after the presiding deity Maa Karunamoyee. Founded in 1949 by Haripada Chakraborty and managed by the Karunamoyee Kalimata Trust, the temple stands 42.5 feet tall. It houses a museum, seminar hall, auditorium, guest house, and medical center. Besides worship, the temple is a hub for social, religious, and educational discussions. Devotees can also avail of free health check-ups at the medical center.

Time: 6am-12:30 pm & 3:30pm- 9pm (every day)

Location: 107/1, Dr Meghnad Saha Sarani, Kolkata. Follow Google Maps.

Kalighat Kali Temple

Located in South Kolkata, Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the most powerful temples in Kolkata and a key part of the Shakti Peeth pilgrimage. It is believed that Maa Sati’s toe fell here, making it one of Bengal’s sacred sites. The original temple, built in the 16th century by King Manasingha, was a small hut-shaped structure. The present temple was constructed by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family in 1809. Devotees can purchase flowers and sweets from nearby shops for puja purposes and pre-book Prasadam. The adjacent Adi Ganga River adds to the temple's ancient significance.

Time: 5am to 2pm & 5pm- 10:30pm (everyday)

Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata. Follow  Google Maps.

Sri Sri Karunamoyee Kali Temple

Sri Sri Karunamoyee Kali Temple, located in Tollygunge, Kolkata, is nearly 250 years old and was established by Nandadulal Roy Chowdhury. In this temple, Maa Kali is worshipped in the form of Karunakali, symbolizing kindness and mercy. During Kali Puja 2024, visiting this temple offers a serene opportunity to seek blessings from the divine.

Time: 7:30am-12pm & 5:30pm- 8:30pm (every day)

Location: 32, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Tollygunge, Kolkata. Follow Google Maps.

Tripura Sundari Temple

Tripura Sundari Temple, located in Garia, Kolkata, is a revered spiritual site and a popular destination for both tourists and local pilgrims. The temple attracts many devotees each year, all seeking the blessings of Devi Tripura Sundari. Known for its serene atmosphere and religious significance, it is an ideal place to visit, especially during festival times like Kali Puja when the temple becomes even more vibrant with devotion.

Time: 6am to 9pm 

Location: Boral Main Road, Sharat Pally, Ramkrishna Nagar, Prantik Pally, Garia, Kolkata. Follow Google Maps.

Bottom Line

Bengal is renowned for its exquisite temple architecture, dating back to ancient times. Goddess Kali is celebrated for her fierce protection of devotees, and Kali Puja serves as a powerful means to seek blessings for strength, wisdom, and liberation from negative influences.

After indulging in the vibrant pandal hopping during this year's Durga Puja, why not explore the magnificent Kali Temples in Kolkata during Kali Puja 2024? Embrace the rich heritage and spiritual ambiance of these ancient sites, and connect with the divine energy they offer.