Have you ever visited the spiritual places of Kolkata? Or want to explore that once in a lifetime?
Then, No worries!! We will get you familiar with the best temples in Kolkata, in this article.
Temples in India are some of the most stunning examples of architectural design, and they play an important role in preserving the country’s rich culture. Kolkata is recognized for its brilliant colors and cultural traditions, as a result, you will find a variety of temples in Kolkata, the city of joy.
An additional interesting fact about these temples is that there are 33 crores of deities in Hinduism, with about half of them located in these pilgrimage shrines. Every prominent temple in Kolkata has its unique significance, and you can visit them all to learn about Hinduism’s rich and glorious history.
While you are in the city of joy, remember to explore the best places to visit in Kolkata with your temple tour.
Originally Kolkata word derived from the Bengali word Kalikshetra which means land of Kali (the goddess). Many people also say that the name was derived from the word which means settlement on the bank of a canal (khal). You can feel the essence of cultural development in the name of the city, and it beautifully welcomes a diverse spectrum of spiritual beliefs and traditions. It’s a place of numerous temples, and every temple shows the spiritual and architectural heritage of the city.
Apart from the Hindu temples, there are many Jain temples and other religious entities and structures which are famous for their respective school of thought. Temples in Kolkata represent religious harmony and its co-existence with other faiths. Every temple has its architectural importance with historical beliefs, which are on deep-rooted religious traditions.
Let’s explore the 15 famous temples in Kolkata, which are widely known for their beliefs.
List of 15 Famous Temples in Kolkata
Kalighat Temple, Kolkata
Goddess Kali protects the city of Kolkata, and this is the most prominent Temples in Kolkata for Bengali Community, they have a deep reverence for all the forms of Goddess Durga. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas across India, and in this temple, you can worship the Idol of Maa Durga Kali form carved out in black stone. It’s a very powerful Idol and has an assertive story behind it. It has Bengali architecture that showcases elaborate terracotta artwork and sculptures.
Story:- The belief behind this Temples in Kolkata is that when Lord Shiva got to know that Sati (wife of Shiva) burn herself in the fire of Hawan. Shiva performs a cosmic dance by holding Sati in his arms, which can destroy the whole world. Then chakra of Lord Vishnu cut the parts of Sati and every part where it throughs become a Shakti Peeth and holy place in the Hindu religion. Must visit to see this powerful place in Kolkata.
Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Timings:
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
Another holy temple of Maa Kali known as Dakshineswar Kali Temple lies on the banks of the Hoogly river. It’s a three-story temple built in the 19th century in the classic Bengali architectural style of Navratna. This temple is famous due to the existence of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a respected saint who performed as its priest. Devotees flock to this temple to seek blessings and glimpse the vibrant traditions and ceremonies performed here.
Story:- The belief behind this temple is that it was built on the order of the Goddess Kali. Once a devotee Rani Rashmoni had a dream in which Maa Kali said to construct the temple and cancel the upcoming trip to Varanasi.
Location: May Dibas Pally, Dakshineswar
Timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Birla Mandir, Kolkata
This temple is of Lakshmi Narayan constructed by the Birla family dedicated to the symbol of love Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The temple’s architecture shows detailed marble carvings and sculptures, forming a peaceful aura for devotees and visitors. The architecture is beautifully built in a pious white color. This temple also has different shrines of different deities.
Story: It took 26 years just to complete and started for the public in 1996. It had crafted with perfection with engraving quotes from Bhagavad Gita.
Location: Ashutosh Chowdary Ave, Ballygunge
Timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Belur Math, Kolkata
Belur Math temple is a spiritual and cultural center in Kolkata that serves as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and is dedicated to the Ramakrishna Paramahansa. It was built by the Swami Vivekananda on the banks of the Hooghly River in 1938. It has four temples and the interior of the inner can increase your interest in this temple with Hindu, Muslim, and Christian motifs built inside the temple.
Story: Ramakrishna was a priest of Kali temple and this temple is visited by some of the devotees who follow the words of Ramakrishna.
Location: Belur, Howrah
Timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Chinese Kali Mandir, Kolkata
This is one of the famous temples in Kolkata constructed by the Chinese and Bengalis community. It’s very unique and a symbol of unity among people. It is dedicated to the Lord Kali and Chinese priests worship the godness here. Rituals of Chinese people are performed and staple Chinese takeaway is served in Prasad on Saturday.
Story: Once a Chinese boy fell sick and nothing got work on him after they worship the Idol and the cured magically then Bengali and Chinese communities came together to build the Chinese Kali temple in Tangra.
Location: Tangra, Kolkata.
Timings:
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lake Kalibari, Kolkata
Goddess Kali is worshiped Temples in Kolkata in different forms. In this temple, another form of Devi is worshiped known as Karunamoyee and this temple is established in 1949 by the devotee of Kali Mr Haripada Chakraborty. You can visit here and take the blessing of Shakti and the Idol of justice.
Story: The faith of devotees led to the construction of this temple by the Maa Kali devotee.
Location: Southern Avenue
Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Agni Mandir, Kolkata
In this temple, the Parsi rituals of prayers and traditions are performed. As the temple represents the Idol power of fire, which is worshiped here, and it is one of the important elements from the Panch Bhuta, which are Prithvi (Earth), Apa (Water), Tejas (Fire), Vayu (Air), Akasha (Ether or Space).
Story: This temple is built in 1912 and is equally important in the beliefs of Parsi and Hindus. It was built in stark red color and contains a holy flame that burns throughout the day and night. It was not open to the general public, and portraits of flame are shared on the first floor.
Location: Metcalfe Lane, Central Kolkata
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
Calcutta Jain Temple, Kolkata
One of the rare Jain temples is in Kolkata and some are in Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Delhi, and these are fine examples of great architecture and a location of worship for the Jain community. It is also known as the Parshwanath Jain Temple founded in 1867 by the Badridas Bahadur Mookim. The building structure has elaborate detailing, shaded glasses, and multicolored elements making it one of the most beautiful temples in the whole city. The flame is burned from the day of the inauguration.
Story: It is also a Dharamshala in Kolkata with a design of four buildings each offering a stunning understanding of the Jain community. Here the main deity worshiped by the devotee, 23rd Tirthankar Pareshnath, and four other deities are also worshiped known as the avatar of Tirthankar.
Location: Badridas Temple Street, Kolkata.
Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Kolkata
This temple is dedicated to Sai Baba and is visited by lots of devotees throughout the year. The design is not magnific and wealthy like most temples, this one has its air of tranquillity and peace, which attracts visitors throughout the year. It was established in 1913, and it is the only temple of Sai Baba in Kolkata.
Story: His story started as he was a born Hindu Brahman and after time he was adopted by a Sufi Fakir. Later he moved to Shirdi and spent his life to serve the devotion for his Lord and needy people. From that time many people worship him and he believes that “God is one for all”.
Location: Sodepur, Kolkata.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir, Kolkata
This is one of the famous temples in Kolkata where Lord Hanuman is worshiped, who is popularly known as Sankat Mochan. In every temple of Lord Ram, you can see the Hanuman at the feet of him as he is one of the biggest devotees of Lord Ram and helps him in every situation. You can feel the power and strength of Lord Hanuman in this temple of Kolkata. This place is visited by Hindus as well as non-Hindus.
Story: Devotees of Lord Hanuman built this temple, and you can feel the essence of his presence let me tell you that Shri Hanuman ji is one of the (Chiranjeevi) immortal persons living with us.
Location: Lake Town, Kolkata.
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
ISKCON Temple, Kolkata
ISKCON temples in Kolkata was established in 1970 and it was built in the memory of Lord Krishna. It depicts the lifelong love and respect of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and teaches the protection of dharma and life lessons. It is a beautifully inscribed of quotations from the Bhagavad Gita on the interior, and an enormous hall meant for religious actions and evening aartis renounced to Lord Krishna.
Story: It was founded by the Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna and here you can know about every part of Lord Krishna and its main focus behind it. They teach the learnings of their life and your life.
Location: Minto Park, Kolkata.
Timings:
- Morning: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Bhukailash Rajbari, Kolkata
The Bhukailash Shiv Mandir Kolkata, West Bengal dedicated to Mahadev Lord Shiva, this temple is flocked by devotees and common visitors throughout the year. This has the tallest Idol of the God Shiva, and twin temples are built here, which will be supreme for the devotees.
Story: It was constructed by the Raja Joynarayan Ghosal in 1781. It become a heritage site in 2013, but nothing changed, and neglected by the government. It is one of the oldest Shiva Lingam situated in Kolkata.
Location: Bhukailash Rd, Babu Bazar, Khidirpur, Kolkata.
Timings:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ayyappa Temple
Swamy Ayyappa is worshiped by the devotees of Kolkata and many devotees came from South India. The temple furnishes an area for worship, spiritual shiftings, and cultural occasions related to Lord Ayyappa. People seek blessings, offer prayers, and participate in numerous practices and traditions. Devotees worship Lord Ayyappa by fasting, pilgrimage, and the annual Sabarimala expedition.
Story: Lord Ayyappa is the son of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, and he has a long tail behind it. You can worship him anywhere but his temples are mainly in the south part of India.
Location: Lake Range, Kalighat, Kolkata.
Maa Bhabatarini Temple
This place accommodates a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, which is known as Nabaratna temple. Temple architecture is one of the considerable intriguing elements of the architectural heritage of Bengal.
Story: Here the Goddess Bhabatarini is worshipped by the devotees with two Aatchala Shiva temples of 2/2A. It is a great heritage structure in Kolkata and is graded in the list of Heritage Buildings.
Location: Garia Station Rd, Barhans, Garia, Rajpur Sonarpur, West Bengal
Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tarakeshwar Temple
Tarakeshwar Temple, located on the outskirts of Kolkata, is one of the most well-known temples in the region, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It draws thousands of devotees, particularly during the months of Shravan and Maha Shivaratri.
Story: The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Shiva believers, famed for its traditional rituals and lavish celebrations. The temple’s principal deity, Lord Taraknath, is regarded as a powerful incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is basic but comes with a supernatural air, making it a must-see for anybody seeking spiritual fulfillment. The surrounding region is packed with stores selling religious things, making it a lively place during the festival season.
Location: Tarakeshwar, Kolkata
Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Conclusion
These are famous temples in Kolkata worshiped by many devotees, and many people come to worship in different temples every year.
Kolkata is always an excellent place to visit for those interested to know about India’s ethnic past. This is a place that never disappoints its tourists. Spirituality in this region is an essential experience for all religious people. Even if you are not religious, visiting Kolkata’s temples, especially those with stunning architecture, is a pleasure!
So, plan your religious trip and share your experience with us.
FAQs
What is Kalighat Temple famous for?
Kalighat Mandir is well-known among religious people as it’s a Shakti peeth. Thousands of Kali devotees visit the temple every day to perform puja. The Kalighat temple was built on the location where Goddess Sati’s right foot toes fell.
Which is the most powerful temple of Maa Kali?
Kalighat Kali Temple. The Kalighat Kali Temple is a Hindu temple in Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, devoted to the Hindu goddess Kali, one of the ten Mahavidyas in the Hindu tantric tradition and the supreme deity of Kalikula devotion. This temple is one of 51 Shakti Pithas in India.