Temples are handpicked examples of beautiful architectural designs. The temples in Kolkata hold their own significance where you can visit spectacular rich and divine history. It is a land of religion and faith that is known for its vibrant colors and consists of several spiritual places associated with different religions.
It is the land of myths, and stories, that maintains its cultural values and master storytellers like Satyajit Ray and Rabindranath Tagore and fascinating temples that celebrate Durga Puja with such zeal.
Here are the 10 Famous Temples in West Bengal:
1. Birla Mandir, Ashutosh Chowdary Avenue, Ballygunge
Birla Mandir in Kolkata is one of the magnificent structures built by the industrialist Birla family. The stunning structure of the temple took around 26 years to complete. The construction started in the year 1970.
The temple is known for its amazing architectural design and it is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Later, many other deities were also added to the temple. Birla Mandir was opened to the public in general in the year 1996 and had seen massive footfall over the decades and still continues as one of the most visited temples in Kolkata.
You will find a similar resemblance of the temple with that of the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar.
Location: Old Ballygunge Road
Timings: 5:30 AM-11:00 AM & 4:30 PM-9:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
2. Kalighat Temple, Kalighat
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Kalighat Temple is one of the spiritual places and is one of the biggest attractions for devotes from around all places of India.
Kalighat Mandir is of prime importance for the Bengali community and is regarded as one of the 51 shaky places (Shakti Peeths) of India, where the locals believe that the idol of Goddess Kali is the most vital and coruscating idol of all time.
Location: Kalighat
Timings: 5 AM to 2 PM & 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
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3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Dakshineswar
Dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, another form of Kali, the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple is built on 20 acres of land. It is situated on the Eastern bank of the Hooghly River. In 1855, this temple was built by a devotee of Kali Maa, a very well-known personality of that period – Rani Rashmoni, who canceled her upcoming trip to Varanasi upon receiving an order for the construction of this temple from Kali Maa in her dream.
The exterior and interior of the temple attract millions of devotees. The construction of this temple dates back to the early 19th century and consists of nine spires of Bengal architectural style of Navratna, in the three-story structure.
Location: Dakshineshwar
Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
4. Calcutta Jain Temple, Badridas Temple Street
Jain temples are rare, especially in the part of Eastern India. The Calcutta Jain Temple popularly known as the Parshwanath Jain Temple was founded in the year 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadur Mookim. Although as the name sounds, it is not only about the Parshwanath. You can also worship 4 different avatars as well.
The spellbound architectural grandeur of the shrine multiplies the beauty of this place. Not to forget, another significant attraction is the eternal flame which has been burning since the temple was first inaugurated in 1867. The interior of the temple has marble flooring, colorful stones, and disinter pillars.
This temple is a wonderful example of the architectural work of the 19th century. Each of the buildings has intricate detailing, stained glass, and colorful elements making it one of the most beautiful temples in the entire city. Last but not the least, the garden of the temple consists of colorful flowers and fountains.
Location: Baridas Temple Street
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
5. ISKCON Temple, Minto Park
Dedicated to the love birds of the golden period, the ISKCON temple has several branches across India. The ISKCON temple at Kolkata was established in the year 1970 for the devotees of Lord Krishna and Radha. The temple is beautifully crafted with engravings of quotations and slogans from the Bhagavad Gita on the walls.
ISKON temple is also known as Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir. The main temple is situated in the Nadia district of Krishna Nagar, 4 hours’ drive from Kolkata.
Location: Minto Park
Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM & 4 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
6. Chinese Kali Mandir, Tangra
The Chinese Kali Mandir is unique in its own way and proves that religion doesn’t divide but unites people.
The Chinese Kali Temple in Kolkata is the perfect symbol for retaining peace across India. The goddess is worshipped according to the Chinese rituals and run of Chinese descent priests. The Prasad served on Saturday nights are typically cuisines of China.
Location: Tangra
Timings: 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
7. Belur Math, Belur
Dedicated to Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev, Belur Math stands in front of the Dakshineswar temple. Built on the banks of river Hooghly, the temple comprises 4 mini temples or muftis that spread the brotherhood of all religions through Hindu, Christian, and Muslim.
Unlike other temples, this one is a stunning example of the brotherhood of all religions. The temple was built in the year 1938 by Swami Vivekananda.
Location: Belur, Howrah
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
8. Taraknath Temple, Tarakeshwar
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Baba Taraknath is another temple in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. The temple remains crowded all the time. On the special occasion of Shivratri and Gajan, devotees come to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Location: Tarakeshwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
9. Agni Mandir, Metcalfe Lane
The Agni Mandir in Kolkata is a religious shrine built for the Parsi pilgrims to worship their Fire God. Established in 1912, the spellbound beauty of the shrine indicates the fine architectural design of that period. At the top floor of the temple, a constant burning fire can be spotted.
The temple plays an important role in different special occasions of the Parsi community.
Location: Metcalfe Lane
Timings: 5:30 AM-11:00 AM & 4:30 PM-9:00 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
10. Thanthania Kalibari, College Street
The Thanthania Kalibari was founded in the year 1803 by Shankar Ghosh. Siddheshwari, one of the forms of Goddess Durga, is worshipped in this temple.
At Thanthania Kalibari, there is a clay image of Goddess Durga which is changed every year by a new one.
Location: College Street
Timings: 6 AM to 11 AM & 3 PM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: No entry fee
If you are from Kolkata then you must know the ins and outs of the city. But if you are not one of Kolkata’s, then it is advised that you must visit this city not only for its amazing cuisines but also from the religious point of view.
Do visit the temples of West Bengal and gain a divine experience. Kolkata is the only city that never disappoints visitors.
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