Kalighat Kali Temple, located in the Kalighat area of Kolkata on the banks of the Adi Ganga, is one of the most sacred and powerful of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is believed to be the spot where the toes of the right foot of Goddess Sati fell. The present temple structure was built in the early 19th century, but the site itself is much more ancient. The temple is renowned for its unique idol of Kali, which features large expressive eyes, a long protruding golden tongue, and four golden hands. Kalighat is a bustling center of faith, attracting thousands of pilgrims daily, and is known for its intense and deeply devotional atmosphere.
Darshan & Daily Rituals
Temple opens with Mangala Aarti.
Temple is open for general public darshan.
Temple is closed for Bhog (food offering) and cleaning.
Temple reopens for evening darshan.
Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer) is performed.
Darshan continues until the temple closes.
General Darshan
Free entry for all devotees through the general queue ('Sarba sadharan'). Wait times can be very long.
Special/VIP Darshan
A paid facility, arranged on-site with temple priests ('sebayits' or 'pandas'), to bypass the long general queue for quicker access.
Nakuleshwar Bhairav
Consort of Shakti, Shiva's shrine is located nearby
Radha-Krishna
A separate shrine is present within the complex
Kali Puja
The most important festival, celebrated on the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik (coinciding with Diwali). The temple is decorated grandly, and special night-long pujas are performed.
Durga Puja
Special pujas and rituals are held during the four days of Durga Puja, especially on Ashtami, attracting large crowds.