- Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is known for its magnificence and historical significance as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas. Devi Sati’s right big toe is said to have fallen here during Lord Shiva’s Rudra Tandava, and the site was later turned into a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, an incarnation of Shakti. People from all over the world travel to the temple on pilgrimage to witness the magnificence of the 200-year-old Hindu temple.
The Shoshti Tala, Natmandir, Jor Bangla, Harkath Tala, Radha-Krishna Temple, and Kundupukur sections of the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata are all very important. The Dakshina Kali idol, which has three eyes and a protruding tongue made of gold, is worshipped here. The deity is known to bestow divine knowledge on her devotees and guide them on the path to moksha, or freedom from the cycle of births.
Location: Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
Timings: 5.00 AM to 1.00 PM, 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
- Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir
Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir, dedicated to Lord Hanuman or Bajrangbali, is one of Kolkata’s most famous temples for its religious absurdity. The temple is the source of energy and represents strength and power. Apart from the Hindu devotees, the temple is also visited by the Jains and Buddhist followers.
The temple is surrounded by shops where you can buy the puja items needed to worship the deity. The temple is packed on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered very holy days.
Location: 358 Block A, Lake Town, Kolkata, West Bengal 700089
Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly river, is one of the best temples in Kolkata, known for its religious magnificence and historical significance. At the temple, Goddess Bhabatarini, another form of Goddess Kali, is worshipped. The temple’s architecture is modelled after the nine spires and three-story style of Bengal architecture.
The presence of the spiritual personality Ramkrishna Paramhansa, who was thought to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth, was the temple’s main draw.
Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076
Timings: 6 AM to 12.30 PM, 3.30PM to 8.30 PM
- Birla Mandir
The grand temple is decorated in traditional style and houses the deities of Lord Krishna and Radha. The temple is intricately decorated with modern architecture, designs, and excellent craftsmanship ideas, which heighten the devotees’ religiosity. Birla Mandir in Kolkata is one of the city’s most popular temples.
Other deities included in the temple include Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, ten avatars of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, as well as Lord Krishna and Radha. The temple’s grandeur and beauty have also made it a popular filming location for various daily soaps and films.
Location: 29, Ashutosh Chowdary Ave, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, 4.30 PM to 9.00 PM
- ISKCON Temple
Lord Krishna, who plays a significant part in the chapters of Hindu religiosity, is worshipped at the ISKCON temple in Kolkata. Lord Krishna’s deity is worshipped here, along with Radha’s idol, which represents the example of eternal and higher love.
The ISKCON temple in Kolkata, which was built in 1970, is also known as the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir. Aside from its religious significance, the temple is also known for its immense architectural finesse and beautiful gold decorations that enhance the divinity. The ISKCON temple in Kolkata, which spans a large area, is divided into several sections, each of which holds great religious significance.
Location: Gauranga Ghat Road, Ramkrishna Pally, Panihati, Kolkata, West Bengal 700114
Timings: 4:00 AM 1 PM, 4 PM to 8:30 PM
- Pareshnath Jain Temple
Pareshnath Jain Temple, which dates back to 1914, is one of the few Jain temples in Kolkata with significant religious significance. Because of its bright red colour, the temple represents a source of power and strength. The vast area also includes four sprawling gardens that are always filled with flowering plants and hedges, mirroring the natural wealth.
Aside from spiritual abundance, the walls of Kolkata’s popular Jain temple are intricately decorated with carved marbles and glasswork, accompanied by various artistic illustrations. The temple’s well-maintained structure provides a religious retreat for devotees, led by a charismatic vibe.
Location: Jiban Krishna Ghosh Rd, Saktinagar, Tala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700037
Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Mira Mandir
Mira Mandir is one of Kolkata’s most beautiful and sacred sites. The temple is as lovely as it is serene and pious, and it attracts a large number of devotees all year. Mira Mandir is named after Saint Mira. Saint Mira is a well-known Krishna devotee. Mira Mandir is one of the best temples in Kolkata to visit, especially at midnight on Janamashthami. A large number of devotees come here during this festival to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday.
Location: Moira St
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM
- Taraknath Temple
Taraknath Temple is one of Kolkata’s oldest temples. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is thought to have been built in 1729. This is one of the busiest and most crowded temples in Kolkata and Tarakeshwar. This temple is always bustling with devotees throughout the year. You will, however, be unable to stand during special occasions such as Shivratri and Gajan. Thousands of devotees travel from all over Kolkata to attend the special prayers.
Location: Taraknath Mandir Rd
Timings: 5.30 AM to 1:30 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM
- Lake Kalibari
Lake Kalibari temple, dedicated to the Goddess Kali, is one of the temples to visit in Kolkata known for its sacredness and piety. The temple was built in 1949 and is known as a place of worship for Goddess Karunamoyee, a lesser-known aspect of Goddess Kali. Many people are unaware that the temple’s full name is Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir, but it is better known as Lake Kalibari Temple.
Location: Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir
Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 9 PM