The Kalighat Temple: The Story of Divine Dance

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Are you looking for a pilgrimage site in Kolkata? Kalighat is one of them, a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking spiritual solace and cultural exploration. Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture lies a sacred haven - the Kalighat Temple. Let's dive into the history and mythology this temple stands for. 

History

The origins of the Kalighat Temple can be traced back to the 15th century. According to the legend, the temple was built at the spot where the toes of the right foot of Goddess Sati fell during Lord Shiva's dance of destruction, the Tandava, making the temple one of the 51 Shaktipeethas. The Shakti here is known as Dakshina Kalika. Therefore, this temple is considered one of the holiest places, and each day thousands of devotees come here to worship Goddess Kali.  

Rituals and Festivals

Devotees consider Tuesdays and Saturdays as auspicious days to worship Kali. Other than these two days, she is worshipped during the Vipad Tarini Vrat, and when the Goddess is worshipped as Ratantika and Falaaharini Kali. 

The temple also comes alive during the grand celebration of Kali Puja, the air filled with the sounds of conch shells, the fragrance of incense, and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. Also, during festivals, devotees participate in various rituals and ceremonies, offering prayers to the powerful goddess.  

Daksha Yagna: The Original Myth

The temple is associated with the legend of Daksha Yagna. Daksha was the father of Goddess Sati. He conducted a yagna, a grand ritual where he disrespected her husband Lord Shiva. Displeased with the disrespect, Sati immolated herself. After which, filled with grief and rage, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava and to stop him, Lord Vishnu cut Sati's body into numerous pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra, a powerful weapon. It is said that the toes of Sati's right foot fell at the spot where Kalighat temple stands today. 

This temple has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. Historical records mention that various kings and local zamindars have contributed to the development of the temple. 

Spiritual Icons

Kalighat Temple holds greater significance in the lives of several saints. One of the renowned figures is Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He is said to have experienced profound spiritual visions at Kalighat. Again, his disciple, Swami Vivekananda also sought spiritual solace at this sacred site. 

Colonial Influence And Paintings

During the colonial era, this temple gained importance as a centre of both religious and social activities. Even after the European influence in painting, the Kalighat art was rooted in the patachitra paintings. The Kalighta artists used the paintings to criticize colonial rule and those who followed the Britishers blindly. These artists also painted freedom fighters like Jhansi Ki Rani to support the freedom struggle. Kalighat paintings inspired artists like Jaimini Roy, who viewed such paintings as authentic Indian art forms. 

Location

The Kalight Temple is located in the southern part of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is said that the name Kolkata has been taken from the word Kalikata Devi of Kalighat Temple.  

The exact address is: 2, Kalighat Road, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.  

Modes of Transporation 

The temple is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, like taxis, buses, and the Kolkata Metro.  


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