India is known worldwide for its tradition and culture where the dress, language, and food work to enhance its characteristics. They are of great importance in the tourism of the country and along with this, the atmosphere seen at festivals in the temples here also attracts tourists. At this time the festival of Navratri is going on and its pomp is being seen everywhere. Visiting the temples of Matarani during Navratri arouses the interest of tourists. So today in this episode we are going to tell you about the famous Matarani temples of West Bengal which offer mesmerizing views. Visiting these holy temples will be a profound experience for you. Let's know about these temples...
Kalighat Temple
One of the important Shakti Peethas, the Kalighat Temple is an ancient temple of Goddess Kali, completed in 1809 under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family. It is believed that the right toe of Mata Sati had fallen at the place where the temple is situated. The idol of the goddess with three fierce eyes, protruding tongue, and four arms looks very attractive and attracts the attention of the visitors. This 200-year-old temple is situated on the banks of the river Adi Ganga and is visited by a large number of devotees daily.
Tripura Sundari Temple
The temple is one of the famous temples of West Bengal. This Hindu temple is considered to be a highly recognized temple in the Garia area of West Bengal. Many tourists and local people come in large numbers to visit this temple. One of the famous Devi temples in West Bengal.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a famous Kali temple in Kolkata that is worth a visit. The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni after receiving a message from the goddess in her dream. This beautiful Kali temple has three floors and features Navratan-style architecture with graceful nine minarets.
Kanaka Durga Temple
Kanak Durga Temple is located in the Jamboni area of the Jhargram sub-division, which was earlier also known as Gateway to Bengal. It is one of the old temples of West Bengal and is bordering Jharkhand. This is another famous Devi temple located in West Bengal.
Chinese Kali Temple
Chini Kali Temple is another beautiful temple in Kolkata that is popular for its unique rituals. This famous temple of Kolkata is a perfect example of cultural inclusiveness. Due to the large population of Tibetans and Chinese people, the temple is a true reflection of the mixed culture. One can enjoy a heady mix of Tibetan and South East Asian culture in this rare temple. Another striking attraction of the temple is the Prasadam. Yes, the people who come here are offered noodles and chop suey as Prasad. So be sure to visit the Chini Kali Temple to witness an eclectic mix of traditions.
Tarapith Temple
There is another Shaktipeeth in the Birbhum district of West Bengal which is dedicated to Maa Tara Devi. In the local language, Tara means eye and Peetha means place, hence this temple is worshiped as the place of the eye. According to mythology, the eyes (star) of Mata Sati fell at this place and this Shaktipeeth was established. This temple is also known for tantric activities.
Kalibari Lake Temple
Kalibari Lake Temple is another Kali temple in Kolkata that is very famous and is visited by a large number of devotees. The official name of the temple is Sri Sri 108 Karunamayi Kalimata Mandir and it was built in 1949 by Haripad Chakraborty, fondly called Gurudev. This is one of the most important temples of Kolkata where Goddess Kali is worshiped in her compassionate form.
Kripamayi Kali Mandir
The Kripamayee Kali Temple is located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Baranagar (Greater Kolkata) in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The temple was built in 1848 by Jairam Mitra, a renowned landowner and a devotee of Kali Maa. It is believed that Maa Kali resides here in a benevolent form in contrast to her wrathful nature and showers her blessings on the devotees. This is also one of the ancient Kali temples built in West Bengal.
Thanthania Kalibari Temple
One of the oldest temples in Kolkata, Thanthania Kalibari is another iconic landmark of the city, built in 1803 by Shri Shankar Ghosh. The temple is of utmost importance with devotees coming from all over to perform Kali Puja. Goddess Kali is worshiped here as Maa Siddheshwari and her idol is made of clay which is replaced by a new idol every year during the famous Durga Puja festival.
Rampara Kalibari Temple
Rampara Kalibari Temple is also one of the famous temples of West Bengal, it is situated at a distance of about 35 km from Kolkata. According to belief, Maa Siddheshwari Kali is established in the female form of Lord Shiva in this temple. This ancient temple was built by the Nandi family of Rampara who was ardent devotee of Kali Maa. Rampara Kalibari is also famous for its Kali Puja which is held every year during Diwali in October and November. A large number of devotees visit this temple during this puja.
Hangeshwari Temple
If you want to see a unique temple with extraordinary architecture, then you must visit the Hangeshwari Temple, which is like a palace in Disney World. This Kali temple is situated at a distance of 55 km from Kolkata. The temple has 13 minarets that take inspiration from the lotus flower. The idol of Goddess Kali is very attractive and is made from the wood of the Neem tree. Furthermore, this wonderful temple is a heritage site maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage site.
Kiriteshwari Temple
Kiriteshwari Temple is one of the famous temples in West Bengal which is situated in Kiritkona village of Nabagram in Murshidabad district. There is also a Kiriteshwari temple in 51 Shaktipeeths. This place is considered to be the sleeping place of Mahamaya. The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old.