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Kalighat, India

Kalighat is a locality in the southern Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in South Kolkata and is densely populated as well as vibrant with a rich history of cultural mélange with the various foreign incursions into the region over time. It was once a Ghat (landing stage) sacred to Kali on the old course of the Hooghly River (Bhagirathi). It has been said that Calcutta gets its name from the word Kalighat. Over the time, the river has moved away from the temple. The temple is now located on the banks of a small canal known as 'Adi Ganga' that connects to the Hooghly. Kalighat is popular for 'Kalighat Kali Temple', which is dedicated to the goddess Kali is situated in Kalighat. This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. As per mythological legend, the right toe of Dakshayani is said to have fallen here. The Shakti here is called as Kalika, while the Bhairava is 'Nakulesh'. It is a famous place and a pilgrimage for Shakta (Shiva and Durga/Kali/Shakti worshippers) followers within the Hindu religion. Besides, this place is also known for exclusive Kalighat paintings or Kalighat Pat, which are great collectibles. Explore a number of Kalighat tour packages with EaseMyTrip.in and know more about this place.

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Climate

Summer
Mid-March - end June
Temperature:10°C- 42°C

Monsoons
June - end September
Annual rainfall -250 cm-325 cm

Winter
Late November To Mid-February
Temperature:19°C-29°C

Best Places to Visit in Kalighat

Kalighat Kali Temple:
It is a Hindu temple in West Bengal, India devoted to the Hindu goddess 'Kali'. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Kalighat is the site where the toes of the right foot of Dakshayani or Sati fell, during the course of Shiva's Rudra Tandava. The main temple in Kalighat displays Goddess Kali with a long golden tongue and is different from her usual descriptions. It is visited by thousands of devotees every year and considered to be a religious.

Sosthi Tala:
It is a rectangular altar soaring around three feet high bearing a small cactus plant. Below the tree, on an altar three stones are placed side by side - from left to right in place of the Goddesses "Sosthi", "Sitola", and "Mongol Chandi". This sacred place is known as 'Sosthi Tala' or 'Monosha Tala'. It was built by Gobinda Das Mondal. It is to be noted that all the priests are female here.

Natmondir:
A big rectangular covered platform called 'Natmondir' has been erected adjacent to the main temple, from where the face of the image can be seen. This platform was initially built by Zamindar Kasinath Roy and has been consequently renovated often.

Jor-bangla:
Jor-bangla is the spacious verandah of the main temple that faces the image directly. One can see the rituals happening inside the sanctum from the Natmondir through the Jor-bangla.

Hari-kath Tala:
It is the spot close to the Natmondir, southwards meant for Bali (sacrifice). There are two sacrificial altars for animal sacrifices side by side. These are known as Hari- Kath.

Radha-Krishna Temple:
The temple is known as 'Shamo-Ray Temple' and is located inside the temple complex. In the year 1723, a settlement officer of Mushirabad district first erected a separate temple for Radha-Krishna here. Also, there is a separate kitchen for preparation of vegetarian Bhog (food offering) for Radha-Krishna.

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Beautiful Sights of Kalighat
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Kalighat