Kalighat Kali Temple: history, Shakti Peetha and how to reach
One of Kolkata's best-known Kali shrines and counted among the 51 Shakti Pithas. Its history, how to reach it by metro, and what to keep in mind.
Last checked: Β· 2 sources
History of Kalighat
The present structure was completed in 1809 under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family. Santosh Roy Chowdhury began construction in 1798 and it took 11 years to finish. (Source: Wikipedia, Kalighat Kali Temple)
Other patrons were the Bawali Raj and the Sabarna Roy Choudhury families. The source also notes that the Roy Chowdhurys' traditional patronage of the deity is disputed. (Source: Wikipedia, Kalighat Kali Temple)
A Shakti Peetha
Kalighat is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India. It is said that the toes of the right foot of Goddess Sati fell here. (Source: Wikipedia, Kalighat Kali Temple)
The temple is in the Kalighat area of Kolkata. The Wikipedia article gives no visiting hours or rules. (Source: Wikipedia, Kalighat Kali Temple)
How to reach
Kalighat is an underground station on the Blue Line (North-South corridor) of the Kolkata Metro, at Rashbehari Avenue, between Jatin Das Park and Rabindra Sarobar. The station opened on 29 April 1986. (Source: Wikipedia, Kalighat metro station)
The station article lists the Kali Temple as a nearby landmark by Entry/Exit 1, and notes a shrine of Mother Kali at the station itself. No distances are printed. (Source: Wikipedia, Kalighat metro station)
Timings and etiquette
π‘ We found no official or government timetable for the temple, so we give no numbers. Hours can vary by day and festival; check locally before you go.
π‘ Dress modestly and comfortably, find out where to leave your footwear, keep your phone and bag secure, and queue without pushing. Ask the price first when anyone offers offerings or arranges a puja. These are our general tips, not temple rules.
π‘ Days like Kali Puja and amavasya tend to be crowded, so fix your route back and a meeting spot with your group in advance.
Questions
- Kalighat temple timings
- We found no official source for timings, so we give no numbers. Check locally before you go.
- How far is Kalighat temple from Kalighat metro?
- No distance is printed in our sources, but the temple is listed as a landmark near the station's Entry/Exit 1.
- Is Kalighat a Shakti Peetha?
- Yes, it is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India; the toes of Sati's right foot are said to have fallen here.
- When was Kalighat temple built?
- The present structure was completed in 1809; construction began in 1798.
See also
Kali Puja 2026Kali Puja and DiwaliNaihati Boro MaaKali Puja at TarapithDurga Puja 2027Calendar 2027Kolkata pujas