TEMPLES IN KOLKATA: THE SACRED SHRINES OFFERING A SPIRITUAL REFUGE

Temples in India are one of the finest examples of beautiful architectural designs and they play an important role in maintaining the rich culture of this country. Kolkata is a place which is known for its vibrant colours and cultural values, as a result, you will see a number of temples in Kolkata, the city of joy.

The more interesting thing to know about temples in Kolkata is the fact that there are 33 crores of deities in Hinduism, and you can find almost half of them here in these pilgrimage shrines. Every famous temple in Kolkata holds its own significance and you can visit any of them to witness the rich and divine history of Hinduism. Here are a few renowned temples in Kolkata to visit on your next trip to the city. 

Remember that these temples are revered and a huge number of devotees come here to seek blessings. It is very important to dress modestly and maintain silence while you are on the premises. The temple priests of Kolkata stress these points very often. 

While you are in the city of joy, book your affordable accommodation at Hotels in Kolkata for an elevated travel experience.

Read on to find out about the gorgeous temples in Kolkata.

12 Divine and Spiritual Temples in Kolkata

1. Kalighat Kali Temple

Kalighat Temple or the Kolkata Kali Mata mandir is one of the biggest attractions for devotees coming from different parts of the country. The Kolkata Kali Mata mandir is also regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India.

It is also believed by the local people, that the idol of Goddess Kali is the most vital and coruscating idol of all time. Many pilgrims visit this pious destination to seek the blessings of Goddess Kali.

• Location: Kolkata Kali Mata mandir is located in Anami Sangha
• Timings: 5 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10:30 PM
• Places to visit : Hotels near Kalighat Kali Temple Kolkata

Suggested to Read : Places to Visit in Kolkata within 50 kms

2. Birla Mandir

This is another famous temple in Kolkata city which you can visit. The construction was started by the Birla family in the year 1970 and took almost 26 years in the completion of this marvellous structure.

When the deity’s idol was sculpted, the internet was on fire with searches about Birla mandir God images Kolkata. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of Lord Krishna, seeing how the Birlas were known to pay keen attention to the details. Apart from the search for Birla Mandir God images Kolkata, the internet also saw an overwhelming spike in ticket bookings to Kolkata city when the construction of the temple finally concluded.  

The amazing architectural design is another highlight of this temple, which highly resembles the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. This is one of the few temples in Kolkata where a number of devotees can be seen here on Krishna Janmashtami.

• Location: Old Ballygunge Road
• Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Places to visit : Hotels near Birla Mandir Kolkata

3. Mira Mandir

Located in the centre of this beautiful city, this famous temple in Kolkata is another sacred site that’s worth your time. Mira Mandir is dedicated to Saint Mira who was a devotee of Lord Krishna.

This is one of the best temples in Kolkata to visit at the time of Janmashtami, especially at Midnight.  At this time a lot of people from different parts gather to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. They place the Lord on a cradle and gently move it, singing the ethereal melodies of Mira bai. 

• Location: Moira St
• Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM

4. Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, this is another Hindu Temple which you can visit in Kolkata. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Bhavatarini, another form of Kali. Rani Rashmoni who was the devotee of Kali built this temple in 1855.

Built on 20 acres of land, the interior of the temple is another attraction for the devotees. It consists of nine spires of Bengal architecture in a three-story structure.

• Location: Dakshineswar
• Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
• Places to visit : Hotels near Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata

5. Taraknath Temple

Built in 1729, this is one of the oldest temples of Kolkata. This Shiv mandir in Kolkata is one of the busiest places that you can go to. The devotee crowd is always intense, irrespective of festivals or religious occasions. 

Many devotees visit this Shiv mandir in Kolkata throughout the year for a reason. It is because the idol of the deity here is said to have the power to grant any wishes that the pilgrims ask for. All you have to do is meditate or seek the blessings of the Lord with a pure heart. You will see a humongous crowd in this Shiv temple in Kolkata on occasions like Shivaratri and Gajan.

Thousands of people reach this place to attend the special prayers. The roads are usually blocked during these festival seasons and tight police security will be allocated to avoid mishaps. 

• Location: This Shiv temple in Kolkata is located on Taraknath Mandir Rd
• Timings: 6 AM to 1:30 PM, 4 PM to 7 PM

6. Lake Kalibari

Established in the year 1949, the Lake Kalibari temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali where people worship Goddess Karunamoyee, another aspect of Kali.

One less-known fact about this temple is that the actual name of this temple is Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kali Mata Mandir in Kolkata, but it is more famously known as Lake Kalibiri. Seek the blessings in the temple’s sacred presence.

• Location: Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir
• Timings: 6 AM to 12:130 PM, 3:30 PM to 9 PM

7. Chinese Kali Temple

This temple is the perfect example of maintaining peace all over the country. The Chinese Kali Temple is another dedication to the Goddess Kali, where lots of devotees reach to worship but with Chinese rituals.

Here at this peaceful destination, you will see Chinese priests who are running the temple and offering local dishes of China as prasad to the visitors of this temple.

• Location: Matheswartala Road
• Timings: 5 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10:30 PM

8. Agni Mandir

Established in 1912, Agni Mandir Kolkata is a religious shrine built for the Parsi pilgrims, where they can visit to worship the Fire God. Being the most famous religious place for the Parsis, this place also plays an important role in different special occasions of this community.

One of the pious temples in Kolkata, Agni mandir, is also known for the fine architectural design it displays. At the top floor of the Agni Mandir Kolkata, a constantly burning fire can be spotted. It is said to be a divine miracle and people flock to Agni Mandir Kolkata to witness this marvel. 

• Location: Metcalfe Lane
• Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM

Also Read : Things Kolkata is Famous for

9. Thanthania Kalibari

The Thanthania Kalibari Durga is one of the temples in Kolkata was founded in the year 1803 by Shankar Ghosh. This is the main Durga Mandir in Kolkata. You can visit this temple to worship another form of Goddess Durga, which is known as Siddheshwari.

There is a special prayer known as Kali Puja, which attracts a large number of pilgrims. This special prayer at the Durga Mandir Kolkata is unlike what you see elsewhere and happens at night. At Thanthania Kalibari Durga Mandir in Kolkata, there is a clay image of Goddess Durga which is changed every year by a new one. It is believed that the positive radiations emitted from the idol during prayers deplete the lifespan of the clay and that is why a yearly change becomes necessary. 

• Location: College Street Market
• Timings: 6 AM to 11 AM, 3 PM to 7 PM

10. ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple

If you are looking for temples in Kolkata where you can worship Lord Krishna and Radha, then this is the most famous place from where you can seek the blessing. Built in 1970, the temple is also known with the name of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir.

This is one of the temples in Kolkata that celebrates the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. The temple community frequently organizes many different events throughout the year which is the reason you will see a regular buzz at this temple. Here, the prayers involve dancing to the tunes and hymns of God, celebrating the life that was bestowed upon us by the Almighty.

• Location: Albert Road
• Timings: 4:30 AM 1 PM, 4 PM to 8:30 PM

Must Read : Weekend Destinations near Kolkata within 100 Kms

11. Calcutta Jain Temple

One of the famous tourist attractions of Kolkata is the Calcutta Jain Temple, which a lot of people visit every year. The is among the temples in Kolkata known for their splendid architecture and intricate sculptures. It is also known as Parshwanath Temple and was established in 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim.

Calcutta Jain Temple is not only about the Parshwanath, as you can also worship 4 other different avatars. The temple witnesses a good amount of Jain pilgrims throughout the year.

• Location: Badridas Temple Street
• Timings: 6 AM to 11:30 AM, 3 PM to 7 PM

12. Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir

This holy structure is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman, popularly known as the symbol of strength. Sri Bal Hanuman Mandir in Kolkata is also one of the most famous temples in Kolkata to visit during Hanuman Jayanthi and Sri Ram Navami. This is where a huge number of devotees can be spotted at almost every time of the year.

What makes it more special is the fact that this Hanuman mandir in Kolkata also attracts a large number of Jain and Buddhist pilgrims who also worship Lord Hanuman and his different forms. 

• Location: Lake Town
• Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

People assume that visiting temples in Kolkata mean that they have to visit a Durga temple in Kolkata, offer prayers, and head out. Yes, the city is famous for the Durga temple Kolkata but other important shrines hail Goddess Kali, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Shri Krishna and Lord Ram. 

Kolkata is always a great place to visit and when it comes to exploring India’s ethnic heritage. This is the place which can never disappoint the visitors. Spirituality in this part of the world is a must-have experience for all religious people. Even if you are not religious, visiting the temples in Kolkata, the ones with eye-catching architecture is definitely a treat! 

If you are not from Kolkata and want to visit this amazing place for a religious experience, you can come to the city of joy anytime you want. The locals will guide you through the temples of Kolkata, tell you all about their religious history, and also lead you to the lip-smackingly good local food joints!  

Have you visited all these temples in Kolkata before? How was the experience? Comment below and let us know how you felt exploring the marvellous city.