Thanthania Kalibari is a Hindu temple devoted to Goddess Kali, revered as the foremost among the ten Mahavidyas in the Tantric tradition and the supreme deity in the Kalikula sect of worship.

Recognized as one of the oldest Kali temples in Kolkata, the goddess is venerated here in the form of “Maa Siddheshwari.” Situated on Bidhan Sarani in Kolkata, West Bengal, the temple draws hundreds of devotees, especially during significant occasions such as Kali Puja, Kaushiki Amavasya, and Phalaharini Amavasya.

History:

The Thanthania Kalibari temple was originally established in 1703 by a tantric practitioner named Uday Narayan Brahmachari, on what was then a shmashana (cremation ground). The clay idol of the presiding deity, Maa Siddheshwari, was initially crafted by Brahmachari himself. Due to limited resources, the temple was first constructed with mud walls and a palm-leaf thatched roof. At the time, the area was deep within the forests of the villages Gobindapur and Sutanuti—long before the city of Calcutta came into existence. As travelers passed through the forest paths near the temple, they would hear the ringing of the temple bells, making a distinct “than-than” sound, which gave the temple its name, “Thanthania.”

In 1806, the current structure of Thanthania Kalibari was re-established by a businessman named Shankar Ghosh. As part of the temple’s revival, he also constructed the ath-chala Pushpeswar Shiv Mandir within the complex. Ghosh took personal responsibility for the daily worship of the deity, a tradition that continues to this day through his descendants, who serve as sevayets (caretakers and priests) of the temple. Notably, Shankar Ghosh’s grandson, Swami Subhodhananda, was a direct disciple of the 19th-century mystic Sri Ramakrishna.

According to local legends, Sri Ramakrishna would often stay near this temple during his visits to the Gobindapur-Sutanuti area. He was known to sing devotional songs to Maa Siddheshwari here and deliver spiritual teachings to the local people. One of his famous sayings inside the temple—“Shankarer hridoy majhe, Kali biraje” (Maa Kali resides within the heart of Shankar)—has been inscribed on the temple walls. His presence and devotion are believed to have spiritually energized the temple, further deepening its sacred significance.

Maa Siddheswari:

At Thanthania Kalibari, Maa Kali is worshipped in the form of “Maa Siddheshwari.” Depicted with a dark complexion, the goddess has four arms, each bearing a symbolic object that conveys profound spiritual meanings. In her upper left hand, she holds a khara (sword), while her lower left hand carries a narakpal (severed head), representing the destruction of ego and ignorance. Her upper right hand is raised in the aashirvad mudra, offering blessings and assurance to her devotees, and her lower right hand is positioned in the barada mudra, symbolizing the granting of boons.

Though adorned with a few pieces of gold jewelry, the deity is primarily decorated with silver ornaments, enhancing her divine and majestic presence.

Worship of deity:

Currently, the idol of Maa Siddheshwari is reconstructed annually and painted in shades of red and black. Tuesdays and Saturdays are regarded as especially auspicious for visiting the temple. The temple itself is over 300 years old, while the tradition of the idol is believed to be even older.

The temple remains open all seven days of the week. Each day, it opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 11:00 a.m., reopening at 3:00 p.m. and remaining accessible to devotees until 8:00 p.m. As a Tantric temple, all rituals are conducted according to Tantric traditions. Animal sacrifice, a significant aspect of these rites, is still practiced during every new moon night (Amavasya) and on the occasion of Kali Puja.

On different Amavasyas throughout the year, the goddess is worshipped in various forms. During the month of Jaishtha, she is honored as “Phalaharini” during Phalaharini Puja. In the month of Kartika, she takes the form of “Aadikali” in the Aadikali Puja, and in the month of Magha, she is venerated as “Ratanti Kali” during Ratanti Kali Puja. On Kali Puja day, observed during Kartik Amavasya and Krishnapaksha tithi, the goddess is worshipped in her form as “Siddheswari.” While devotees flock to the temple year-round, Kali Puja sees the largest gatherings.

Prasad:

Thanthania Kalibari is one of the few Kali temples in India, where non-veg prasad is offered to the deity. Although non-veg prasad is offered for the whole year, veg prasad is offered on the days “Dipannwita Amavasya Kali Puja” and “Phalaharini Amavasya Kali Puja”.

The ritual of providing non-veg prasad started by Ramakrishna Paramahansa. He gave puja to Maa Siddheswari with the offerings of “dab-chingri”, praying for the quick recovery of Brahmananda Keshav Chandra Sen. That day onwards, the ritual of offering non-veg as prasad has been followed. When Ramakrishnadev fell sick while his stay at Shyamapukur, his followers prayed at the temple to Maa Siddheswari for his quick recovery, while serving non-veg prasad to the deity.

Thantania Kalibari is a part of the Temple & Spiritual Trail tour of Trips & Tours. To book a tour Call or WhatsApp +91-801 777 9999 / 033-69029544

Belur Math serves as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, both founded by Swami Vivekananda, the foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Situated on the western bank of the Hooghly River in Belur, West Bengal, India, the Math was established in January 1897 following Swami Vivekananda’s return to India from Colombo, accompanied by a small group of disciples.

Upon his return, Swami Vivekananda initiated two major spiritual centers—one at Belur and the other at Mayavati in Almora, located in the Himalayas, known as Advaita Ashrama. Belur Math has since become the spiritual and organizational center of the Ramakrishna movement.

The temple at Belur Math is especially renowned for its distinctive architecture, which harmoniously blends elements of Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian design—a powerful representation of the unity of all religions. To facilitate access for pilgrims and visitors, the Belur Math railway station was inaugurated in 2003, named in honor of the temple.

History:

In early 1897, Swami Vivekananda returned to Baranagar, Calcutta, accompanied by a small group of his Western disciples. That same year, he established two monasteries—one at Belur, which would go on to become the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, and another at Mayavati in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayas, known as Advaita Ashrama. These centers were founded to receive and train young aspirants who would eventually take monastic vows (sannyasa) and serve the Ramakrishna Mission. In the same year, the Mission also initiated its philanthropic efforts by organizing famine relief operations.

Before attending the Parliament of Religions, Swami Vivekananda spent years as a parivrajaka (wandering monk), journeying across India and visiting numerous architectural marvels such as the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, the royal palaces of Rajasthan, and ancient temples in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other regions. During his travels abroad in America and Europe, he encountered buildings designed in various styles, including Modern, Medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance. These architectural experiences greatly influenced the conceptual design of the Belur Math temple.

The temple’s design was executed by Swami Vijnanananda, a monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and a civil engineer before his renunciation. He brought Swami Vivekananda’s vision to life, incorporating the ideas of both Vivekananda and Swami Shivananda. The foundation stone was laid by Swami Shivananda, then President of Belur Math, on 13 March 1929. The massive construction project was undertaken by Martin Burn & Co.

Belur Math is often described as “A Symphony in Architecture,” reflecting its seamless blend of diverse styles and spiritual symbolism. The Math is easily accessible via direct EMU train services from Howrah, by ferry across the Hooghly River, and by road.

Campus of Belur Math:

The 16-hectare (40-acre) campus of Belur Math, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, features temples dedicated to Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, each enshrining their sacred relics, along with the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order. The campus also includes a museum showcasing artifacts related to the history of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Adjacent to Belur Math lies a large campus that houses several educational institutions affiliated with the Ramakrishna Mission, including the Ramakrishna Mission Shilpamandira. Belur Math is not only a significant pilgrimage site for devotees but also a prominent tourist destination near Kolkata. Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam recognized Belur Math as a “place of heritage and national importance.”

Sri Ramakrishna Temple:

The design of the temple at Belur Math was envisioned by Swami Vivekananda and executed by Swami Vijnanananda, a direct monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. It was consecrated on January 14, 1938, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.

The Ramakrishna Temple at Belur Math was crafted to symbolize the unity of India’s diverse religious traditions. Depending on the angle from which it is viewed, the temple resembles a Hindu temple, a mosque, or a Christian church. Drawing architectural elements from various religious styles, the temple reflects the ideals of “universal faith” upheld by the Ramakrishna Movement and serves as a prime example of how religious values can be expressed through physical space.

The main entrance is inspired by Buddhist architecture, echoing the design of the Sanchi Stupa and the Ajanta Caves. Towering above, the structure is modeled after South Indian temple towers. Inside, the windows and balconies integrate Rajput and Mughal influences, while the central dome is reminiscent of the Renaissance dome of Florence Cathedral. The layout of the temple follows a cruciform (Christian cross) ground plan.

Standing 34.3 meters (112.5 feet) tall and spanning 3,060 square meters (32,900 sq ft), the temple is mainly constructed from Chunar stone, with cement used in parts of the façade. The towering entrance evokes a South Indian gopuram, and flanking pillars are designed in Buddhist style. The three umbrella-like domes on top, in Rajput-Mughal fashion, reflect the thatched roofs typical of Kamarpukur, Ramakrishna’s native village.

The circular entry combines Ajanta and Hindu styles and houses the Ramakrishna Order’s emblem beneath a symbolic Shiva lingam. The attached natmandir (assembly hall) evokes St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, with Doric-style pillars and brackets reminiscent of the Meenakshi Temple. The ornate pillars also reflect the Orissan tradition.

Above the natmandir, hanging balconies and window designs show strong Mughal influence, inspired by Fatehpur Sikri. The circumambulatory path around the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) blends Buddhist chaitya and Christian church elements. Statues of the Navagrahas are carved into a semi-circular arch outside the temple, and the golden kalasha (finial) atop the temple sits above a blooming lotus. The architecture of the domes draws from Islamic, Rajput, Bengal terracotta, and Lingaraja temple styles. Eastern and western entrances resemble the ornate gateways of Gwalior Fort’s Manmandir, adorned with images of Ganesha and Hanuman.

At the heart of the sanctum is a life-sized statue of Sri Ramakrishna seated on a lotus of a hundred petals atop a damaru-shaped marble pedestal, which houses his sacred relics. Swans at the base symbolize the Paramatman (Supreme Soul). The statue was sculpted by the renowned Gopeswar Pal, and the temple’s artistic decorations were designed by the celebrated artist Nandalal Bose. All doors, windows, and the canopy above the deity are crafted from premium teakwood imported from Myanmar.

Swami Vivekananda Temple:

The Swami Vivekananda Temple stands on the very spot where Swami Vivekananda’s mortal remains were cremated in 1902. The temple was consecrated on January 28, 1924. In its upper storey, it features an alabaster inscription of the sacred symbol “OM” in Bengali script. Adjacent to the temple is a bel (bilva) tree, planted in the place of the original one under which Swami Vivekananda often meditated and near which, in accordance with his wishes, his body was laid to rest.

On July 4, 1902, the day of his passing, Swami Vivekananda spent the morning at Belur Math teaching Vedanta philosophy to a few students. Later, he took a walk with his brother-disciple Swami Premananda, during which he shared guidance about the future of the Ramakrishna Math. That evening, following a session of prayer, he passed away peacefully at the age of 39—fulfilling his own prediction that he would not live to see his fortieth year.

Holy Mother’s temple:

The Holy Mother’s Temple at Belur Math is dedicated to Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna. Located near the entrance of the Math, the temple stands on the sacred spot where her mortal remains were cremated. It was formally consecrated on July 21, 1920.

Swami Brahmananda’s temple:

Another temple, dedicated to Swami Brahmananda—a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the first president of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission—is located near the Holy Mother’s temple.

This temple was constructed on the very spot where Swami Brahmananda was cremated, and the work was completed over a span of two years. It houses a marble image of Swami Brahmananda. The construction cost of ₹40,000 was borne by Shyam Ghosh, a devoted disciple of Swami Brahmananda and the son of Navagopal Ghosh, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. The temple was consecrated by Swami Shivananda on 7 February 1924.

Ramakrishna Museum:

The renowned two-storey Ramakrishna Museum preserves and showcases numerous personal artifacts used by Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and several of his close disciples. Notable exhibits include Swami Vivekananda’s long coat worn during his travels in the West, Sister Nivedita’s table, and a harmonium once owned by Mrs. Sevier. The museum offers a vivid portrayal of the evolution of the Ramakrishna Movement and the socio-cultural landscape of Bengal during that era.

A highlight of the museum is a realistic reconstruction of the Panchavati—the sacred cluster of five trees at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple where Ramakrishna practiced intense spiritual disciplines. Among the many artifacts on display are the black stone bowl from which Ramakrishna ate payasam during his final days while suffering from throat cancer, and the pillow he used during his last months in a house in Calcutta. That same room, where Ramakrishna distributed ochre robes to twelve disciples and appointed Narendranath (later Vivekananda) as their leader, is recreated with a life-sized model of him blessing his disciples, wearing his actual footwear.

The room at Dakshineswar where Ramakrishna lived has also been faithfully reproduced, displaying his clothing, personal items, the tanpura used by Vivekananda to sing for his Master, and two charcoal drawings sketched by Ramakrishna himself.

An exhibit depicts Sarada Devi’s pilgrimage to Chennai, Madurai, and Bangalore in 1911, along with articles she used during the journey. The museum also features a striking replica of Swami Vivekananda standing before the Chicago Art Institute, commemorating his iconic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893. Nearby is a letter from Jamsetji Tata, who traveled with Swamiji, acknowledging how their meeting inspired the founding of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

Other remarkable displays include the original wooden staircase and lotus-themed woodwork from Victoria Public Hall in Chennai, where Vivekananda delivered powerful speeches. The museum also honors Miss Josephine MacLeod, an American admirer who met Swamiji in 1895 and devoted four decades to serving India and supporting the movement. This section features a crystal figurine of Vivekananda crafted by the celebrated French jeweler René Lalique.

Belur Math is a part of the Temple & Spiritual Trail tour of Trips & Tours. To book a tour Call or WhatsApp +91-801 777 9999 / 033-69029544.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple or Dakshineswar Kalibari is a Hindu navaratna style temple in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini (Kali), a form of Mahadevi or Parashakti Adya Kali, otherwise known as Adishakti Kalika. The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a zamindar (feudal lord), and a devotee of Kali. The temple is associated with Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi, mystics of 19th century Bengal.

The main temple was inspired by Radhakanta temple in Tollygunge, built by Babu Ramnath Mondal of the Bawali Raj family. The temple compound, apart from the nine-spired main temple, contains a large courtyard surrounding the temple, with rooms along the boundary walls. There are twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, Kali’s consort, along the riverfront, a temple to Radha–Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river, a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. ‘Nahabat’, the chamber in the northwestern corner just beyond the last of the Shiva temples, is where Ramakrishna and Maa Sarada spent a considerable part of their lives.

History:

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple was established in the mid-19th century by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a member of the Mahishya community, widely respected for her charitable work. In 1847, she planned a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Kashi to pay homage to the Divine Mother. Her entourage was to travel in twenty-four boats, carrying family members, attendants, and supplies. However, on the eve of her journey, Rani Rashmoni reportedly had a divine vision in a dream, where the goddess Kali appeared and said:

“There is no need to go to Banaras. Build a beautiful temple on the banks of the Ganges and install my image there. I will manifest in that image and receive worship at that place.”

Deeply moved by this divine message, Rani Rashmoni abandoned her travel plans and instead sought land for the temple. She acquired a 12,000-hectare (30,000-acre) plot in the village of Dakshineswar, including an 8.1-hectare (20-acre) tract purchased from an Englishman named Jake Hastie. The land, then known as Saheban Bagicha, was partially an old Muslim burial ground shaped like a tortoise—a form considered auspicious for Shakti worship according to Tantric traditions.

Construction of the grand temple complex began in 1847 and took eight years to complete, at a cost of approximately ₹900,000. On 31 May 1855, the idol of Goddess Kali was consecrated during Snana Yatra, and the temple—originally named Sri Sri Jagadishwari Kali—was inaugurated in a festive ceremony. Ramkumar Chhattopadhyay was appointed the first head priest. His younger brother, Gadadhar (later known as Sri Ramakrishna), soon joined him, along with his nephew Hriday. Over 100,000 Brahmins from across India were invited to the inauguration ceremony.

The following year, after the passing of Ramkumar, Ramakrishna was appointed as the new priest. His spiritual presence drew growing numbers of devotees to the temple. His wife, Sarada Devi, later resided in a small room on the ground floor of the Nahabat (music room) on the southern side, which is now a shrine in her honor.

Rani Rashmoni lived for only five years and nine months after the temple’s inauguration. In 1861, as her health declined, she ensured the temple’s continued upkeep by transferring ownership of property she held in Dinajpur (now in Bangladesh) to the temple trust. She finalized this transfer on 18 February 1861 and passed away the following day. After her death, her sons-in-law began holding Durga Puja celebrations in their respective households.

Architecture:

Constructed in the navaratna style—characterized by nine spires—the Dakshineswar Temple is a three-storeyed, south-facing structure. The nine spires are arranged across the upper two levels, and the temple stands on a raised platform accessed by a broad flight of stairs. The structure itself measures 14 meters (46 feet) on each side and rises to a height of over 30 meters (100 feet).

At the heart of the temple, in the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), resides the idol of Goddess Kali in her form as Bhavatarini. She is depicted standing atop a supine Lord Shiva. Both deities are enshrined on a thousand-petaled lotus pedestal crafted from silver.

Adjacent to the main temple is a row of twelve identical Shiva temples, designed in the traditional aat-chala style of Bengal architecture. These temples face east and are symmetrically placed on either side of the ghat along the Hooghly River.

To the northeast of the temple complex stands the Vishnu or Radha-Kanta Temple. A flight of steps leads to a columned verandah and into the sanctum, where a silver throne supports a 21.5-inch (550 mm) idol of Lord Krishna alongside a 16-inch (410 mm) idol of Radha.

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is a part of the Temple & Spiritual Trail tour of Trips & Tours. To book a tour Call or WhatsApp +91-801 777 9999 / 033-69029544

Kalighat Kali Temple, located in Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. She is one of the ten Mahavidyas in the Hindu tantric tradition and holds supreme significance in the Kalikula sect of worship. This temple is also recognized as one of the 51 sacred Shakti Pithas across India.

As per ancient texts like the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Kalika Purana, and the Shakti Peetha Stotram, it is believed that the toes of Goddess Sati’s right foot fell at this very spot. This occurred when Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember her body in order to pacify Lord Shiva’s grief-stricken cosmic dance. One of the oldest and most significant shrines in Eastern India, the temple attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year, particularly during major festivals such as Kali Puja, New Year, Poila Baisakh, and various Amavasyas.

Importance and the legend:

The name “Kalighat” is derived from the goddess Kali, who is enshrined in the temple, and the word ghat, meaning riverbank, where the temple stands. Due to the deep-rooted devotion to Maa Kali in this area, the site is also referred to as Kali Kshetra.

According to Hindu mythology, after Sati’s self-immolation, Lord Shiva was consumed by grief and fury, performing the Tandav Nritya—the Dance of Destruction. To save the universe from devastation, Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshan Chakra, slicing Sati’s body into 51 parts, which scattered across the Indian subcontinent, forming the Shakti Pithas. Kalighat is believed to be the sacred spot where the toes of Sati’s right foot, also known as Dakshayani, fell.

History:

The Kalighat Kali temple in its present form is about 200 years old, although it was referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and Kavi Kankan Chandi in the 17th century. The present structure of the temple was completed under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family in 1809. Santosh Roy Chowdhury, a Kali devotee himself, started the construction of the present-day temple in 1798. It took 11 years to complete the construction. The Roy Chowdhurys’ traditional patronage of the deity is disputed. Pilgrims to the site practice a holy dipping event called Snan Yatra in the temple’s Kundupukur tank.

In 1835 Kashinath Roy built a Nat Mandir in the temple square. In 1843 Vaishnavite Uday Narayan Mondal, a member of the Bawali zamindar family, established the present day ShyamRai temple in the Kalighat temple square. In 1858 a Dal Mancha was installed by Madan Gopal Koley for the ShyamRai temple.

Architecture:

The temple is built in the traditional ath-chala style, a hallmark of Bengal temple architecture. Its gabled roofs, known as chala in Bengali, are inspired by the simple thatched huts made of mud and twigs commonly found in rural Bengal.

The main structure is a four-sided building crowned with a truncated dome. It features two tiered roofs with a total of eight sloping surfaces. Both roofs are painted in a metallic silver hue, while the cornice edges are accented in vibrant shades of yellow, red, green, and blue. At the very top, three spires rise, the tallest of which is adorned with a triangular pennant.

The outer walls are decorated with a distinctive diamond-shaped chessboard pattern in alternating green and white. Beneath the ath-chala, the borders are intricately embellished with terracotta carvings depicting various Hindu deities and natural motifs—an iconic feature of traditional Bengali temple design.

Renovation:

In 2024, the 200-year-old Kalighat Temple underwent its first major renovation in the modern era since its founding in 1809. With a total budget of ₹200 crore, the project was largely funded by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, which contributed ₹165 crore, while Mukesh Ambani donated ₹35 crore through the Reliance Foundation as an expression of devotion to Maa Kali.

Rather than altering the original structure or its signature ath-chala style—blending intricate terracotta detailing—the renovation focused on preserving the temple’s architectural heritage. The restoration was led by landscape firm Quintessence, under the guidance of conservation architect Kalyan Chakraborty and artist Tamal Bhattacharya. During the work, they uncovered delicate terracotta art hidden beneath the traditional roofs, which they aimed to conserve while also incorporating new designs harmoniously into the existing structure.

Bhattacharya also discovered numerous terracotta motifs inspired by nature—depictions of flowers, birds, and leaves—that had deteriorated over the past two centuries. Determined to restore the temple’s original charm, he showcased these motifs after renovation as a tribute to the temple’s rich legacy. To aid in this effort, architecture students from Bishnupur, a town renowned for its terracotta artistry, were brought in. Where original motifs were beyond repair, new ones were crafted to maintain continuity.

The temple originally featured 25 different styles of tiles, many of which were inconsistently maintained over time. These were replaced with visually similar tiles using sticker transfers and glazing techniques to achieve a cohesive appearance. The pillars were repainted, and the three spires atop the shikhara were gilded with 50 kg of gold. The tallest spire was also topped with a golden flag, symbolizing the temple’s spiritual prominence.

Additional improvements included the construction of a new wall to separate the bustling market from the main temple complex for better crowd control. Enhanced ventilation systems were installed, and detailed measures were taken to manage water accumulation from belpata leaves, ensuring the longevity and sanctity of the temple.

Kalighat Kali Temple is a part of the Temple & Spiritual Trail tour of Trips & Tours. To book a tour Call or WhatsApp +91-801 777 9999 / 033-69029544