Rebuilt in 1809 on the site of much older temple, Kalighat (as it is also known) is the actual temple from which kalikata (anglicized to Calcutta) takes its name and is an ancient center of Hindu pilgrimage. The architecture is of typical medieval Bengal style. According to legand, when Shiva's wife's corpse was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. Since then it has been an important pilgrimage site and is always extremely busy. Despite industrialization and commercial activity that has given Calcutta a new look, the Kali temple remains unchanged, attracting a larger number of pilgrims and visitors every day. Visitors to the temple recieve as 'prasad' a vermillion paste , the symbol of Kali, to wear on the foreheads as a tilak. Mother teresa's hospital for the Dying Destitute is right next door to the temple and volunteers and travelers are welcome to visit. The temple is 2Km south of St Paul's Cathedral and is easily accessible by Metro (Kalighat Station).

Kolkata Tourist Attraction

Victoria Memorial   Howrah Bridge Eden Gardens Saheed Minar Vidyasagar Setu
Birla Planetarium Kali Temple Nicco Park Science City Indian Museum Zoological Gardens
Rabindra Sadan Botanical Gardens Birla Mandir Tagore House Nalban