Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the toes of the right foot of Sati fell after being severed from her corpse carried by Shiva. It is an ancient site of Hindu worship dedicated to the goddess Kali, located in Kolkata, West Bengal. The temple is significant for its religious value and is a revered pilgrimage spot for devotees.
Kalighat Kali Temple is easily accessible from any part of Kolkata. Visitors can take a metro and alight at the Kalighat station. From there, it's a short walk to the temple. Buses and taxis are also available for those coming from different areas of the city.
The temple usually opens around 5 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m., with a break in the afternoon from around 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. However, these timings may vary on special occasions and festivals, so it's a good idea to check before visiting.
Kali Puja, which coincides with Diwali, is the most significant festival celebrated at the temple. During this time, the temple sees a surge in the number of devotees. Other important rituals include daily aarti and offerings to the deity. Tuesdays and Saturdays are particularly auspicious days for worship at Kalighat.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple premises. Devotees and tourists are advised to respect the sanctity of the temple and refrain from taking any photographs.
Basic facilities like drinking water, shoe stands, and sanitation facilities are available for tourists. Additionally, shops surrounding the temple sell religious artifacts and offerings. However, given the temple's significance and the number of visitors, it's advisable to take care of your belongings due to the crowded nature of the area.
Yes, foreign tourists are welcome to visit Kalighat Kali Temple. They should follow the same codes of conduct as other visitors, such as dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering the temple premises.
No, there is no entry fee for visitors to Kalighat Kali Temple. However, if you wish to perform any special pujas or rituals, there might be some associated charges.
Visitors are advised to wear modest attire that is appropriate for a place of worship. Traditional Indian clothing is common, but not mandatory. It's important to cover shoulders and knees and to remove shoes before entering the main temple.
Yes, there are several local eateries and street food vendors near the temple selling traditional Bengali cuisine and snacks. Visitors can also find restaurants serving a range of Indian and international dishes in the vicinity.
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