Kalighat Kali Temple

The Basics

Because of the presence of large crowds and a daily goat sacrifice near Kalighat Kali Temple, visiting can be potentially overwhelming for some visitors. Coming with a guide or as part of a tour can be helpful for navigating the site and learning about the significance behind traditions. Several private and small-group tours visit the temple in conjunction with other Kolkata places of worship, such as Nakhoda Mosque and Beth El Synagogue.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Kalighat Kali Temple is a must-visit for Kali devotees or anyone interested in Hindu tradition.

• The goat sacrifice that takes place at this site daily may be upsetting to children and sensitive people.

• The temple is not wheelchair-accessible and can get crowded during peak times.

• As with most religious spots in India, guests are required to remove their shoes before entering.

When to Get There

The temple is open daily from 5am to 2pm and again from 5pm to roughly 10:30pm. Prayer ceremonies known as aartis are held in the morning and evening around sunrise and sunset. Crowds are generally smaller first thing in the morning and right before the temple closes.

How to Get There

Kalighat Kali Temple is located in the neighborhood of Kalighat, about a 10-minute walk from the Kalighat metro station. The area is dotted with temples, and Kalighat Kali Temple is a 2-minute walk from Mother Teresa's Home for the Sick and Dying Destitute. The neighborhood is just southwest of the Ballygunge area and south of the sprawling Maidan, home to the Victoria Memorial, and tourist-friendly Park Street.

The Legend of Kalighat

According to myth, as Lord Shiva was performing a dance of destruction with the corpse of Kali on his shoulders, her body was sliced into several pieces and scattered across the land. Kalighat Kali Temple is said to have been built where a toe from her right foot landed.