Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata for 2026 Timings, Aarti,Procedure

The Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the most sacred and important pilgrimage sites in Kolkata, West Bengal. This ancient temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, a powerful network of shrines dedicated to the Divine Feminine. The legend states that following the self-immolation of Goddess Sati, her grieving husband, Lord Shiva, carried her body across the universe. To pacify Shiva’s cosmic dance of destruction, Lord Vishnu used his discus to cut Sati’s body into pieces. The spots where these pieces fell became the Shakti Peethas . It is believed that the right toes of Sati fell at Kalighat, establishing it as a seat of immense spiritual power .

The present temple structure, built in the traditional Bengali Aat-Chala (eight-roofed) style, is about 200 years old, constructed between 1809 and 1814 by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family . However, references to the sacred site are found in texts from as early as the 15th century . The temple is located on the banks of what was once the Adi Ganga, an old course of the Hooghly River, and gives the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) its name .

The primary deity is Goddess Kali, worshipped here in a unique and awe-inspiring form. The idol, carved from a single piece of black stone, is distinct from common depictions. It shows the goddess with three large eyes, a long, protruding golden tongue, and four golden arms. Two arms hold a sword and a severed head, symbolizing the destruction of ego by divine knowledge, while the other two are in abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (blessing) mudras, offering protection and boons to her devotees .

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Kalighat Kali Temple: 2026 Overview

Aspect	Details
Deity	Goddess Kali (as a Shakti Peetha of Devi Sati)
Location	132, Rashbehari Ave, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
Significance	One of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas
Major Festival (2026)	Kali Puja is expected to fall on Sunday, November 8, 2026
Other Major Festivals	Durga Puja, Snan Yatra (Bathing Festival), Bengali New Year (Poila Boishakh)
Contact Information	Phone: +91-33-2460-3484

Daily Darshan Timings for 2026

The temple follows a daily schedule with a significant afternoon break. It is essential to plan your visit accordingly. Please note that these timings may change slightly on major festival days.

Session	Timings
Morning Darshan	5:00 AM / 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Temple Break (For Bhog)	2:00 PM to 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM / 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Special Sevas, Pujas, and Price Offerings

Devotees can perform various special rituals, or sevas, at the temple. These sevas are performed by the temple priests on your behalf and have specific associated costs. It is highly recommended to book these in advance. Important Note: The temple is under the Government of West Bengal, and there is currently no single dedicated official website for all bookings. Information should be verified upon arrival .

Seva / Puja Name	Approximate Cost (INR)	Significance / Details
Kalash Puja	₹ 501 – ₹ 1001	A foundational ritual involving the worship of a sanctified pot, often performed for auspicious beginnings.
Navratri Pooja	₹ 1001 – ₹ 2501	Special worship conducted over the nine nights of the Navratri festival.
Shodashopachara Puja	₹ 2001 – ₹ 5001	A comprehensive ritual involving 16 traditional steps of offering.
Homa / Yagna	₹ 5001 and above	A sacred fire ritual, considered one of the most potent forms of worship.
General Offerings	Varies	Devotees commonly offer red hibiscus flowers, coconuts, sweets, and sarees to the Goddess.

How to Reach the Temple

Kalighat Temple is located in a busy part of south Kolkata and is well-connected by various modes of transport.

By Metro (Recommended): The Kolkata Metro is the fastest and most convenient way. The nearest station is Kalighat Metro Station on the North-South Line. The temple is a short 10-minute walk from the station.
By Road: You can hire a taxi, app-based cab, or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in the city. Buses are also plentiful; look for routes heading towards Kalighat, Rashbehari, or Hazra.
By Air: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is about 22 km away. From the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi or cab to the temple.
By Train: The Howrah Junction and Sealdah Station are the two main railway hubs. From there, you can take the metro, a taxi, or a bus to Kalighat.

How to Book Darshan and Seva Tickets

Crucial Information: As the temple is managed by a government-appointed committee, there is no single official online booking portal for regular darshan or all sevas. The process is primarily offline.

For General Darshan: No booking is required. Devotees join the queue during darshan hours. Expect long waiting times, especially on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and during festivals.
For Special Sevas/Pujas: Booking for rituals like Homa or Shodashopachara Puja is typically done on-site at the temple’s administrative office or through authorized priests. It is advisable to visit the temple a day before your intended seva to inquire, register, and make the necessary payment.
Online Services: Some third-party websites offer to perform pujas on your behalf and send prasad. These are private agencies and not the official temple administration. For a direct and authentic experience, on-site arrangement is best.

Nearby Attractions in Basic English

After your temple visit, you can explore other interesting places nearby in Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial: A very big, beautiful white marble museum and garden. It looks like a palace and tells the history of Kolkata.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: A large, peaceful church with pretty stained-glass windows. It is close to Victoria Memorial.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Another famous Kali temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is connected to the saint Sri Ramakrishna.
Howrah Bridge: A giant steel bridge over the Hooghly River. It is an icon of the city, especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Indian Museum: The oldest and largest museum in India. You can see old sculptures, paintings, and even Egyptian mummies here.

Important Instructions for Visitors

Following temple etiquette ensures a smooth and respectful visit for everyone.

Dress Code: Modest, traditional, or conservative clothing is required and strictly enforced. Avoid shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, or any revealing attire. Dressing respectfully is a sign of devotion.
Footwear: Removing footwear is mandatory. Paid shoe-keeping facilities are available outside the temple premises.
Photography: Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple main complex and sanctum sanctorum..
Security and Vigilance: The temple area can be very crowded. Be aware of your belongings and be cautious of unauthorized individuals posing as guides or priests who may demand extra money.
Offerings: You can purchase approved offerings like flowers and prasad from the shops outside. It is customary not to enter the temple empty-handed.

Accommodation Options Near Kalighat

Kolkata offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Here are some options in different areas:

Area / Type	Budget Range	Key Features
Hotels near Sudder Street & Park Street	Budget to Mid-Range	Tourist hub, many restaurants, good connectivity to major sights.
Hotels in Ballygunge & Gariahat	Mid-Range	Residential and shopping area, close to Kalighat, good local markets.
Business Hotels in EM Bypass	Mid-Range to Luxury	Modern hotels, slightly farther but well-connected by road.
Heritage Hotels in North Kolkata	Luxury	Restored historical mansions (rajbaris) offering a unique cultural experience.

Dos and Don’ts at the Temple

Dos	Don’ts
Do dress in modest, traditional attire.	Don’t wear leather items (belts, wallets) into the inner sanctum.
Do arrive early in the morning for a less crowded darshan.	Don’t carry valuables or large amounts of cash in the crowded area.
Do maintain silence and decorum inside the temple premises.	Don’t argue with or encourage unauthorized guides[tation:8].
Do follow the instructions of temple staff and security personnel.	Don’t litter; use the designated bins to keep the sacred space clean.
Do perform rituals with sincere devotion and respect.	Don’t try to take photos or videos where it is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Temple

What is the best time to visit Kalighat Temple?
The best time for a visit is early in the morning right at opening time (5:00 AM). This allows for a relatively quicker darshan with smaller crowds. The winter months (October to March) offer more pleasant weather for waiting in line.

What is special about the Kali idol at Kalighat?
The idol is unique. It is made from a single piece of black stone and depicts Goddess Kali with three eyes and a long golden tongue. Her four hands hold a sword and a severed head (symbolizing the destruction of ego) while also offering blessings and protection, showing her fierce yet compassionate nature .

Can I attend the Aarti ceremony?
Yes, devotees can witness the Aarti. The main evening Aarti (Sandhya Aarti) usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Arrive well in advance to secure a spot with a good view.

Is animal sacrifice still performed at the temple?
Yes, animal sacrifice (bali) is still practiced at Kalighat as a part of the ancient Tantric rituals, usually on specific days and festivals. The sacrifice is performed at a designated area called Harkath Tala. Visitors should be aware of this tradition.

Are there any other temples inside the complex?
Yes. The main Kali temple is accompanied by a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nakuleshwar Bhairav, who is traditionally worshipped alongside the Goddess at Shakti Peethas . There is also a temple for Radha-Krishna, known as the Shamo-ray temple