108 Shiva Temples of Kalna West Bengal in Concentric Circles

With 108 Shiva temples at one spot, Kalna definitely deserves the status of temple town of Bardhman district. These 108 Shiva temples in Ambika Kalna houses 108 Shiva Lingas.

Do read: Group of 108 Shiva Temples in 3 Places in India

108 Shiva Temples Kalna Outer Circle

108 Shiva Temples Kalna Outer Circle

108 Shiva Temple Architecture

These temples were built by Teja Chandra Bahadur in 1809 AD. Each temple is a single room like structure. And several such rooms are constructed in a series, they look as if they have been beaded together. The facade is uniformly decorated with terracotta designs. They were given a white coating, wish they had the original terracotta color.

They are constructed in a circular manner in 2 layers. 74 temples in the outer ring has alternate black and white lingas. There are 34 Shiva Temples in the inner circle and they have only white Shiva Lingas.

108 Shiva Temples Kalna Inner Circle

108 Shiva Temples Kalna Inner Circle

Well manicured garden between the concentric circle of 108 temples

Well manicured garden between the concentric circle of 108 temples

In addition to 108 there are 2 more temple like structures at the entrance to both series of temple which doesn’t have the idol. The construction style of this temple is amazing and rare.

Prayers are still offered in this two centuries old temple. 108 signify the different names of Lord Shiva, the pujari there said.

Dome with metallic symbol

Dome with metallic symbol

Bael tree in the centre of temple complex

Bael tree in the center of temple complex

Covered well in the center

Covered well in the center

Door arch

Door arch

108 Black and White Shiva Lingas

Siddeshwar Acharyya, an expert on Kalna’s history, explained the significance of such a unique scheme of white and black Shiva Lingam and their arrangement:

The outer circle, as he explained, represents the world we live in. White symbolizes punya (good) and black (evil) in equal measure. However, through meditation and service to Lord Shiva, one slowly gets to see the real world composed only of pure thoughts and deed. Such a world is symbolized by the inner circle of temples.

The journey from the outer to the inner circle is reflective of such a spiritual crossing over. At the center of the inner circle, all the white shiva linga’s are visible, implying that the person has attained truth, hence moksha.

Black Shiva Linga Kalna

Black Shiva Linga Kalna

White Shiva Linga Kalna

White Shiva Linga Kalna

Location of 108 Shiva Temples of Kalna

Ambika Kalna is situated 82 km from Kolkata on the Bandel-Katwa railway line. You can take cycle rickshaw which is the popular mode of transport, from station to temple. The temple is located on the scenic west bank of the Bhagirathi. Kalna (another name for Ambika Kalna) once flourished as a prosperous port town.

Other Popular Shiva Temples

Interested in more Shiva Temples? Check my travel blog posts on these temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva:

Bhojeshwar Temple in Bhopal
Madhukeswara Temple in Banavasi
Sri Mungeshi temple in Goa

Tips to visit 108 Shiva Temples of Kalna

  • If you are visiting during summers then visit the temple early in the morning or in the evenings.
  • Footwear a strict no.
  • Dress well to match the decorum of religious/sacred place.
  • Photography allowed.
  • No tickets required.
  • No washrooms around.
  • Open through out the day.

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