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 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
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
Bael tree in the center of temple complex
Covered well in the center
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
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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Beautiful and awesome shots. Love this blog:)
Peaceful, informative and beautiful at the same time. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Quite informative… never knew about this. Thanks.
beautiful photos and nice info
thanks
Lovely pictures of your area temple. Thanks for commenting on my blog.
Very beautiful temple.
Very nice captures…
wow….! nice captures!
The pictures accentuate the beauty of the content.
Wonderful…!! 🙂
Never heard about it..great to know..
I love all the architectural detailing in these beautiful temples. I find the prayer offerings very touching too. Blessings!
Very beautiful ! Never seen anything like it !
Splendid structures.
They are very beautiful and it's wonderful that they're still being used for prayer.
they are also known as NAV KAILASHA temple. I have once visited this place and i believe these temples are an architectural marvel.
very nice pictures and its description Indrani
108 mahadev thats what we call in Kol.. I am yet to visit .. Indrani
Nice captures !
Lord Shiva certainly has a LOT of names! They do look a bit like beads strung together.
Beautiful!
I remember visiting the temples as a kid.
Oh god, this will be the place where atheists will go to die.
Now this is something I really want to see..thanks to you I came to know about this place..
Your have an eye for what is glorious from the perspective of heritage. The Shiva temples arouse a feeling of sanctity.
Amazing!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Thank you for showing us another amazing place Indrani. Your photos are fantastic!
Great series of temples.
What an amazing place.
So beautiful! so serene!
I have to visit this place!
Fascinating!
the edifice is very appealing.
Those temples are so lovely! Gorgeous shots.
Great photo and interesting !
Looks like the terracotta is peeking through!
This blog is a promise of beauty.
Beautiful.
Wonderful to know about these temples . Thanks for sharing
Beautiful, Indrani.
K
Interesting post. You know, I have a Shiva wristwatch….two of his arms tell the hour and minutes… I get many compliments on it.
What a fascinating place. The temples are beautiful and seeing all 108 in one place must be very impressive.
What a beautiful temple, Indrani, and your photos are superb as always! I love the detail that you've captured! Have a wonderful week!
Great photos, Beautiful temple. Thanks for sharing the post.
Lovely
108 temples of Shiva! Wow! Didnt know. Thanks for the share…
Gorgeous temple!
I never knew about this temple!! Now thanks to you I do 🙂
I have heard only about 180 Shiva lingas. Wonderful series of temples.