Siddheswari Kali Mandir, Kalna, West Bengal
It was slightly difficult to trace out the path to Siddheswari Kali Mandir in Kalna, West Bengal. We had to halt and ask in a couple of places for direction. Not the one to give up we did find our way to the Kali Mandir. As a lover of history and culture, I was excited to explore this important temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.
I was immediately struck by the façade of Siddheswari Mandir, its beauty in its simplicity. The temple’s architecture and stunning terracotta work on the walls were a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who had built it. It was worth visiting the Siddheshwari Mandir for this divine sight.
Siddheswari Temple, Kalna: A Pilgrimage to the Divine Mother
But what truly captured my heart was the sense of devotion and reverence that pervaded the temple complex. I watched the devotees offer their prayers, follow the rituals and seek the blessings of the goddess. Having stayed out of Bengal for a long time, these sights were a learning experience for me.
Siddheswari Kali Temple in Kalna
In this blog, I will take you on a journey through my visit to the Siddheswari Temple, sharing with you my personal experiences and insights. From the temple’s fascinating history to its significance in the Hindu faith, I will delve into the many facets of this important pilgrimage site.
The most important temple of Kalna, from religious point of view is the Siddheswari Mandir. A Hindu devotee of Goddess Kali feels his/her visit to Kalna is incomplete with out a darshan of Goddess Kali in this Siddheswari Temple. This temple is the holiest of all the temples in Kalna. And that is one reason why it is also known as Ambika Kalna, Ambika being another name of Goddess Kali.
How to Reach Siddheswari Kali Mandir Kalna
Kalna town looked calm, not much traffic, narrow lanes; it was quite an effort to get the right direction to Siddheshwari Kali Mandir. Take the directions to the temple when you are at 108 Shiva temples there.
Walking distance from 108 Shiva temple is hardly 15 minutes, but a wrong turn can make you go in circles. Here is a map indicating direction from 108 Shiva Temple to Siddheswari Kalibari Kalna.
Google Map – road to Siddheswari Kalibari Kalna Bengal
Kali literally means, ‘the black one’. The Goddess does look fearsome, her garland of severed heads and belt of human arms are hard to understand. She is prayed by women for the well being of their children, money and food. The purohit there did not mind my taking pics. Here she is also known by the name Ambika of Ambika Kalna.
Sree Moi Siddheswari Maa Kali Goddess in Kalna Bengal
History of Siddheswari Temple of Kalna
Siddheswari Temple of Kalna was established in 688AD by Rishi (saint) Amburish. The first ritual conducted was the ghat pujo meaning worship of/with earthen pot. The auspicious image was made of wood of Neem tree by his descendant disciple Iswarish. This image was the representation of Bamakali idol.
Kalna Siddheswari Mandir was renovated by King Chitrasen Rai (Son of Kirtichand Rai) in the year 1741. An inscription here had indicated the year but the mention got worn out and in renovations and repairs that followed the mention got completely wiped out.
Interestingly worship and other matters related to this temple have passed down several generations of one family. Today the priest here is Sonatan Adhikari, a member of 7th generation of the same clan.
Animal Sacrifice in Siddheswari Mandir
It is believed there was a time long back when humans were sacrificed this temple for Ma Kali. The practice of sacrifice is on even today only difference being the sacrificed objects have changed. Usually these are male goats, rams, sugarcane, and ash gourd. Sacrifices take place in the month of Kartik according to Hindu lunar calendar.
Can you recognize what is in the picture below?
Sacrificial tool in front of Siddheshwari Mandir
Animal sacrifices are made for her even today. The U shaped structure that you see is the sacrificial tool. The animals’ (most often goat or sheep), neck is inserted through the U shaped opening and in one blow, before the animal realizes, the cut is done.
I had to explain all these to my 16 year old and 12 year old and tell them these practice exists even today in some parts of India. (I wish to state here that I am no supporter of animal sacrifice. Matter here is presented for knowledge and information.)
Shops around Siddheshwari Kali Mandir
The row of shops outside the temple sells the essentials for puja. It was morning time, brisk business was on, I didn’t feel like disturbing him and ask the shopkeeper to pose for my series ‘Faces of India’.
Shop selling puja items for Siddheshwari Kali Mandir
Souvenir from Siddheswari Kali Mandir Kalna
We visited Siddheshwari Mandir on day 2 of our road trip through top tourist attractions of West Bengal.
Open Timings of Siddheswari Mandir – 7 AM to 12.30 AM, 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM.
Tickets – It is a free sight. No tickets are required to enter the temple.
Dress code for Siddheshwari Kali Mandir – Leave footwear outside the temple. Cover your body well.
FAQ about Siddheswari Kali Temple Kalna
Can non-Hindus visit the Siddheswari Temple?
Yes, the temple is open to visitors of all faiths. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly and show respect for the religious practices and traditions of the temple.
Are there any specific rituals or customs that visitors should be aware of before visiting the temple?
Yes, visitors are expected to remove their shoes before entering the temple premises and show respect for the religious practices and customs of the temple. It is also customary to offer prayers and make offerings to the goddess Kali as a sign of devotion and gratitude.
What is the best time to visit the Siddheswari Temple?
The temple is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the festivals of Durga Puja and Kali Puja, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in West Bengal. These festivals usually fall between September and November.
Are there any nearby attractions to visit while in Kalna?
Yes, there are several other temples and historical sites located in Kalna and its surrounding areas that are worth visiting. Some notable attractions include the Pratapeshwar Temple, Lalji Temple, and Rajbari Complex.
Parting Thoughts
While leaving the premises of the Siddheswari Kali Mandir, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to visit such a holy place. One of the important temples dedicated to Goddess Kali in the town of Kalna, West Bengal, for centuries devotees have come to this very spot seeking answers to their prayers. It was a humbling experience to think that I, too, had the privilege of being in the presence of such a revered deity.
I left Siddheswari Kali Mandir with a sense of peace and tranquility, as if the goddess herself had blessed me with her divine presence. After we visited the Kalna terracotta temples we continued our road trip to Nabadwip Mayapur.
Read more: Kalna Terracotta Temples
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My Heartfelt thanks for Madame Indrani,
The Info was the most desired for the Last Decade. Please help me with any other Maa kali mandir where the Idol is fully made of Neem Kath. I had seen one in a TV Programme but could not take down the location as I was mesmerised by the Aura.
Your help will be a Treasure for me.
There is a Chatteshwari Temple in Chittagong, Bangladesh. I am not aware of any other temple.
thanks Indrani , I did not know about this mandir.. beside 108 mahadev 🙂
I am scheduled to visit hopefully coming weekend .. I will visit this temple aswell 🙂
Interesting post. Love the picture of Kali!
Kali devi pic looks amazing…i can feel her aura here!
Jai mata di!!
i'm in love with last pic ! amazing click
There's so much to see in our country! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Great Ancient Temple..But sacrificing animals in the name of religion is just too much I believe..and should not be practised
Not been to this place,but looks like an interesting one.How have you been?
That temple is beautiful. Nice shots Indrani
What an interesting place. That first shot is so very beautiful with those ladies in the frame.
I don't get animal sacrifice, but it seems to me to be a very expensive thing to do.
Lovely pictures!! Well, yeah it feels really odd to to know that there are still animal sacrifices that happen. Even I have seen one at Nainital, looks really odd.
Beautiful post Indrani.
Loved the pictures
The temple is lovely! Beautiful images from your world. Have a happy day!
Animal sacrifice is banned right? Lovely photo! the more I see these, the more I want to see these unique structures.
hmmm… i always have a surreal feeling when I visit Kali temples in West Bengal…
dear inferno – i mean no offense. carry on in peace.
I never have seen this kind of sacrificial tool! Such activities were banned sometime in Tamil Nadu. I liked the picture on the shop
Great visit!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
You have covered the temple very nicely.
I can understand why it would be difficult to explain animal sacrifices to modern children, even though it has been common practice in many cultures in the past.
Wonderful temple and nice post.
This was a fascinating tour – lovely images! I don't think I'd like to see an animal sacrifice, though.
Yet another god, you are precious Indrani.
Thank you for sharing your corner of the world – as it is a place that I have yet to travel to. I love cultural traditions.
Have a wonderful week, and thank you for stopping by my blog today.
The 1st image is beautiful…and I somehow like these temples in the early morning time.,….there is an energy there which is very positive.
An interesting post and terrific photos, colourful and vibrant!
Great to read about the Temple.Nice photos,Thanks for sharing.Keep posting.
Loved the last pic the best
Great sequence of shots.
Again, Kalna sems to be very interesting place! Animal sacrifice is banned but still are in practice!
Your India faces are blossoms-
Your flowers show soul.
Aloha
We learn so much through blogging Indrani, and your photos are super. Thank you, this post was very interesting.
A great, interesting post/photos as always, Indrani! I did cringe a little at the idea of animal sacrifice even though I was aware of it. Thanks for sharing!! Have a lovely week!
animal sacrifices, today, seem very odd.
Hello Indrani
What a great post is this,
these pictures are in big size so beautiful and have lovely colors….thanks for sharing.
Greetings, Joop