Worshiping deities and visiting temples is a common ritual for most Hindus. Why do practitioners of the Hindu religion visit temples? It is said that visiting temples gives people the clarity and mental peace to start their day.
Moreover, temples are strategically located in places where positive energy is in abundance, with the idol of the deity at the center of the temple. Accordingly, it is a common belief that temples activate all five senses.
Another interesting fact is related to the temple bells that are stationed before entering a temple. When people ring the temple bell, it produces a sound that lasts for seven seconds. This activates the seven healing centres in the human body.
All over India, you will find temples with the most beautiful architectural designs. The city of joy, Kolkata, is no exception, and temples have their fair share of the list of Famous tourist places in Kolkata.
The temples in Kolkata represent the rich culture and heritage of our country. Moreover, there are many holy places in Kolkata. Moreover, the Hindu religion has various deities and you will find many temples in Kolkata that house them.
Moreover, Kolkata culture is home to pioneers in the fields of art, drama, theater, and literature. It is not surprising that the city also has some of the best temples. Which are some of these ancient temples in Kolkata?
Best Famous Temples in Kolkata
Our list includes temples like ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple, Calcutta Jain Temple, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Mandir, Mira Mandir, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Agni Mandir, Mira Mandir, and Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.
1. ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple
Worshippers of Lord Krishna and Radha can visit the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple in Kolkata. Located at Minto Park, the interiors of the temple have engravings of quotes from the Bhagvad Gita. Moreover, there is a restaurant called Govinda near the ISKCON Temple Kolkata Complex.
The restaurant serves sattvic vegetarian food. Also, there is a bakery service in the area adjoining the temple. Many religious activities are conducted at ISKCON. During the evening, aartis are offered to Lord Krishna. The visiting timings are from 4:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 4 pm to 8:30 pm. It can easily be termed as one of the most famous temples in Kolkata.
2. Calcutta Jain Temple
Also known as Parshwanath temple, the Calcutta Jain Temple was established in the year 1867 by Jain philanthropist Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim. The temple gets many visitors and Jain pilgrims throughout the year.
Located on Badridas Temple Street in Kolkata, the Calcutta Jain Temple is the quintessential Jain Temple. The interior of the temple has high-quality mirrors and glass with marble flooring. Also, there are Jhar Bhattis on the ceiling that adds to the beauty of the temple’s architecture.
Visiting timings for the temple is between 6 AM to 11:30 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM
3. Kalighat Kali Temple
Home to Goddess Kali, Kalighat Temple is extremely significant for Bengali Hindus in Kolkata. Moreover, Bengalis have a deep bond with all forms of Goddess Durga. It is also regarded as one of the holiest of the 51 Shakti Peeths on Earth.
The temple built in the 19th century, is located near the banks of the Adi Ganga. The temple is in the Anami Sangha locality and has a shopping center nearby. The idols within the temple are huge in size and are made with black stones with three eyes, a protruding gold tongue, and multiple arms.
Visiting timings for Kalighat Kali Temple is between 5.00 am to 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 10.30 pm.
It is not only the most famous kali temple in Kolkata but across the whole country, as worshippers of goddess Kali keep this place in high regard.
ALSO READ: Shiv Temples In India From Kashmir To Kanyakumari
4. Birla Mandir
Started by the Birla Family, the construction of this temple took over 26 years to complete. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Moreover, the temple hosts other deities as well.
Birla Mandir opened to the public in 1996 and is located on Ashutosh Chowdhary Ave, Ballygunge. Within the temple, there are etched quotes of the Bhagvad Gita. Moreover, the temple is painted in white.
There is an art gallery and a mall near the temple. Visiting timings for Kalighat Kali Temple is between 5.30 am to 11.00 am and 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm.
5. Mira Mandir
The Mira Mandir is dedicated to the devotee of Lord Krishna named Saint Mira. There are deities of Vishnu-Lakshmi, Rama-Sita, and the central idol of Radha-Krishna. The beautiful idol of Mirabai is also located in the same place.
Moreover, all the idols are adorning with beautiful sarees and ornaments. The temple is extremely clean and also has a Dharamshala. It is located on Moira Street, and many devotees visit the place during the birthday of Lord Krishna.
The Visiting timings for Mira Mandir are between 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
6. Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir is the first temple in Kolkata dedicated to Sai Baba. The temple is quite popular with devotees of Sai Baba and is said to get many visitors regularly. Visitors can use public transport to reach the Mandir.
Moreover, the temple is located in Sodepur, Kolkata. There are quite a few restaurants nearby the temple. The visiting timings for the temple are between 8 am to 8 pm.
7. Agni Mandir
Dedicated to the Fire God, Agni Mandir is one of a kind. It is built for Parsi Pilgrims who can visit the temple to seek the blessings of the Fire God.
The temple is important to both Parsi and Hindu visitors and has a beautiful architectural design. Built-in 1912, the temple is painted in a striking red color. Moreover, there is a holy flame lit on the top floor of the temple that burns throughout the day.
Agni Mandir is located near Metcalfe Lane in central Kolkata. There are sweet shops like Tiwari Brothers near the temple. The visiting timings for Agni Mandir are between 10 am to 8 pm
8. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir was opened to the public in 2014. The mandir was built by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was the spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
According to history, Lord Swaminarayan had passed through the place where the Mandir is located. Moreover, Lord Swaminarayan was on his way to visit Ganga Sagar in the Bay of Bengal.
The Mandir has murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Gopalanand Swami, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Shri Radha-Krishna Dev, Shri Sita-Ram Dev, Shri Hanumanji, Shri Shiv-Parvati Dev, and Shri Ganeshji, Shri Nilkanth Varni, Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj
Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, and Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The visiting timing for the temple is between 7.30 am to 8.15 pm. The temple is located on Bhasa 14 No., Diamond Harbour Rd. in Kolkata.
The temple names mentioned in our list are just a few of the many temples in Kolkata. The state of West Bengal is home to other ancient temples like Thantahnia Kalibari, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Taraknath Temple, etc.
FAQs about Temples
ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple, Calcutta Jain Temple, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Mandir, Mira Mandir, Shirdi Sai Baba temple Agni Mandir, Mira Mandir, and Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.
Dakshineswar Temple is famous for its main deity, Goddess Bhabatarini, another form of Goddess Kali.
Kalighat Kali Temple is the main Kali Temple.
Bahulara Ancient Temple is the oldest temple in West Bengal.