8 Oldest Temples In Kolkata Where You Can Offer Prayers In Peace

Be it the majestic pandals of Durga Puja, the widespread dispersal of academics or the oozing sweetness of Rosogolla, Kolkata is undoubtedly one of the leading cities in terms of cultural robustness. Religion is deeply embedded in the daily happenings of this ancient city. Thus, the city of joy has a plethora of religious institutions, mainly temples, scattered across town. Adding a dash of historical context, we present to you the 8 oldest temples in the city which are majestic in their sense. You can feel history written on the centuries-old walls of these temples, and if this thought entices you, then what are you waiting for? Come along with us on this ride!

1. Black Pagoda Temple (Approx. 290 Years Old)

Built in the 1730s, the Black Pagoda Temple is a prominent edifice dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is touted as one of the most recognisable structures of the Kolkata skyline in the past centuries. A fabled belief attached to this building is that its highest turret was so tall that the English sailors used it as a navigational reference point. The temple was heavily damaged during the cyclone and earthquake of 1737, and what stands now is just a remnant of its past glory. The temple can be made out in this 1787 painting called ‘Gentoo Pagoda and House from the Views of Calcutta’.

Where | Black Pagoda Temple - Rabindra Sarani, Kumartuli, Shobhabazar

2. Kalighat Kali Temple (Approx. 200 Years Old)

Picture Credits: billawar_route

One of the 51 Shakti Peeths recognised in Hinduism, the Kalighat Kali Temple is an important pilgrimage site. Although many medieval and some ancient references have been made to a temple in this area, the current structure was built in 1809 by the then Zamindar of the region. It is believed that Sati’s right toe fell at the place on the bank of the Adi Ganga river canal where the temple stands today. The idol of the Goddess Kali is visually stunning, with the goddesses four hands made of pure gold and the overall aura of her presence makes for a truly divine experience!

Call Them | +91 3322 436 440
Timings | 5 AM - 2 PM | 5 - 10:30 PM
Where | Kalighat Kali Temple - Anami Sangha, Kalighat

3. Dakshineswar Kali Temple (Approx. 160 Years Old)

Picture Credits: moncarnio

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the biggest and most beautiful Hindu temples in India. It was founded by the Bengali social reformer Rani Rashmoni in 1855 following a divine epiphany. It is said that Goddess Kali herself appeared in her dream and instructed the latter to build a temple on the bank of the Hooghly River dedicated to the goddess herself. The Dakshineswar temple is an architectural marvel and very pleasing to the eye. The temple is considered to be an archetype of Bengal’s vivid culture; besides the unending faith of visitors, the fact that Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda was the head priest here, and spent the final years of his life in the temple premises makes the place a prime religious institution.

Call Them | +91 33 2564 5222
Timings | 5 AM - 8 PM
Where | Kali Temple - Dakshineswar, Near Vivekananda Setu
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/DakshineswarKaliTemple/

4. Parshwanath Jain Temple (Approx. 150 Years Old)

Picture Credits: anilp.1

Unlike the Western regions, Jain temples are not very discernible in Eastern India. This makes the Parshwanath Jain Temple special in a unique sense; It is visually fascinating, with each building sporting intricate details, stained glasses and colourful elements, making it a picturesque temple complex to visit. The interior of the complex too is a sight to behold with its beautiful garden decorated with blocks of glass mosaics, European-styled statues and majestic fountains with colourful fishes.
Another attraction here is the eternal flame that’s believed to have been burning since the temple’s conception in 1867.

Call Them | +91 9231 942 601
Timings | 6 - 11:30 AM | 3 - 7 PM
Where | Jain Temple - Tala, Saktinagar, Belgachia

5. Bhukailash Shiv Temple (Approx. 240 Years Old)

Picture Credits: b_rajnandini

Originally constructed in 1781 by Raja Joynarayan Ghosal, the twin temples at Bhukailash were in a ruined and neglected state until 2013 when the Kolkata Municipal Corporation took up the task to restore them. Each temple houses a gigantic 18-foot Shivling and is believed to be among the largest ever found. Although the foundation of the temple dates back a couple of centuries, unfortunately not many remains of the original stonework, the majority of what is seen from the outside is the result of restoration works.

Where | Shiv Temple - Bhukailash Road
Timings | 7 AM - 6:30 PM
Call Them | +91 8013 896 008

6. Thanthania Kalibari (Approx. 217 Years Old)

Picture Credits: kinjalghosh

A small temple located in the corner of a road, the history of the Thanthania Kalibari temple spurs conjecture. Some believe that it was established in 1703 while certain evidence points towards its conception being in 1803. This trivial detail aside, the temple features unique attractions like a clay idol of Goddess Kali, and the unconventional name of the temple as well, which gets its validity from popular folklore. It is said that the area was once covered in dense vegetation and frequented by dacoits. Thus, to warn the nearby settlements of approaching dacoits, a bell was installed and the ringing sound, i.e. the “Than, Than” sounds of the bell gave the name Thanthania.

7. Belur Math (Approx. 80 Years Old)

Picture Credits: shutter_humor

Belur Math is the heart and soul of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission which was started by Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Rightly called as a Symphony in Architecture, all the buildings of Belur Math are an amalgamation of cultures from all across the world. Swami Vivekananda, as a wandering monk, had learned and incorporated various schools of architecture such as Islamic, Mughal, Gothic, Modern etc. into this brilliant edifice. Of the 4 temples located within the premises, the main Ramakrishna temple is designed to celebrate the diversity of Indian Religions as it resembles a temple, a mosque and a church when seen from different positions. The aura here is extremely calm and it refreshes one from within.

8. Hangseshwari Temple (Approx 200 Years Old)

Picture Credits: bhurtel

Located 55 km away from Kolkata, the Hangseshwari Temple resembles an Indianised Disney castle. It has a distinct architecture, with 13 eye-catching minarets built as budding lotus flowers. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage site, the six stories of the temple resemble the six Chakras of the human system as per the concepts of Kundalini Yoga. The idol of goddess Kali, made out of the wood of a neem tree and painted in a sparkling shade of blue, is extremely beautiful. The temple complex also houses another temple— Ananta Basudeba temple — besides the main temple. This temple too holds a very special position as a terracotta temple with exquisite terracotta works on it.

Where | Hangseshwari Temple - Bansberia
Call Them | +91 33 2654 1144
Timings | 24 Hours Open

Published By:

Ishan Chourasia

Writer | Photographer | Reader. I roam Delhi listening to indie music, in search...

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