10 Most Famous Kali Temples in India

Maa Kali is one of the most revered and powerful Hindu goddesses. She is the embodiment of time, change, creation, preservation and destruction. Kali is often depicted as a fierce, black-skinned goddess with a garland of skulls on her head, a skirt of severed arms and a hanging tongue. Kali's origins are linked to deities from village, tribal and hill cultures of South Asia, who were later incorporated into Sanskrit Hindu traditions. She is first prominently depicted in the Devi Mahatmya, a 6th-century text, which describes her appearance from the forehead of Goddess Durga to slay the demon Raktabija.

Table of Contents

1. Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata
2. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
3. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
4. Tarapith Temple, Birbhum
5. Baitala Deula Temple, Bhubaneshwar
6. Kali Temple, Patna
7. Gadkalika Temple, Ujjain
8. Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
9. Chamunda Devi Temple, Kangra
10. Kripamayee Kali Temple, Baranagar

Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata

Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the most revered Kali temples in India and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is situated on the banks of the Adi Ganga. According to mythology, the temple marks the spot where the toe of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation. The temple is believed to have existed since the time of Chandragupta II, with the current structure being built in the 19th century under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family. The temple is known for its unique idol of Kali, which has three huge eyes, four gold hands and a long gold tongue. It is a popular pilgrimage site, attracting a large number of devotees, especially during festivals like Kali Puja and Durga Puja.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, is a famous 19th-century Hindu temple famous for its connection to the mystic saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Built in 1855 by philanthropist Rani Rashmoni, the temple complex houses a nine-spired main temple dedicated to Bhavatarini, an aspect of Goddess Kali. Ramakrishna, who served as the head priest of the temple for 30 years, attracted many influential disciples such as Swami Vivekananda. His room in the temple courtyard is one of the most visited parts of the complex. Ramakrishna's emphasis on the harmony of all religions and his spiritual teachings continue to inspire devotees who visit this sacred site to seek Kali's blessings. With its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere and rich history, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a testimony to Bengal's spiritual heritage and the enduring legacy of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam

The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam is one of India's most revered and important Shakti Peethas, dedicated to the Tantric form of Goddess Kali. Located atop the Nilachal Hills, the temple complex houses the main Kamakhya Devi shrine, which is believed to be the spot where the yoni (female genitalia) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her corpse. The temple is considered a sacred place of divine feminine energy and holds great significance for followers of Tantric Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Several important festivals are held at the temple throughout the year, the most important of which is the Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the annual menstruation of the Goddess. The temple's association with the divine feminine and its rich mythological history make it a revered pilgrimage site for devotees across India.

Tarapith Temple, Birbhum

The Tarapith Temple, located in Birbhum, West Bengal, is a famous Shakti Peeth dedicated to Maa Tara, a form of Goddess Kali. Situated on the banks of the Dwaraka River, this temple is one of the Mahapeeths and is considered extremely sacred to all Hindus. The temple is famous for its Tantric rituals and is believed to be the place where Sati's eye fell, giving it the name Tara. The temple is known for its unique blend of the fierce and peaceful aspects of Tara. The main deity is depicted in both gentle and fierce forms, with the fierce form being a dramatic representation of Tara's Tantric form. Devotees offer coconuts, bananas, silk sarees and even bottles of whiskey to the goddess. There is also a cremation ground next to the temple, where many sadhus and Tantrikas reside. The temple is associated with the Tantric saint Bamakhepa, who lived in the cremation ground and practiced yoga and Tantric arts. His ashram is located near the temple. The Tarapitha Amavasya annual festival is the most important festival celebrated here, which attracts a lot of devotees. The temple is also known for its cleanliness and crowd control, making it an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Baitala Deula Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Baitala Deula, also known as Vaital Deul, is an 8th-century Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of Kali. The temple is famous for its exquisite stone carvings and sculptures that adorn its outer walls. These intricate panels depict Hindu deities such as Shiva and Parvati, hunting scenes, and amorous couples. The central niche houses an eight-armed image of Chamunda, seated on a corpse and adorned with a garland of skulls. The temple is a representative of the Khakhara style of Kalinga architecture. An excellent example, its semi-cylindrical roof and three shikharas represent the powers of Chamunda, Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali.

Kali Temple, Patna

The Kali Temple in Patna, Bihar is a famous and popular temple dedicated to Goddess Kali that attracts a large number of devotees. The temple is located at a picturesque site on the banks of the river Ganges and is considered to be one of the oldest and most revered spiritual sites in Patna. It is known for its association with Maa Kali and is visited by a large number of devotees who come to seek the blessings of the goddess. The temple has intricate carvings and sculptures, which include idols of various deities including Maa Kali. It is a major spiritual attraction in the region and an important pilgrimage site for Kali devotees.

GadKalika Temple, Ujjain

The Gadkalika Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh is a famous and popular place of worship for both local devotees and visitors. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is considered to be one of the most important Kali temples in India. The temple is also known as Harsiddhi Temple and is located in the holy city of Ujjain. It is believed that the famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa performed penance of Maa Kali in this temple and attained poetic knowledge. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year who come to seek the blessings of Maa Kali. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those who worship Shakti or feminine divine energy.

Kali Bari Temple, Shimla

The Kali Bari Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is an important spiritual attraction dedicated to Maa Kali. Built in 1845, it is considered to be of immense religious significance for devotees. The temple houses an attractive idol of Goddess Kali adorned with jewels and colourful flowers. Located near the Shimla City Mall, the temple attracts many devotees who come to seek blessings and pray, especially during festivals like Navratri. The temple has a rich history, having been originally built by a Bengali Brahmin on Jakhu Hill in 1823. It was later shifted to Bantony Hill by the British. The temple trust, formed in 1902, consists mainly of Bengali members. The architecture of the temple is unique, with a blue wooden idol of Goddess Kali similar to the one in Kolkata's Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The temple also has accommodation and a canteen serving Bengali cuisine. It is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, with no entry fee. The temple is known for its evening aarti, which is a mesmerizing experience for devotees.

Chamunda Devi Temple, Kangra

The Chamunda Devi Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, the fierce form of the Hindu goddess Kali. According to mythology, when demons named Chanda and Mund attacked Goddess Parvati, she frowned her eyebrows and Chamunda Devi appeared from them. The temple houses the sacred image of Chamunda Devi and a small stone bearing the footprints of the goddess can be seen in the corner of the temple. The temple is believed to house both Shiva and Shakti, which is why it is also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham. The temple attracts devotees from all over India not only because of its spiritual significance but also because of the many legends and history associated with it. It is considered by the local residents of Palampur and the surrounding hill towns as one of the holiest places of worship in the region.

Kripamayee Kali Temple, Baranagar

The Kripamayee Kali Temple, also known as Joy Mitra Kalibari, is a Hindu temple located in Baranagar, West Bengal, dedicated to the compassionate form of Kali known as Krupamayee. The temple was built in 1848 by Jay Narayan Mitra, a famous zamindar and devotee of Kali. The temple is a massive nine-peaked structure with twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, Kali's husband. The presiding deity is Kripamayee, a form of Kali known for her mercy. The temple's architecture is influenced by Bengali architecture, with a unique "navaratna" design with twelve Shiva shrines on either side of the main temple. The temple is notable for its historical significance and its association with Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who frequently visited the temple. The temple's idol of Kripamayee was sculpted by renowned sculptor Navin Chandra Pal, and is revered for its beauty and spiritual significance