Siddheshwari Kali Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Siddheshwari Kali Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Siddheshwari Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Kali located in Kalna Town in Purba Bardhaman District in the Indian state of West Bengal. This temple is considered as the oldest temple of Ambika Kalna. It is said that the town name Ambika Kalna is named after the presiding deity of this temple. The temple is situated on the banks of Hooghly river. The temple is close to Anantabasudev Temple.

History

The temple was renovated by the King Chitrasen Rai in 1741 CE as per the per the inscription in its foundation stone. The foundation inscription also informs that the temple was constructed by Ramhari Mistri. This temple is considered as the oldest temple of Ambika Kalna. As per local folklore, the original temple was established by Ambu Rishi in the 7^th century CE. The goddess was worshipped in the form of ghot (religious earthen pot) during the initial stage. Later, one of the disciples of Ambu Rishi made an idol of Kali from neem wood and installed in the sanctum.

The idol was named as Ambika Siddheshwari Kali in memory of Ambu Rishi. The presiding deity of the temple in is mentioned Dharma Mangal Kavya written by Rupram Chakraborty in 17^th century CE. The temple was in dilapidated state during 18^th century CE. King Chitrasen Rai came to know about this temple during his hunting expedition. He immediately ordered its renovation and the current structure is believed to be built by him. The temple is believed to be a seat of the Tantrik cult and believed that human sacrifices were offered here once.

The Temple

The main shrine in the temple complex follows Jor Bangla style of architecture. Jor Bangla consists of two huts (each hut with two sloping roofs). One hut forms the sanctum in the back and the other hut forms the porch in the front. The main shrine stands over a raised platform and can be accessed through flight of fourteen steps. These 14 steps represent the nine planets and the five tantric cults.

The sanctum enshrines an image of Goddess Kali / Siddheshwari, made from a single branch of a neem tree. The temple complex also has three atchala temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in its premises. The terracotta ornamentation on these temples were lost completely. Animal sacrifices are performed in this temple even today. There is a U-shaped structure in the temple premises meant for animal sacrifice.

Festivals

Kartika Poornima is celebrated in this temple with much fanfare. Animal sacrifices are performed during Kartika Poornima.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Kalna Old Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Kalna New Bus Stand and 2 Kms from Kalna Railway Station. Kalna is located at about 22 Kms from Pandua, 23 Kms from Boinchi, 26 Kms from Nabadwip, 26 Kms from Ranaghat, 27 Kms from Satgachia, 30 Kms from Krishnanagar, 33 Kms from Memari, 34 Kms from Purbasthali, 44 Kms from Bandel, 59 Kms from Burdwan, 63 Kms from Katwa, 95 Kms from Kolkata and 95 Kms from Kolkata Airport. Ambika Kalna Railway Station is situated on the Bandel – Katwa railway line.

There are many local trains (EMU) and a few express & passenger trains from Howrah and Sealdah Railway Stations. Kalna is well connected to Pandua, Boinchi, Memari, Krishnanagar, Katwa, Bandel, Bardhaman, Purbasthali and Kolkata. The main bus stand is situated beside the STKK Road (SH 6). Many private local and long route express buses are available. There is a Government bus depot operated by South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) for long distance buses. Autos and Rickshaws are available for exploring this town. 

Location