🕉️ Kalighat Shakti Peeth: Goddess Kali's Divine Abode and the Amazing Benefits of Diwali Pooja-Havan
Destination daring (the fast trevel blog)
Date of Publishing
✍️: Kamal Jeet Kaur Taur
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| Beautiful night veiw of Kali Ghat Shakti Peeth |
One of the most ancient and influential places of worship of Shakti in India is the famous Kalighat Shakti Peeth in Kolkata. This place is considered a symbol of devotion and reverence for Goddess Kali not only in Bengal but throughout India. Devotees from across the country and abroad come to visit the Goddess. It is said that Goddess Sati's right toe fell here, making this Shakti Peeth considered a highly sacred, influential, and sacred place.
🌸 History and Significance of Kalighat Shakti Peeth
It is said that when Lord Shiva was performing the Tandava (divine dance) in anger with the body of Goddess Sati, the entire universe cried out in distress. Lord Vishnu, to protect the universe, divided Goddess Sati's body into 51 parts with his Sudarshan Chakra (spinning wheel) so that the universe could be restored to balance. The falling of those body parts led to the creation of 51 Shakti Peethas. Wherever parts of the Mother's body fell, Shakti Peethas were created, and different forms of the Mother began to be worshipped at different locations.
Kalighat in Kolkata is the place where the right toe of Mother Sati fell. Here, the Mother is worshipped as "Kali" and Lord Shiva as "Nakuleshvar Mahadev."
🛕 1. Architectural Style of the Temple
The Kalighat Temple is built in the ancient Bengali Navaratna style, which reflects the traditional architecture of Bengal. In this style, several small towers or spires are built above the main temple, gradually decreasing in size as it rises.
The temple is not very tall, but its structure is designed in such a way that upon entering the temple, the devotee's attention is drawn directly to the sanctum sanctorum of the Mother Goddess.
🌸 2. Sanctum Sanctorum
The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is where the sacred idol of Mother Kali is enshrined. This is the most ancient and sacred part of the temple.
An iron grille surrounds the sanctum sanctorum, allowing devotees to view the Mother Goddess. The walls inside the sanctum sanctorum are decorated with red and black colors, symbolizing the manifestations of Mother Kali—destruction and creation.
🌼 3. Idol of Maa Kali
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| Unique vision of the beautiful form of Mother Kali after killing the demons |
The idol of Maa Kali at Kalighat is unique and unlike any other Kali idol installed in other temples.
The Mother's face is black, her tongue is red, and she has three large eyes.
The Mother has four hands—
One holds a sword, the other holds the head of a demon, the third holds the abhaya mudra, and the fourth holds the boon mudra. Maa Kali's hands are made of gold and her tongue is made of silver.
This divine form of the Mother is a confluence of devotion, power, and compassion.
🔱 4. Nakuleshwar Temple
The Nakuleshwar Temple of Lord Shiva is located right in front of the main temple. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as the companion and protector of Maa Kali.
The Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple is also built of ancient stones and its structure is very simple yet divine.
🪔 5. Circumambulation Path and Other Parts (Temple Complex Layout)
The temple complex also contains small sacred ponds. Devotees bathe in these and then enter the temple.
An open path surrounds the temple for circumambulation.
The temple complex also houses a food distribution area, resting areas for devotees, and shops.
🌷 6. Special Architectural Features
1. Spire: The upper part of the temple is built in the 'Chuda' style, with a golden urn on top.
2. Main Gate: The entrance features intricate wood carvings, reflecting Bengali art.
3. Wall Decoration: The walls are engraved with symbols of the goddess—the trident, lotus, and fire.
4. Deepamandap: In one corner of the temple is the Deepamandap (Lamp Hall), where hundreds of lamps are lit every evening.
🌼 7. The Spiritual Energy of the Temple
The structure of the Kalighat Temple is based not only on physical but also on energy alignment. It is believed that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is located at a special energy center of the earth, which gives devotees a feeling of power, peace, and blessings upon visiting here.
🪔 Special Puja at Kalighat on Diwali
In Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as "Kali Puja." On this day, millions of devotees gather at the Kalighat Temple to perform special prayers, worship, lamp donation, and yajnas (fire sacrifices) to Goddess Kali.
🕯️ Main rituals of Kali Puja on Diwali:
1Lighting of lamps: Thousands of small lamps illuminate th Temple courtyard, making the dark night of new moon appear as bright as the full moon.
2.Tantra pooja On this day, special Tantric rituals are performed at the Kalighat Temple to worship Goddess Kali.oopp
3. Havan and sacrifice: In some traditions, negative energy is eliminated through symbolic sacrifices.
4. Night vigil: Devotees remain immersed in hymns and praises of Goddess Kali throughout the night of Diwali. And by pleasing the Mother Goddess, we receive her blessings.
🌺 Benefits of Performing Puja and Havan at Kalighat Temple on Diwali
Performing puja and havan of Goddess Kali at Kalighat on the auspicious occasion of Diwali provides incredible benefits to the individual:
- 1. Destruction of Negative Energy: Goddess Kali destroys darkness and evil, bringing positivity into life.
- 2. Increase in Wealth and Prosperity: Worship performed on Kali Puja day bestows the blessings of both Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Kali on the devotee.
- 3. Freedom from Fear and Obstacles: Fear, enemies, and various obstacles are removed from a person's life.
- 4. Spiritual Advancement: The seeker awakens within themselves the power and strength of their soul, enabling them to progress on the path of spiritual progress.
- 5. Peace and Happiness in the Family: Havan purifies the atmosphere and brings positive energy into the home, bringing happiness and peace.
🕉️ Key Points to Visit Kalighat
📍 Location: Alipore Road, South Kolkata, West Bengal
🕰️ Darshan Timings:
The temple is open to devotees from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm. Devotees can visit the Mother Goddess throughout the day.
🚇 How to Reach:
The temple is a short distance from the Kalighat Station of the Kolkata Metro.
🎉 Special Festivals:
New Moon Days, Diwali, Navratri, and Kali Puja are celebrated with special fervor at this temple.
🙏 Devotees' Experiences
Every year, thousands of devotees come here to light lamps and perform havans at the Mother Goddess's feet during Navratri and Diwali. Many believe that worshipping here gradually eliminates obstacles in their lives and brings them peace of mind.
💫 A Spiritual Message on Diwali
Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. When you light a lamp at Kalighat, it not only dispels the darkness outside, but also dispels the fear and negativity of ignorance within you, filling your life with the light of knowledge.
FAQ's
Q1: What is the significance of Kalighat Shakti Peeth in Hindu tradition?
Ans1: Kalighat Shakti Peeth is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, symbolizing divine power and spiritual energy. It holds immense religious importance as a major pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings and spiritual growth.
Q2: Who is Goddess Kali, and why is she worshipped at Kalighat?
Ans2: Goddess Kali is a powerful goddess representing destruction of evil and protection of righteousness. She is worshipped at Kalighat for her fierce compassion, strength, and ability to remove negative energies from her devotees.
Q3: What are the main features of the Kalighat Shakti Peeth temple?
Ans3: The temple features an ancient idol of Goddess Kali, intricate architecture, sacred rituals, and vibrant festivals. It attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to seek divine blessings and participate in spiritual ceremonies.
Q4: What are the benefits of performing Diwali Pooja-Havan?
Ans4: Diwali Pooja-Havan helps invoke divine blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. It purifies the environment, removes negative energies, and enhances spiritual well-being during the festival season.
Q5: How does Diwali Pooja-Havan contribute to personal and spiritual growth?
Ans5: The ritual promotes positive energy flow, mental clarity, and inner peace. It also strengthens faith and devotion, fostering a sense of community and shared spirituality among participants.
Q6: Are there specific rituals or offerings associated with Diwali Pooja-Havan?
Ans6: Yes, traditional offerings include lighting lamps (diyas), offering flowers, incense, sweets, and reciting prayers or mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during the ceremony.
Q7: Can non-residents participate in Diwali Pooja-Havan at home or temples?
Ans7: Absolutely. Diwali Pooja-Havan can be performed at home or in temples by anyone wishing to seek divine blessings. Proper rituals should be followed for effective results.
Q8: What precautions should be taken while performing Havan during Diwali?
Ans8: Ensure safety measures like fire precautions when lighting lamps or conducting fire rituals. Maintain cleanliness, follow traditional procedures accurately, and perform under proper guidance if needed.
Q9: How does celebrating Diwali with Pooja-Havan impact community harmony?
Ans9: Participating in collective rituals fosters unity, cultural bonding, and shared spiritual values within communities. It promotes peace and mutual respect among diverse groups.
Q10: Where can one learn more about Kalighat Shakti Peeth and Diwali rituals?
Ans10: Information can be obtained from religious texts, trusted spiritual guides, local temples hosting workshops during festivals, or reputable online resources dedicated to Hindu traditions.
🌼 Conclusion
The puja and havan performed at the Kalighat Shaktipeeth on Diwali brings strength, prosperity, and peace to the lives of devotees. Worshiping Maa Kali ends all kinds of troubles, negativity, and fear, and brings abundant happiness, prosperity, and mental peace into the devotee's life, making life a blissful one.
This Diwali, if you get the opportunity, visit Kalighat and offer a lamp at the feet of the Mother Goddess and spread the light of divinity in your life.
My own message:
Everyone wishes for happiness, prosperity and peace in their life, but people are generally insensitive towards others. Whereas, whatever happiness and peace a person wants in his life, he should wish the same for others too. If there is a weak, poor or helpless person or family around you, then try to help them as much as possible, which will make the other person feel good and you will also get mental peace. Believe me, you will be able to please the Mother Goddess even without doing any kind of worship and will get the fruits of worship. By helping others, your image will improve. Your life will also be blessed by the blessings of a helpless person.
In Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as "Kali Puja." Millions of devotees gather at the Kalighat Temple on this day to worship Goddess Kali, offer lamps, and perform havans.
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