Uttarpara, the fourth station in Howrah-Bandel section of Eastern Railway is roughly 11 kilometres from Howrah. This small yet beautiful town of Hooghly district has a number of things to offer.
Apart from being the first public library built by Joykrishna Mukhopadhyay on 15th April,1849, this town also being the first municipality of Bengal was created in 1853.
The town has a number of temples of which the temple of Bhadrakali in Doltala is possibly the oldest as it was built by King of Sheoraphuli Manohar Roy in 1730. At the first sight the present temple will appear to be newly built as the same has undergone considerable renovation but the idol of Bhadrakali inside the temple sanctum is very old.
The idol of Bhadrakali is made of black stone and is pretty small in height. The goddess has four hands. Worship is performed here on a daily basis.
This south facing dalan temple is situated at a higher level and a flight of stairs will lead you to the temple. The top of the present temple looks like a pyramid and is made of marble. The temple is well maintained.
From the stone plaque on the temple wall it is learnt that the temple was constructed in 1137 Bangabda (1730 A.D.) and the area is named as Bhadrakali after the goddess.
How to reach the temple?
1. Take any local train of Howrah-Bandel section and get down at Uttarpara station. Take an auto or a toto and get down at Doltala stoppage. Walk for a couple of minutes and you will spot the temple on your left.
2. From Sealdah station board Sealdah-Dankuni bound local train and get down at Bally Ghat station. You can board an auto or even a toto from Bally Khal stoppage and reach Doltala.
3. The temple can be even reached by metro railway. For that get down at the terminal station Dakshineswar. Crossing the Bally Bridge by an auto come to Bally Khal and reach the temple as stated above by an auto or by a toto.
4. The temple can be reached also via Grand Trunk Road.
The preferable time to visit the temple may be in the morning or in late evening preferably around 7:00 pm to have the darshan.
Date of posting: 20th August, 2021.
Blog of Kinjal Bose 