Calcutta (now Kolkata) has a number of Kali Temples some of which are more than a few centuries old. The temples are located in different parts of the city. One such temple located at 160/2, Ramdulal Sarkar Street deserves special mention as the idol of the goddess Kali is unique. The temple is more than three centuries old.
Located close to Girish Park Metro Station and on the back side of Anath Nath Deb Bazar, one will come across a dalan shaped temple with a plaque stating the year of foundation as 1125 Bangabda (ie, 1718 A.D) and there is mention of a person named Motilal Deb Sharma.
At the first sight it is a little difficult to locate the temple but you can spot a red-coloured house just at the crossing of Central Avenue and Ramdulal Sarkar Street. The temple remains open from the early morning till noon and from half-past five in the evening till nine at night. Daily worship is performed though special puja is held on each Amavasya (new moon) including Falaharini Kali Puja, Dipannita Kali Puja and Ratanti Kali Puja. Kolkata three centuries back was not the same as it looked now. At that time this area where the present temple stands was forest-like. The Mitras were the zamindars of that area. One day the forefathers of the present sebaits of the temple – Motilal Deb Sharma had a dream in which he could see a unique Kali idol. He found the goddess seated on the chest of Lord Shiva. He took the idol from there and installed in a temple with the assistance of the local zamindar.
The idol is unique in its posture. We are familiar with the goddess standing on Shiva but here it’s different. A close look at the idol will reveal that the head of Shiva is on the right of the goddess. One will also spot a blue-coloured idol of Kalbhairav with a trisul on one hand standing on the right side of the Maa Anandamoyee Kali. The goddess is popularly known as “Anandamoyee Basa Kali.”
Anna blog is served to the goddess on each Amavasya along with luchi, fish (shoal), payesh, five types of bhaja and sweets. Bali or animal sacrifice is performed though the number has reduced. One can spot the place where sacrifice is performed just on the right of the main entrance.
Date of posting: 5th June, 2024.
Special thanks to Piyali Chakraborty.
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