Kali and Tara in Kolkata

green ink

Hello folks,

I’ve been lurking on IM for a couple of months now, I’m planning my first trip to India starting this October. This site is great and has been amazingly useful so far – thanks. So I guess now it’s time to start asking a few of the questions that have been on my mind India- wise.

I’m planning to check out some of the temples associated with Kali in Kolkata, and also some of the sites associated with Ramakrishna and his Kali-worship. I find his story really intriguing. Have any of you guys visited the Kali temple he ran out at Dakshineshwar? I’m sure I’ll settle into the flow of things once I get there, but I’d love to hear any stories or tips for visiting these places.

I’m also hoping to catch the big Kali Puja while I’m in Kolkata, which I think is November 1st this year. Something I read was saying that all of the festivities for Kali Puja happen at night – would that be the night of Oct 31st or Nov 1st? And any ideas what would be the best place in Kolkata to join in the festival?

Another thing I’m interested in is the temple to Tara in Kolkata (if it exists!). I read a passing comment about it somewhere that said this particular temple is an important crossroads between Buddhism and Hinduism – Tara is like the Buddhist version of Kali, right? Anyways I’ve got no idea where I read this and I haven’t been able to find any more info other than stuff about Tarapith… but my hunch is that this was a temple to Tara somewhere in Kolkata itself. Any clues?

And by the way, am I totally crazy flying into Kolkata as my first experience of India?

Thanks.

lonelyaztec

Green Ink,

Welcome to India.
And, i am sure you will have a great time in India and in Kolkatta, during the Durga Puja.

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somnath

Hi,
You will find Dakshineshwar very interesting. Kalighat is also a famous kali temple. Tips – Pandas (touts of the God, I can say) are very aggressive businessman. while dealing be careful with them.
Firingee kalibari, thanthania kali bari are also the part of the history of Kolkata.

Would that be the night of Oct 31st or Nov 1st?
- Let me consult with the Bengali calendar, I am not sure right now. Hope someone else can help you.

Tara, Buddhism and Hinduism is OK but sorry no info regarding Tara temple in Kolkata.
Tara and kali :
http://members.tripod.com/historel/orient/15inde.htm

am I totally crazy flying into Kolkata as my first experience of India?
- yes you are. And we like crazy guys like you . So welcome to Kolkata .

green ink

Hi guys,

Thanks for responding and Somnath, thanks for that link.


Somnath, I take it these are particular Kali temples in Calcutta? Sorry, the names are unfamiliar to me.

As for the pandas, thanks for the tip, I have heard other stories about them requesting donations. Do you have any suggestion how much is appropriate to make as a donation when visiting these temples?

Thanks again.

somnath

Hi,
Yes these all are the popular kali temples of Kolkata.

Firingi kali mandir:
http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/F_0082.htm

Thanthania :
http://www.catchcal.com/kaleidoscope...a_kalibari.asp

Lake Kalibari:
http://www.lakekalibari.org

But I am sorry; I do not have any clue about the donation and all. So far I know, there is no rule / standard / fixed rate for donation. You can donate as per your wish.

- Somnath

ddutta

Some details of Kalighat Temple :-
http://kalighat.jagaddhatri.com/

Dakshineswar Temple
http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/india/calcutta.html


Kamarpukur - birth place of "Ramkrishna"
http://www.sriramakrishna.org/kamvisit.htm

Ramkrishna Paramhamsa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramakrishna

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Vasko

Yep, some aggressive pandas alright. After acting all friendly-like and taking you on a tour around the temple and giving you a blessing, they'll hit you with a donation "request" (more like a demand) of 1500 rupees! For a bag of rice! (Now I haven't ever bought a bag of rice in India but I'm sure it doesn't cost that much). When you actually do make a donation (I made one for 150 rps), he'll ask you to write your name and the amount in a little notebook. Later on he'll add a lame-looking zero onto the amount to fool the next tourist into giving more: "look, others have given 1500 rps!". He might also say: "look, all the hindus are giving, you must also give!". Well I'm not a hindu, am I? I'm just curious and I'll pay to have a look, but I won't donate large sums of money to something I have no belief in.

Even if you do give a common donation, he'll also ask for a personal one. If you decline, he will be angry. He will say you don't understand the customs (which is probably true), but customary harassment is not pleasurable. Why are these guys so unbelievably greedy? What is it with religion and money? The richest men in India are the ones running the temple cash register.

Well, that's the only downside. I really don't want to make it sound negative. Although the above does sound like a bit of rant... Just know what you're in for if someone asks to show you around. The Kalighat temple is pretty damn interesting with the goatslaughtering and all (not for the feint of heart). I have all the respect for what's going on in the temple and would be disturbed to actually offend someone. And I still have the strings the priest tied around my wrist, after 4 months, and they're wearing thin... Gotta go back...

green ink

hey guys,

thanks for all the info.

Ddutta's link about Kalighat led me to an interesting message board for devotees who have visited Kalighat:
http://books.dreambook.com/sankarrukku/kalighat.html

here is a quote:
"Maa Kaali has been the source of my life. I live with her. In spite of the dirt and sacrilage going on in and around the temple those eyes seem to engulf you into a realm of bliss.
I wonder how beautiful it would be had there been some discipline in and around the temple. What the purohits, related associations and most importantly the temple comittee forget is that Kalighat is a temple, it is the abode of the physical presence of the absolute infitnite. They take it to be a business centre. I am dazed as to how the so called purohits charge money from the pilgrims who come to pay their homage.
I earnestly request and vehemently oppose the ongoing infidelity with religion at Kalighat temple.
Pray make it easier for Maa to stay... "

It sounds like it is not just a problem for westerners but for hindus as well. Anyway, I'm glad to get this info now rather than discover it on the day when I visit. I will try to keep a positive outlook about it all - I've read that at some of these places you can find a spot to just meditate or sit and let it all wash over you.

I'm looking forward to it!

somnath

You will love to be here again and again

Vasko

Hey green ink,

Thanks for the interesting quote. As you might have noticed, I'm a bit sensitive about making religious places into business centres. Bit like Jesus, I am.

I'm sure you'll find the temples well worth the visit!

sadhuji

temples, like any other religious place, is where one can sit for some time in solitude and meditate, close his eyes and look back at what all he has left behind. yes, the dakshineswar temple does fit the bill to a certain extent but the kalighat temple, bang in the middle if the city, is famous no doubt but does not give you the solitude.

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