The Kalighat Kali Temple, situated on the banks of the Adi Ganga in south Kolkata, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hinduism and is believed to be the place where the toes of Goddess Sati fell, making it one of the most powerful centers of Shakti worship in India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce and compassionate mother goddess, and is visited by millions of devotees throughout the year. Unlike other Kali idols, the deity here is unique, depicted with a long tongue made of gold, three large eyes, and four arms — embodying both divine wrath and maternal grace. The temple, believed to be several centuries old, was rebuilt in its present form in 1809 under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family. It is one of the most visited temples in Kolkata and holds deep emotional and spiritual significance for locals and pilgrims alike. Kalighat is not just a temple but a vibrant cultural and spiritual center where daily rituals, animal sacrifices, and heartfelt devotion coexist, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of Bengal.

In contrast, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, is equally famous for its serene beauty, majestic architecture, and spiritual aura. Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and devotee of Kali, the temple is dedicated to Bhavatarini, a form of Kali who liberates devotees from worldly sufferings. The temple complex is grand, featuring nine spires, a long colonnaded courtyard, and twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva along the riverbank. The sanctum houses the beautifully adorned idol of Kali standing on a supine Shiva, reflecting the cosmic balance of creation and destruction. The temple gained national spiritual prominence through its association with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the 19th-century saint and mystic who served as its priest and had many divine visions here. His presence turned Dakshineswar into a magnet for seekers, including his disciple Swami Vivekananda, who later spread his master’s teachings worldwide. Today, Dakshineswar continues to be a peaceful refuge for spiritual contemplation, attracting pilgrims, tourists, and devotees from all walks of life, standing as a symbol of divine love, devotion, and enlightenment.