Thanthania Kalibari, Kolkata, West Bengal

Contents

1 Architecture
2 Legend / Local stories
3 Photo Gallery
4 How to Reach:
5 Contact Details

Thanthania Kalibari, Kolkata, West Bengal

Date built:	1703
Deity:	Siddheshwari
Architectural style:	–
Major festivals	Kali Puja
Locale:	–
District::	Kolkata
Address:	Bidhan Sarani, College Street Market Area, Machuabazar, Kolkata, 700007, West Bengal
Phone	–

Thanthania Kalibari is a Kali temple in Kolkata.The deity in the temple is known as Siddheshwari. On the occasion of Kali Puja, devotees gather at the temple for worship.

The Thanthania Kalibari was founded by Shankar Ghosh in 1803, a mentioned in the temple building itself. However, according to a different tradition it was built in 1703. The image of the presiding deity Siddheshwari is made of clay and the idol is painted every year with the colors red and black. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered auspicious for a visit to the temple. The temple is 300+ years old, and the idol is even older.

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

Kolkata is the place where religion, festival, celebrations and devotion are inculcated within people. Goddess Kali is worshipped here in various forms, with immense devotion and faith. There are many temples of the Goddess in Calcutta, which remain flooded with devotees throughout the year. One such temple is the Thanthania Kalibari Temple. Located in the Shyambazar, it is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the city.

Thanthania Kalibari is said to be built in 1703. However there is a little ambiguity over the fact, as a sect of people considers it to be built in 1803. However, on one of the stones of the temple ‘1110’ is inscribed, which when converted from Bengali calendar to Gregorian calendar, states 1803. So, the more popular belief is that the temple was built in 1803. This temple is dedicated to Siddheswari Mata, a form of Goddess Kali and was built by Sankar Ghosh.

Thanthania Kalibari has a small clay idol of Goddess Kali, which is reconstructed every year. The temple also houses a small idol of Lord Shiva. The best days to visit the temple are considered to be Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these are considered to be the holy days of Mata Siddheswari. Visiting the temple on any “Amavaysa”, or Lunar Eclipse, is also considered fruitful. People in Kolkata also visit the temple on the day of Kali Puja.