Introduction
After watching the famous Bengali movie Antony Firinge, I became interested in knowing the history of the firingi kali bari, the age-old Kali temple.While studying the history of Eastern India, I noticed that there has been a belief and tradition of worship of the Mother Goddess, ‘Maa Kali, in Hinduism since ancient times. Another notable thing is that of the 51 Shati Peethas located on the Eastern India map, 13 exist in West Bengal. That is why it seems that Maa Kali has been worshiped in different forms since the ancient period in Bengal. It is for this reason that many Maa Kali temples have been established in Kolkata (the Gateway of Eastern India) since primordial times. Let’s discuss Firingi KaliBari (ফিরিঙ্গী কালী বাড়ি ), one of the oldest Maa Kali Temples in Kolkata.
Historical Background of Firingi Kali Bari ((ফিরিঙ্গী কালী বাড়ি) famous Kali Temple in Kolkata
City of Joy , as with many temples, there are many differences of opinion regarding the history of their establishment. A plaque depicted outside this Maa Kali Temple mentions the year of establishment of the temple as 905 Bengali Year (৯০৫ বঙ্গাব্দ). It can be assumed that this famous Kali Temple in Kolkata was established around 1498 CE during the Sultanate’s rule of Bengal. Although various sources of information are available, reliable information is known from the book ‘Calcutta Old and New, authored by Sir Harry Evan Cotton. It is written in this book that a man named Srimanta Dom (the cremationist) initially built a temple of Shiva and Maa Shitala. Kolkata, the City of Joy, was not founded in the 905 Bengali Year. Once upon a time, the river Bhagirathi and some canals around it were intertwined like water in this forest region. The temple was built in the canopy of leaves in that jungle. The ‘Dom’ community was considered a low caste; it is assumed that no priest worshiped in this temple. Ma Shitola Devi, a folk deity, is described in various Bengali fables as the cure for chronic diseases. Srimanta Dom himself performed the pooja and uses it to treat people suffering from smallpox, etc. The idol of Maa Kali was later established there.
Who was Anthony Firingee? Did he Build Firingi Kali Bari?
Soon after, Europeans settled here. Hensman Anthony (1786 CE–1836 CE), a Portuguese youth from Faras Danga( now Chander Nagar, Hooghly), used to come to his maternal uncle’s house there. He came to India in the early 19th century. Foreigners or Europeans were called “Firingi” in the colloquial Bengali language. Entering the arena of the Bengali language and loving the Bengali language, the Portuguese youth became interested in knowing the culture of Bengal. He imbibed the Hindu religious and spiritual philosophy of this country. He learned Kobigan from ‘Bhola Moira’ and became ‘Antony Kobial’. Antony Firingi later installed the clay idol of ‘Siddheswari Kali Mata’ in the temple, which was founded by Srimanta Dom. In the riots of 1946, the clay idol of Maa Kali was destroyed. In 1976, the idol of Maa Kali was changed, and finally, in 1987, a concrete idol of the goddess was established. Now there is an Asta dhatu idol of Durga, the Jagaddhatri idol, and Narayana Sheela exists next to the Siddheswari Mata idol. The idol is still worshiped every day. He became such a devotee of Maa Kali that she inspired him to compose several devotional songs. A Christian youth being attracted to Hinduism was an unprecedented phenomenon in those times. Some historians believe that the name ‘Firingi Kali Bari’ of this temple is proof of this European annexation. Even today, people of different religions and castes come to the Firingi Kali Bari to offer puja with devotion. Antony Kobial did not stay as Firingi but Maa Siddheswari became Firingi Kali Maa. Portuguese-born Kabial came to this sacred Temple and realized that Christ and Lord Krishna are the same. According to various records, Antony Kobial married Pramila Devi or some others say her name was Soudamini Devi, a widow who deployed in the service of this Maa Kali Temple. However, historian Sree. Radharaman Mitra in his book ‘Kolkata Darpan’ opined that there is no connection between the ‘Firingi Kali Bari’ and Antony Kobial.
Temple Architecture and Design
Firingi Kali Bari has been very popular since the 19th century. The temple structure is quite undersized and is situated almost on the main road. The outer wall is made of white marble, and the name of the temple has been engraved on a metal plaque. The marble plaque bears the name of the temple, the year of establishment, and the present address. The sanctum sanctorum of Firingi Kali Bari has limited space, yet peace exists within its four walls. The main sanctum of the Maa Kali Temple can be entered through three doors.
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Significance and Religious Practices
There are various stalls outside the temple selling puja items. Most devotees perform puja and pray from outside. From some time in 1860 or 1880 CE, the Bandopadhyay family of Polba took charge as ‘mandir sevait’. The first sevait of this family was ‘Sashi Bhushan Bandopadhyayy”. At present, there are six sharers in this Temple. Accordingly, the turn of the pooja falls Apart from Asim Bondopadhyay, his son Atanu Bandopadhyay, Ankesh Bandopadhyay, and others from the same family are currently serving as “sevait’. Atanu Bondapadhyay informs us that the temple is still worshiped in full ‘Vedic Cult’. Once animal sacrifice used to be practiced, it no longer occurs.
Conclusion
The city of Kolkata is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. There are many age-old Maa Kali Temples in Kolkata. Among them, the Firingi Kali Bari is a must-visit sacred place. The specialty of Firingi Kali Bari is that a European youth, Antony, amalgamated Hinduism and Christianity. That’s why you must visit the legendary Firingi Kali Bari during your visit to Kolkata.
FAQ
How to Reach Firingi Kali Bari
The Maa Kali Temple is adjacent to Chittaranjan Avenue (previously known as Central Avenue, a major bus route) crossing and also the existing metro route. Bipin Bihari Ganguly Street (on which the temple positioned) is also a major road, with almost all types of transport available.
Bus
Nearest Bus Stop on Chittaranjan Avenue is Bowbazar, (80 mtrs) and on BB Ganguly Street is Firingi Kali Bari (0 mtrs).
Metro
Kolkata Metro is the lifeline of public transport in Kolkata. The nearest metro station is Central (100 mtrs). Follow the boards inside the metro station and exit from the Yogayog Bhavan side of the metro station.
Tram
The temple can also be reached by heritage Kolkata Tram from the Esplanade Terminus. Nearest Tram Stop is Bowbazar (200 mtrs) on College Street.
Rickshaw or Walking
From any of the above locations, the temple can be easily reached walking or riding the famous hand pulled rickshaw (হাতে টানা রিকশা) of Kolkata.
Temple Timing
- Mon - Sun
7:00 am - 12:15 pm
4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
The Firingi Kali Bari is open seven days a week. Tuesdays and Saturdays are bit packed up, these two days are considered very auspicious in Hinduism. In New Moon days (Amavasyas or অমাবস্যা) counting that of Kali Puja exert a pull on many devotees. This temple offers specific Kali or other pujas like Bipodtarini Puja, Sitala Puja, Manasa Puja, Shiva Pujaetc
Encore Audio Visual of Firingi Kali Bari