Thanthania Kalibari (ঠনঠনিয়া কালীবাড়ি) is one of Kolkata famous Kali temple of worship. It was built in 1803 by a well-to-do local named Shankar Ghosh. The grandson of Shankar Ghosh was Swami Subodhananda, a direct disciple of the 19th-century spiritual leader Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsha Deb. Even though the Thanthania kalibari kolkata is over 200 years old, it’s believed that the deity is even older. It’s dedicated to the Hindu god Kali, and the temple is packed with devotees all year round. Gadadhar (later Sree Ramakrishna Paramhamsa), a young boy, used to sing in front of the Debi in this temple. Additionally, the temple was visited by the renowned Sadhak Ramprasad Sen. Tuesday and Saturday are the two most auspicious days for Hindus, so tourists flock to the temple to pay their respects. Another popular time to visit is amavasya (no moon day). Kali Puja is usually held on Diwali’s eve, so it’s a great time to visit.
Introduction
History and Origin of Thanthania Kalibari
The historical background for the temple’s(Thanthania Kalibari) foundation in the exact written record is largely disputed. The plaque atop the temple states 1703 AD as the year the temple was established. On the other hand, as per HEA Cotton’s Calcutta, Old and New, the Siddheshwari Kali idol in Thanthania on what was then called Cornwallis Street (now known as ‘Bidhan Sarani’) was built by Uday Narayan Brahmachari. After Uday Narayan’s death, one of the ‘Haldar Brahmin(priests)’ took over the responsibility of worshipping the Kali idol. The present temple was built during the period of Babu Shankar Chandra Ghosh in Thanthania. The history of the installation of Kali idols in dense forests and the subsequent establishment of temples by the Ghosh family dates back to 1803 AD, as per the book published by the Ramakrishna Mission. Like in some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations happen in temple, here Deepabali celebrates as a main festival. As we know believe spiritual significance of Deepabali is very auspicious festival among Hindus.
It is said that in the past, the area was densely forested and frequented by dacoits. To alert the inhabitants of the area, a bell had been set up and rung in response to dacoit’s attacks. The ringing of the bell was said to replicate the ‘than, than’ sound, which is why the temple has been referred to as “Thanthania Kalibari”. However, the origin of the name “Thanthania” is uncertain, and it can be concluded that the temple was originally dedicated to the deity “Mata Shiddheshwari” long before the construction of the present temple. It is worth noting that the Hindu prophet “Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsha ” frequented the area when he was staying nearby on Jhamapukur Lane, near the house of Shri Ramakumar Mitra, in 1853 AD.
Architectural Details
The Kolkata famous Kali Temple ‘Thanthania Kalibari’ itself is a suitable structure above the main road, on the other side of the pavement. The outer walls of the overall construction have been covered in tiles very recently. The name of the temple was engraved in metal in 2018. Inside the total construction are two temples: one of the reigning deities, Shiddheswari Kali, and one of Lord Shiva. There are two marble tablets on the wall of the main temple; one shows the name of the temple, Shree Shreedhwarswari Kali Mata (mother’s temple), and the other says, Kali resides in the heart of Shankar (here, Shankar may refer to Lord Shiva, or who is a devotee of Kali and founder of the temple).
The Kolkata famous Kali Temple itself is a suitable structure above the main road, on the other side of the pavement. The outer walls of the overall construction have been covered in tiles very recently. The name of the temple was engraved in metal in 2018. Inside the total construction are two temples: one of the reigning deities, Shiddheswari Kali, and one of Lord Shiva. There are two marble tablets on the wall of the main temple; one shows the name of the temple, Shree Shreedhwarswari Kali Mata (mother’s temple), and the other says, Kali resides in the heart of Shankar (here, Shankar may refer to Lord Shiva, or who is a devotee of Kali and founder of the temple).
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There is a courtyard before the idol of Thanthania Kalibari, and on the courtyard there is a harikath (sacrifice altarpiece). The sacrificial altarpiece is considered a very sacred place. The three gates leading to the Sanctum of the temple are adorned with solid silver plates engraved with images of gods and goddesses. The idols of this temple are made of clay and are not renewed every year. Therefore, they are cleaned, repaired, and touched with clay every alternate period and painted every alternate period. The ornamentation is made of real gold and is re-enlivened on re-touched idols. The temple as a whole is well-maintained and cleaned. It is believed that the presiding deity fulfills all the desires of the devotees.
The “Worship Process of the Temple”
Thanthania Kalibari is open 7 days a week. On a daily basis, the temple opens at 6:00 in the morning and stays open until 11:00 am. The temple reopens for devotees around 3:00 in the afternoon. The temple closes for the day around 8:00 p.m. Due to the fact that it is a Tantric temple, animal sacrifice continues on all no-moon nights and during Kali puja. The entry fee to this temple is absolutely free.Both morning and evening Aarati are performed here. After the one-hour evening Aarati, ‘Bhog’ or Prasad (the divine food) is available for which tokens can be purchased in advance or on-the-spot. The ‘Prasad’ served here is highly succulent and adored by the devotees.
Conclusion
The Thanthania Kalibari does not possess a mythological origin; however, it is evident that it has a historical basis. The tenure of the temple(Thanthania Kalibari) is uncertain, as it is not certain whether it was established during British rule or not. Furthermore, this temple began its journey with great importance in the world. It is particularly important to the Bengali people, as it has a mystical typification, that is, Shree Shree Ramkrishna Paramhansa, and it is not an exaggeration to say that this temple influences the thinking, feelings, and emotions of the Bengali people. Therefore, I strongly recommend visiting this temple when visiting Kolkata.
Encore Audio Visual of Thanthania Kalibari
FAQ
how to go Thanthania Kali Bari
The Thanthania Kali Bari is on Bidhan Sarani, you can reach there in different ways
Bus
The temple is conveniently located on a major bus route, situated some distance away from the College Street - M.G Road Crossing. The closest bus stop to the temple is Thanthania Kalibari. The buses that provide transportation to the temple via the Bidhan Sarani and M.G Road are Classes 47, S3A, S3B, 21, 28 and 44 etc .The journey from Sealdah takes between 33 and 46 minutes and the fare varies from Rs. 10 to Rs. 13.
Auto Service
There is a large number of auto services available from Sealdah, the fare of which is similar to the bus fare.
Cab Service
Cab services are also available from any area of Kolkata
Tram Service
Heritage Kolkata's Tram runs to the Shyambazar Depot, which is the nearest tram stop to the temple.
Metro Service
Kolkata Metro can reach you so easily and comfortably, but there is not any direct Metro station. The nearest Metro station is M.G. Road. Then follow Muktaram Baby Street till Bidhan Sarani(750mtrs.) and turn right, or riding the famous hand-pulled rickshaw of Kolkata.
Hand-pulled rickshaw Service
Follow Muktaram BabuStreet till Bidhan Sarani(750mtrs.) then turn right by riding the famous hand-pulled rickshaw of Kolkata.