Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Kali, the destroyer and redeemer of mankind
Kalighat is located in the city of Kolkata, previously called Calcutta, on the banks of the river Hooghly (Bhagirathi). The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from ‘Kalighat'. Situated to the south of Kolkata, the temple is considered one of the 52 shakti peethams of India. Shakti peethams are divine spots where the various parts of Sati's body are said to have fallen,during the course of Shiva's rudra tandava. Kalighat is believed to be the location where Sati's right toe fell.
Goddess Kali is one of Bengal's main deities. She is regarded as both a destroyer and a savior and is depicted in a fearful form. Despite her scary form, Kali is worshiped in almost every home in Bengal because she is believed to bestow harmony on worshipers.
The temple has attracted many interesting legends. One such is that a devotee once saw a ray of light coming from the Bhagirathi river-bed and discovered that it emanated from a piece of stone carved in the form of a human toe.
He also found a svayambhu lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav nearby, and began worshiping Goddess Kaali in the midst of a thick jungle.
The Kalighat temple in its present form is about 200 years old, but its actual date of foundation is unclear as it has been referred to both in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century.
The original temple was a small hut. King Manasingha, during early 16th century, constructed a small temple. The present temple, however, was built under the patronage of the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Banisha.
This family is also said to have built the Chitreswari Kaali temple in Chitpur, West Bengal. It is believed that there was a pathway through the jungle between Chitpur and Kalighat, and this pathway, according to some records, became the Chitpur road of modern day Kolkata.
The Kalighat temple was completed in the year 1809. Another family, the Haldars of Kolkata, claim to be the original owners of the temple property. But the Chowdhurys of Banisha dispute this claim.
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Article taken from the issue:23 Nov, 2007
Labels: Goddess Kali, Hindu, Kalighat, religion, religious, temples
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
AKSHARDHAM - Font of science and spirituality
Built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the Akshardham Temple represents a unique tradition of the Swaminarayan faith - that of straddling the continuum of spirituality and science.The restaurant caters to a wide variety of traditional dishes. Groups can book snacks and meals in advance.
¦ Respectable' attire is expected. Winter (November to March): Weather is mild and pleasant. Light clothes for the day, a comfortable sweater or shawl for the evening. Summer (April to June): Weather is hot and sunny. Light cotton clothes.
Monsoon (July to October): Umbrellas recommended.
¦ Photography and filming are strictly prohibited. Special permission is required for media representatives or students photographing the complex for personal or commercial use. Photographers can be chastised if their work or presence is causing a disturbance for other visitors.
¦ Charity: Utilize the donation boxes or contact the reception.
TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS ¦ You are not allowed to carry food inside the premises. Pure, fresh vegetarian food and snacks are available at Premvati Refreshments located in Sahajanand Vun. The restaurant caters to a wide variety of traditional dishes. Groups can book snacks and meals in advance. ¦ Respectable' attire is expected. Winter (November to March): Weather is mild and pleasant. Light clothes for the day, a comfortable sweater or shawl for the evening. Summer (April to June): Weather is hot and sunny. Light cotton clothes. Monsoon (July to October): Umbrellas recommended. ¦ Photography and filming are strictly prohibited. Special permission is required for media representatives or students photographing the complex for personal or commercial use. Photographers can be chastised if their work or presence is causing a disturbance for other visitors. ¦ Charity: Utilize the donation boxes or contact the reception.
Labels: holy places, indian temples, religious, temples
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