Kalyaneshwari Temple, Bardhaman District

Kalyaneshwari temple is one of the most revered sights around Asansol. Located at the bank of River Barakar which is situated in the Bardhaman district of west Bengal, this temple is often known for its legends. While the original temple existed from a time which is unknown, the recent structure was built by Raja of Panchkot during the 3rd century BC.

Kalyaneshwari Temple;

Temple History
Legend
Architecture
How To Reach The Temple
Daily Poojas And Festivals
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Additional Information

Kalyaneshwari is a 500-year old center of Shakti worship. According to the legend human sacrifices were offered at Kalyaneshwari in the remote past. The present temple, however, is not very old and was constructed by Panchakot Raj. The temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women.

Kalyaneshwari temple near Maithan is mainly known for a number of legends. According to some legends the temple is created on the sight on which some of the body part of Goddess Parvati fell when it was cut into pieces by Lord Vishnu’s Chakra. This fell in the form of a meteor which was transformed into a mound that exists inside the temple. An ancient temple was created on the spot which was worshipped by a faithful priest and his family.
While performing his puja the priest was very particular about the time of feeding the goddess. One day there was some delay in offering bhog. On this the priest left the temple with incomplete rituals and asked his daughter to sit for a while when he could arrange the food. When he came back he found the deity had accepted his daughter as a sacrifice and killed her.

On this the priest was shocked who condemned the mother goddess for her insensitivity towards his devotion. On this the goddess regretted and promised to fulfil the wishes of all her devotees particularly those who will wish for a child. As she blessed the priest with another child also promised to bless all the barren ladies who visit her shrine and pray with great motives and pious heart.

With a simple structure the temple is built on the mound which contains the deity of the goddess. This forms the garbhagriha of the temple. Because of its strange look the deity is covered with a red cloth which shows the right hand of the little child. Surrounded with some ancient frescoes the temple is always flooded with devotees who travel from far off places to reach the temple and offer their homage to the goddess. Though originally located at the bank of River Barakar this temple is now surrounded with some local shops as the river has changed its course to a great extent.

The temple is surrounded with the most picturesque site of Maithan dam which is built on River Barakar. While the original temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali in the form of Maa Kalyaneshwari, its original structure was built by Maharaja Hari Gupt who was fleeing from the Kushans. This was later on renovated by king of Panchkota some five centuries ago.

By Road: The temple is situated in Asansol, Bardhaman district of the Indian state of Kolata. It is 181 km from Ranchi, 231 km from Kolkata and 297 km from Patna and is quite close to the Barakar railway station.

By Rail: The Temple is well connected through nearest Barakar railway station (4 kms)
to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Ranchi Airport (181 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.

A major part of the Goddess Kali rituals and observances are the mass prayers that are offered from morning 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The following stated are the festivals celebrated in the temple: Holi, Winter Navaratras, Vijaya Dashami or Dusshera, Sharad Poornima, Deepawali, Annakuta, Makar Sankranti, Shiva Ratri, Holi, Spring Navaratras.
Dusshera and Navaratri are regarded as the most auspicious time to visit the temple.