Simlagarh Dakshina Kali Temple is believed to be one of the oldest and continuously active Kali temple in the region. According to the temple’s sevayets (caretakers), the Goddess here is very much alive and responsive (jagrat). Every day, numerous devotees come to seek her blessings. Although the temple has been modernized over time, its tradition and spiritual heritage remain unchanged. Simlagarh Dakshina Kali Temple Kali Puja 2026 date is November 8.
During Kali Puja various tantric rituals and prayers are held here. Some of the prayers and pujas are shrouded in mystery. The night also attracts tantrics from nearby regions.
A 500-Year-Old Tradition – Simlagarh’s Dakshina Kali
The Kali Puja of Simlagarh in Pandua, Hooghly district, is
nearly 500 years old. The Goddess here is worshipped in the form of Dakshina
Kali. It is considered one of Bengal’s oldest and most spiritually active
(jagrat) Kali temples.
Simlagarh Dakshina Kali Temple History
Hariharpur and Smashan Kali: Once, this area was known as Hariharpur. It was close to a cremation ground and
surrounded by dense forests. There were no human settlements then. At that
time, the Goddess was known by different names — some called her Smashan Kali
(Kali of the cremation ground), while others called her Dakat Kali (the
bandits’ Kali).
Worship by Bandits: Local history says that bandits used to perform rituals in the dense forest before setting out for robbery. It is also said that the famous bandit Raghu Dakat worshipped this very Kali.
Abolition of Human Sacrifice: At one time, human sacrifices were offered to the Goddess. It is said that the tantric Natabar Bhattacharya was terrified after witnessing severed human heads. Later, the Goddess herself appeared to him in a dream and commanded him to end the practice of human sacrifice.
End of the Practice at the Tantric’s Request: It is also believed that, following Natabar Bhattacharya’s plea, the custom of human sacrifice was permanently stopped at the temple. However, the ritual of goat sacrifice continues to this day.
Simlagarh Dakshina Kali Temple Story
The Kapalik’s Place of Worship: According to local folklore, a kapalik (a tantric ascetic who worships Kali in
cremation grounds) once lived by a pond near this forested area. He would sit
on a panchamundi asana (a seat made of five skulls) and worship Goddess Kali.
Simlagarh Dakshina Kali Temple Offerings
Special Offerings to the Goddess: The offerings (bhog) at Simlagarh’s Dakshina Kali temple include pona fish. The
Goddess is said to be very fond of sandesh (a Bengali sweet), which is
therefore a must during the puja. Nowadays, various fruits are also offered
during Kali Puja.
Devotion of Truck Drivers: In earlier days, truck drivers coming from Bardhaman would bring mihidana and sitabhog (traditional sweets) as offerings. Even today, many drivers passing along the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) stop to offer their prayers to the Goddess.