Shyamsundari Kali (Shyam Sundari Kal) is a renowned goddess once worshipped at Sukia Street in North Kolkata, where her original temple stood. Devotees believe that the living presence of the goddess resides in this temple — hence, it is often called “The Temple of the Living Kali.” Here, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a young girl or balika.
The Goddess in Child Form:
In this temple, Devi Shyamsundari is worshipped as a five-year-old girl. Unlike
the fierce and terrifying forms of Kali, she is always smiling and radiates
divine charm. Her enchanting smile has made her especially beloved among
devotees. Because the goddess is worshipped as a child, the ritual of Ambubachi
(associated with the goddess’s fertility) is not observed here.
The Goddess’s Miracles on New Moon Nights:
Devotees claim that on every new moon night (Amavasya), Shyamsundari Devi roams
around the temple courtyard. It is said that she whispers softly, and many
attendants have heard the sound of anklets and faint breathing near the
sanctum. Some even claim to have seen her eyes blink!
The Mother’s Compassion for the Poor:
A well-known story tells that on the day of Mahalaya, a temple priest was on
his way to the market to buy offerings. On the road, a small girl, her skin
tinged blue, asked him for some rice and bananas to eat. Irritated, the priest
told her to earn her food and pushed her aside. The little girl replied gently,
“If I could earn my food, why would I come to you?”
The Priest’s Vision:
That night, the priest felt something strange—the idol of the goddess seemed to
fade into the darkness. He heard footsteps and the tinkling of anklets. When he
raised his lamp, he saw the same little girl’s face glowing before the idol.
The girl said, “I am not only the mother of the rich; I am the mother of the
poor as well.”
The Story Behind the Name “Shyamsundari”:
According to legend, one of the goddess’s devoted followers was the darkest-skinned member of her family and often felt saddened by it. One day, she saw a picture of Goddess Kali at a relative’s house and asked who she was. Her relative replied, “This is Shyama Kali.” From then on, the devotee lovingly called her Shyamsundari — “the beautiful dark one.”
Daily Offerings and Worship:
After this miraculous event, the goddess began to be worshipped in her Kanya
Rupa—the form of a young girl. It is believed that the goddess herself chose
her daily offering: ripe bananas and a handful of raw rice. No sacrifices or
meat offerings are made here.
Special Worship on New Moon Nights:
On every new moon, a special ceremony is held in the temple. The ritual takes
place in near darkness, with only a single lamp lit. Many devotees say they can
feel the goddess’s divine presence during this time. People come from far and
wide to witness this sacred worship.
Faith and Fulfillment of Wishes:
Devotees firmly believe that Shyamsundari Devi never sends anyone away
empty-handed. It is said that she always listens to sincere prayers and
fulfills the wishes of her devotees. The Mother always ensures that her
children never go without food.
Temple’s Unique Features:
On the temple’s main altar, Lord Jagannath, Balram, and Subhadra are seated
beside Shyamsundari. They are regarded as her children or divine guardians. In
the adjoining room, Bhairav resides, watching over the temple. The devotees in
charge of her service also take care of the temple’s upkeep.