In the heart of North Kolkata, in one corner of Bagbazar, still stands this ancient temple — Byom Kali Temple – a place steeped in history. Nearly 270 years old, the Byom Kali Temple of North Kolkata was once part of the forest-covered village of Sutanuti. Bagbazar Byom Kali Temple Kali Puja 2026 date is November 8. On the new moon night of Kartik (Kali Puja night), people from far and wide continue to gather to seek the blessings of this ancient divine power.
Bagbazar Byom Kali Temple History
The temple’s origins are tied to a certain Tantric
practitioner, who attained spiritual powers (siddhi) through his devotion to
Goddess Kali amidst the dense forests by the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Later, a Brahmin named Pallarama Bhattacharya from Agnan
village on the banks of the Damodar River in Burdwan district, along with his
wife, became his disciple and began the worship of the Mother.
Even today, the sacred pot (ghat) placed on the panchamundi
seat (altar of five skulls) established by that Tantric is still worshipped.
In later years, Sadhak Pallarama himself installed the clay
idol of the Mother — Uttarasya, Muktakeshi, the Goddess whose feet rest upon Lord
Mahadeva (Shiva). In essence, she is Siddheshwari.
The worship of this Goddess, which once began in a humble
clay hut on the southern bank of the now-vanished Maratha Ditch in Bagbazar,
continues today in a temple built in the Chandni architectural style, with a
flat roof, standing at 23 Bridge Approach Road (now Mohit Maitra Sarani).
In Sutanuti, the menace of bandits was a constant companion.
It is said that those bandits never went out on a raid without first
worshipping the Mother Goddess. Their strange dependence on this fierce,
wrathful form of the Goddess adds a thrillingly human touch to the temple’s
ancient history.
Bagbazar Byom Kali Temple And Holy Mother Sarada Devi
The temple carries a deep emotional resonance as well — Holy
Mother Sarada Devi herself once visited this shrine. Located just a stone’s
throw away from her residence, the temple remains a tranquil sanctuary in North
Kolkata.
Bagbazar Byom Kali Temple Kali Puja Rituals
Every year, the ritual of Angaraga (the ceremonial adornment
of the deity) begins after Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja. Following the Tantric
scriptures, daily worship continues even today.
The offerings during worship are vegetarian, except on Dipanwita
Kali Puja, when a special dish — chhyachra made with malabar spinach and fish
heads — is offered as a non-vegetarian delicacy. Though animal sacrifice was
once practiced here, now only fruit offerings are made.
Special worships also take place during Rotonti Kali Puja
and Falharini Kali Puja.