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Heritage Temples of West Bengal
Heritage temples of West Bengal are significant pilgrimage spots in India which draw millions of tourists throughout the year.

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Heritage temples of West Bengal are numerous and include reputable temples like Kalighat Kali Temple, ISKCON Temple, Jouhra Kali Bari of Malda amongst several others. Such temples boast of marvelous architectural designs and comprise of Indian deities like Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, other Hindu deities and some Hindu saints. Few of these heritage temples are located in various cities, towns and districts of the Indian state of West Bengal and have been granted the prestigious status by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Heritage Temples of West Bengal Dakshineshwar Temple
Located on the banks of River Hooghly, Dakshineshwar Temple consists of twelve shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and also a temple which houses the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. The temple premises also possess a bathing `ghat` and another shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. However, the principle deity of this temple is an avatar of Goddess Kali, known as Goddess Bhavatarini.

Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Kali Temple is a renowned Hindu temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is amongst the 51 `shakti peethas`. The temple is situated on the banks of Adi Ganga, which is now a small canal that leads to the Hooghly River. It is believed that the presiding deity of this temple obliterates all domestic complications of her devotees.

Tarapith Temple
Tarapith Temple is another beautiful heritage temple in West Bengal, steeped in legends and myths. Goats are regularly sacrificed by many ardent devotees of Goddess Tara after they are bathed in a sacred water tank, adjacent to the Tarapith temple. The devotees take a dip in the holy waters of this tank before they proceed to offer their prayers to the goddess since it is believed that it purifies the body.

Belur Math
Belur Math, also referred to as Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda, the famous disciple of the legendary Hindu saint, Ramakrishna Paramahansa. It is located on the river bank of Hooghly and is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Belur Math is adorned with unique architecture which is a fusion of Islamic, Christian and Hindu motifs. The temple premises include Sri Ramakrishna Temple, Swami Vivekananda Temple, Holy Mother`s Temple which is dedicated to Sarada Devi, the wife of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Ramakrishna Museum.

Heritage Temples of West Bengal Iskcon Temple, Mayapur
Iskcon Temple of Mayapur has been created in the memory of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Radha-Madhava are the principle deities while the other idols are that of eight `gopis`, Srimati Tungavidya Devi, Srimati Chitra Devi, Srimati Visakha Devi, Srimati Lalita Devi, Srimati Sudevi and several others.

Temples of Bishnupur
Located in Bankura district of the state, Bankura comprises several terracotta temples composed of the local laterite stones. Temples like Rasmancha, Jor-Bangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple, Radha-Shyam Temple, Lalji Temple, Nandalal Temple, Chhinnamasta Temple, Sarbamangala Temple, Murulimohan Temple, Kalachand Temple, etc are amongst the notable heritage temples of West Bengal.

Calcutta Jain Temple or Parshvanath Temple
The Calcutta Jain Temple, which is also famous as the Parshwanath Temple is placed in Badridas Temple Street and was constructed by Shrimal Jain who was a Marwari. The temple complex consists of Mahaveer Swami Temple, Shitalnath Ji Temple, Chandraprabhu Ji Temple and Dadawadi Temple. The main deity of Parashwanath Temple is Lord Pareshnath, who was the 23rh Jain Tirthankara.

Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island
This heritage temple is located at Sagar island. Idols of Ram, Sita and Bhagirath are also present in Kapil Muni Temple. Devotees and visitors bathe in the River Ganga prior to offering their prayers to the deity. This temple possesses a block of stone, which is believed to be the representation of the sage Kapil.

The East-Indian state of West Bengal consists of innumerable heritage temples which involve Jouhra Kali Bari, Malda and many others. The Jouhra Kalibari is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.


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