Kali temples of Kolkata are celebrated amongst the millions of devotees of Goddess Kali residing in the country, particularly in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. Bengalis are believed to be ardent devotees of this Hindu deity, which bears testimony to the uncountable Kali temples existent in different portions of the city of Kolkata. Most of the Kali temples have been present since several centuries, and boast of unique temple art, indigenous to this region of India. These religious structures are overcrowded with pilgrims, who offer Puja and worship Goddess Kali in the belief that the Goddess, who is revered as a Mother, would eliminate their distress and shower Her divine blessings on Her devotees.

Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat Temple is one of the most famous Kali temples of Kolkata, which is amongst the 51 `Shakti Peethas` and is over 200 years old. The term `Kolkata` is believed to have originated from the term `Kalighat` which exists on the banks of a tiny canal named Adi Ganga. Adi Ganga was the original river course of Hooghly, and the river has shifted its course with the passage of time. The touchstone idol of Goddess Kali is impressive and was created by two saints known as Atmaram Giri and Brahmananda Giri. A long tongue and four hands made of gold, and three large eyes are the exclusive characteristics of the idol.

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
Located at Dakshineshwar on banks of Hooghly River, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is dedicated to `Bhavatarini` avatar of Goddess Kali, which implies `She who liberates Her devotees from the world or Samsara`. Rani Rashmoni is said to have constructed this temple during 1855 and is associated with the legendary mystic and saint called Ramakrishna Paramahansa. The architectural style of this temple is `Navaratna` or nine spires. Based near the main temple is the collection of twelve identical temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which displays the traditional Bengali `Aat Chala` form of architectural pattern. A Vishnu temple is present on the north-eastern side of the temple.

Lake Kalibari
Another noted Kali temple of Kolkata is the Lake Kalibari, which stands at Southern Avenue and its name is `Sree Sree 108 Karunamoyee Kalimata Mandir`, in the honour of its presiding deity who is referred to as Goddess Karunamoyee. Sree Sree Karunamoyee Kalimata Trust supervises the operations and management of this Kali temple.

Thanthania Kalibari
Goddess Siddheshwari is worshipped at the Thanthania Kalibari, near College Street, on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Uncountable number of devotees assembles inside the temple premises particularly during Diwali and lunar eclipse of `Amavasya`. It is said that Thanthania Kalibari was established by Shankar Ghosh during 1803. Clay has been employed to create the idol of Goddess Siddheshwari. Tuesdays and Sundays are considered the most significant days during which the Goddess is worshipped.

Firinghi Kalibari
Firinghi Kalibari is present in the area of Bowbazar in Kolkata and is over 500 years of age. It has been so named, in order to commemorate a European called Anthony Firingee, who had embraced the religion of Hinduism and was a great devotee of Goddess Kali. Visitors would have to approach B.B.Ganguly Street.