বাংলায় পড়ুন
The divine realm of Ma Kali holds immense glory, and tales of her grace resonate in local folklore. Kolkata shelters temples where Kali devotees fulfil their spiritual aspirations, and one such renowned temple stands in Tollygunge, Kolkata—the Karunamoyee Kali Temple.
Legend has it that Nandalal Roy Chowdhury, the scion of the illustrious Roy Chowdhury family, laid the foundation of this temple. It is said that Krishna Dev Roy Chowdhury, the second son of Keshabram Roy Chowdhury, was born in 1722. Following him, three sons named Raghavendra, Ramacharan, and Jagannath were born.
Yet Nandalal harboured a desire for a daughter. This wish came true, and a daughter named 'Karunamoyee' was born. Tragically, at the tender age of seven, Karunamoyee faced an untimely demise, shattering Nandalal emotionally.
Once in a dream, Karunamoyee appeared to Nandalal, guiding him to a sacred stone under a banyan tree near the banks of the Adi Ganga. She instructed him to carve her idol from that stone and establish it, promising her perpetual presence within.
Driven by this divine vision, Nandalal discovered the prophesied stone beneath the banyan tree. With the help of the sculptor Bhasakar, he crafted the extraordinary idol of Karunamoyee.
On the new moon night of Kartik month in 1760, the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony took place, giving rise to the magnificent Karunamoyee Kali Temple in the western part of Adi Ganga, supported by the benevolence of Nabachura.
Despite facing destruction over the years, the temple's central deity, the timeless idol of Karunamoyee, remains unscathed, symbolising resilience and devotion. Apart from the annual Kali Puja, the temple hosts a grand Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshipped, and a special night-time ritual dedicated to the goddess.
The daily rituals and the grand celebration of Kali Puja draw numerous devotees to this sacred abode.
Apart from daily worship, on the day of Kali Puja, Ma Karunamoyee is dressed in royal attire. Another attraction on this day, Kumari Puja, is performed in this temple. Kumari Puja is done in the morning, and the special Puja of Devi is done at night. On that day, Devi was decorated in a Banarasi saree and gold jewellery.
At night, there are all kinds of bhogs made for Karumoyee Ma. 11 types of fish, seven types of fried vegetables, seven types of curries, plain rice, polao, khichuri, luchi, chickpeas, curd, sweets, pies, etc. are offered to her.
To reach the temple, one can take the Uttam Kumar Metro Station and hire an auto, or simply walk from Haridevpur More to the doorstep of Karunamoyee Kali Temple.
Experience the legacy of devotion at this historic temple, where the spirit of Karunamoyee continues to radiate in its undying form.
