Lesser-known Temples of Kolkata

Nakuleshwar Bhairav Temple, Kalighat

Situated in a bylane adjacent to the Kalighat Temple, this ancient temple dates back to the 1850s. As claimed by the locals, Nakuleshwar Bhairav is the protector of Shakti, hence, he lay beside the Shaktipeeth eons back. Sabarna Roy Choudhury’s family of Barisha established the Kalighat Temple in 1809, which was originally a hut. It was only in 1854 that Tara Singh, a Punjabi trader, took initiative to build a temple of Nakuleshwar Bhairav, which till then lay in neglect in the midst of the jungle surrounding the Kalighat Temple.

Entrance to the temple
Entrance to the temple
The Swayambhu Shivalinga
The Swayambhu Shivalinga

Special puja and bhog organised here on every Monday, Ekadasi (eleventh day of the lunar phase) and Amabasya (New Moon).

Inside the garbha:
Inside the garbha: Devotees worshipping Ganesha and Nandi, placed behind the swayambhu linga

Address: 54/A, Gurupada Halder Rd, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026

How to get there: From  Metro station Jatin Das • 4 min walk; Kalighat • 7 min walk
Timings: 5:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.