Famous Temples in West Bengal

Temples are the most practical example of beautiful architectural designs. These are the places of myths, religious faith, and worshipping God. Temples present in the West Bengal state of India hold their significance where we find the heritage and religious history. Jain temple Kolkata has a spellbound architectural design, and its signature attraction is the eternal flame.

West Bengal, India, is one among many states where individuals following different religious beliefs live in total harmony. These temples’ incredible architecture and opulence attract many visitors. The temples available within West Bengal are primarily dedicated to the different Gods and Goddesses in Hindu mythology. Thus, they are very remarkable and important in the Hindu community.

Description of Renowned Temples Present Within West Bengal

Temples play an essential role in maintaining the cultural heritage here. Kolkata is famous for its vibrant cultural and religious values, where we can find various religious institutions. Jain Temple Kolkata is essential to the Jain community of Bengal. Vital cities within this state, like Purulia, Bishnupur, Mayapur, etc., hold cultural heritage for the visitors. Temples mentioned here play a significant role in religion.

• Birla Mandir: Birla Temple is a majorly notable location in Kolkata, known for its mesmerizingly beautiful architecture. Chidananda Maharaj, a notable Bengali spiritual leader or ‘Swami’, first did the ‘Pran Prathista’ ritual here during its opening day in 1996. The various scenes that were written in the Bhagavad Gita are immortalised in the interior walls as carved portraits. Those carvings also highlight different shlokas and hymns written in the Gita. This religious site is the worshipping place of Lord Shiva, Radha Krishna, and the Goddess Durga. This entire site is lovely and resembles the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneshwar.
• Kalighat Kali Temple: Kalighat temple is a famous temple still present in Kolkata. This temple is popular Because it is one place among the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. According to Hindu mythology, the toes of Goddess Sati’s right foot fell on this place was the reason for the creation of this temple. While going around this area, we can visit its neighbouring parts like Natmandir, Sasthitala Kundupukur, Harkath tala, and others.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple: This Kali temple is located near Kolkata and is exceptionally famous in the state of West Bengal and India. Rani Rashmoni is the founder of this excellent religious architecture. This site is in honour of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. This temple is famous for its association with Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev and his wife, Ma Sarada Devi. We can visit 12 separate shrines of Lord Shiva and Radha Krishna’s sculpture.
• Tarapith Temple: Tarapith temple is a famous temple within the Birbhum district, West Bengal. Tarapith is popularly known among people interested in Hindu mythos, owing to the presence of this sacred temple. According to mythology, it is also a part of 51 Shakti Peeths, where Ma Sakthis’ eyeball fell. Ma Tara appeared as a vision to Sage Vashisht as a gift for his total devotion to the Goddess. Many still believe that the Goddess appeared exactly on the spot where the temple exists. Tarapith is well-known owing to Saint Bama Khepa’s connection to the site, whom Ma Tara blessed for his full devotion.
•  Pareshnath Jain Temple: Pareshnath Temple is also known as Kolkata Jain Temple, one of India’s largest Jain temples. This site came into being back in 1867 and was commissioned by Rani Badridasmookim, a well-known person of the Jain community. This place was built in the dedication of the 23rd Jain Tirthankar Parshwanath and is extremely important to the Kolkata Jain Dharamshala. The extraordinary decoration of this entire temple makes it famous to the visitors. Monumental architecture designed with marble and intricate designs on the floor makes Pareshnath Temple unique and mesmerising. 
• Hangseshwari Temple: This temple is located in the Hooghly district. It is famous for its significant religious history. The temple honours  Goddess Kali and was built in 1814 in Bansberia. In this area, Raja Nrisinga Deb was the primary ruler at the time and he commissioned the establishment of this temple. After exploring this site, we noticed many parts of a human’s body structure are displayed as carvings on the exterior walls. Here, Goddess Kali is mainly known as Goddess Hangseswari. In this complex, the Ananta Bashudeva temple also resides, and ‘Tantrik Satchakrabhed ‘ has been represented here gloriously.
• Belur Maths: Belur maths is considered one scintillating temple to visit in Kolkata. It was established in 1938. Swami Vivekananda, in his days, had commissioned this place for the construction of the temple to exalt Ramkrishna Paramahamsa. This temple has magnificent architecture with walls carved with signs of different religions. Belur math holds a strong resemblance with the Ajanta temples of Aurangabad. Two buildings of this temple are specifically built to pay tribute to Ramkrishna Paramahamsa and Ma Sarada. It is located in Belur in the Howrah district.

Conclusion

The temples present within the borders of West Bengal, which are being discussed in the article, hold utmost importance for its cultural legacy. With their magnificent architecture and spiritual power. Of all these temples, the Jain Temple Kolkata  attracts tourists the most from all over the country.

People find peace and a new perspective on life after visiting these temples. Most famous temples have been mentioned above; however, other notable mentions are the ISKON temple, Ghosh Deul temple, Sri Radha Govinda temple, and others.