The Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is said to be the place where Sati's toes fell, making it one of the four 'Adi Shaktipeethas', the oldest and most significant of the 51 Shaktipeethas. Kalighat derives its name from 'Kali' and 'ghat' (steps leading to a river) - and even the name of Kolkata is believed to originate from 'Kalikshetra', meaning 'the place of Goddess Kali'.
The temple sits beside a stream of the Ganga called Adi Ganga, featuring a central dome with four flanking towers and intricate, vibrantly coloured carvings. Inside are shrines to Goddess Kali (called Dakshina Kali here), Lord Shiva in Bhairav form (known as Nakuleshwar Mahadev), and other forms of Devi Durga. The striking idol of Kali is carved from a special black touchstone, with three enormous eyes, a long gilded tongue, and four golden arms.
Kali Puja, celebrated around Diwali in October or November, is the temple's most important festival. Records show the site was an important pilgrimage destination five centuries ago, though the current structure was rebuilt in the 19th century. Today it remains a bustling part of Kolkata, drawing devotees, tourists, and even celebrities - including cricketers seeking blessings before matches.