|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
India Gate Thar Desert Omkareshwar Shopping in Delhi Kanyakumari
Location- Mandir Marg next to Birla Temple (Laxminarayan temple)
Known as – New Delhi Kali Bari Mandir
Architecture- no specific style
Dedicated- Goddess Kali
Best time to visit- Throughout the year
Principal Feats celebrated- Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Ramnavami
Timings
Mornings – 04:30 am to 12:00 pm
Evenings- 04:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Aarti- 08:00 am and 07:30 pm daily
Kalibari Temple holds a special place of significance in the minds of the Bengali Hindu community residing in the national capital. Situated a stone’s throw away from the famous Laxmi Narayan Temple, this seemingly small temple is frequented not only by Bengali community but also by devotees of the Goddess Kali. The temple celebrations hit its spiritual high with the celebrations of the Kali Puja and Durga puja that is celebrated with religious fervor and also in keeping with the various customs and traditions of Bengali celebrations.
Kalibari temple History
The Kali Bari Temple history dates back to the time of independence. The area around Mandir Marg locality has long being clustered with an expatriate Bengali community. For long for the community of the area pressed forward their demand for a religious place of worship. At last in the late 20’s the government conceded to their demand and allocated one acre of land to the area, next to site of the famed Laxminarayan Temple built by businessmen BD Birla. The Birla Temple was completed and open for the public in 1939. The Kai Bari Temple was opened to the public eight years earlier in 1931. Shortly after that a pat (idol) representing the Kaligat Kali Mandir was installed in the temple. The initial committee that was set up to look after the affairs of the temple was set up in 1935. The first Mandir building was inaugurated by Shri Manmatha Nath Mukherjee.
Kalibari Temple architecture
As such the Kalibari Temple architecture does not follow a distinctive style but has certain special features that make this temple unique. Small and simplistic as it seems the temple has a large peepul tree that pierces through the ceiling to almost offer shade to the temple. The Peepul tree has an ineffaceable significance in Hindu mythology. So much so that sacred threads and in particular red threads are tied to the tree while seeking a favor.
Kali Bari Temple Durga Puja celebrations
A Kali Bari Temple Durga Puja celebration is one of the oldest Durga puja celebrations in the national capital older than the temple itself. The first Durga puja celebrations of the region date back to 1925 at that point in time the original Kali Bari Temple was located in Baird Road where the local Bengali community gathered for celebrations. Since 1931 the Durga puja celebrations are centered on the present temple. For the purpose of preparation for festivities to this day artisans are bought from West Bengal to construct the pandal and for setting up various other properties. The puja celebration keeps with the traditional observance of Ek shalar Thakur and Sholakr Kaj (single frame for the deities). Since the 1935 Rabindra Sangeet has been a continual part of festivities.
Kali Bari Temple observances
The Kali Bari Temple observances also form a unique part of temple. Since Goddess Kali is believed to be the most terrifying form of Goddess Durga, liquor is offered to the Goddess in the temple.
