Kalna 108 Shiv Mandir (Nava Kailash Temple), West Bengal

Address

Kalna 108 Shiv Mandir (Nava Kailash Temple), Thakur Para, Kalna, West Bengal 713409

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

• Located on the western bank of the Hooghly River, the Ambika – Kalna 108 Shiv Mandir (also known as the Nava Kailash Temple) is a sacred site in the Purba Burdwan district of West Bengal.
• Situated near the Kalna Rajbari Ground, the temple complex is also known as Ambika Kalna, named after the popular Goddess Kali, Maa Ambika.
• Kalna is renowned for its intricate terracotta temples built during the late 18th century by the Maharajas of Bardhaman.

Puranic Significance:

• Rani Bishnukumari, widow of Raja Tilakchand, is believed to have had divine visions instructing her to construct a temple for Lord Shiva.
• The temple was built by Maharaja Tej Chandra Bahadur in 1809 AD to mark the transfer of power in the Bishnupur royal estate.
• The temple complex consists of two concentric circles:
  • The outer circle has 74 Shiva temples, alternating between black and white Shiva lingas.
  • The inner circle has 34 temples, all with white Shiva lingas.
• The number 108 is spiritually significant in Hinduism, symbolizing the beads of a rosary.
• The white lingas represent the calm form of Shiva, while the black lingas signify the Rudra, or fierce form of Shiva.
• The temple walls feature inscriptions from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, though many of these inscriptions are in a ruined state.

Beliefs:

• The black and white lingas symbolize dual aspects of existence:
  • The black lingas represent the outer world of sins, sacrifices, and deeds.
  • The white lingas symbolize purity, inner peace, and the lessening of wrongdoing through devotion to Lord Shiva.

Special Features:

• The outer circle contains 74 temples with alternating black and white Shiva lingas.
• The inner circle contains 34 temples, all with white Shiva lingas.
• All 108 Shiva lingas are visible from the center of the temple complex, creating a unique spiritual experience.

Festivals:

• Lord Shiva is revered as the protector of the universe, and the temple is visited by devotees throughout the year.
• Shivratri, in particular, draws large crowds of worshippers from all over West Bengal and India, making it a prominent festival at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

18th century CE

Managed By

Archeological survey of India.

Nearest Bus Station

Kalna

Nearest Railway Station

Ambika-Kalna station

Nearest Airport

Kolkata.

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