Rampara Kalibari
Rampara Kalibari Temple is a sacred Hindu temple which
is situated in Rampara near Kolkata. It is 35 km away from Kolkata. Inside the
temple premise, the presiding deity is of Siddheshwari Kali who is a facet of
Goddess Kali and Siddheshwar is the name of Lord Shiva However, Siddheshwari is
the feminine form of Siddheshwar. This temple was established by Nandy Family
of Rampara. That family was a great devotee of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva.
People believed that the wooden deity of Goddess Kali is more than 500 years old.
In the temple premises, a separate room was built for the Jagannath- Subhadra- Balaram. And a hall is also included in the premises for any occasional purpose. The courtyard of the temple complex is used for any auspicious function/fest or the occasion.
How
to Reach:
By Air: The
nearest airport is Bagdogra.
By Train: New
Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station which is approx 227 KM.
By Road: The
temple is well connected by good roads with all the major towns of West Bengal.
Cabs, Auto-Rickshaws, Local buses and Taxis are available to reach the temple.
History
According to old legends, the fore father of
Late Madhusudan Nandy had constructed the temple which was later re-built and
larter on developed by his sons Late Phakir Chandra Nandy, Late Surendra NathNandy
and Late Gosto Behari Nandy, who were descendants of Nandy Family. Daily Puja
rituals,Pooja Ceremonies, Aartis and
maintenance part are taken care by their present generation. The Nandy Family
founded the Rampara Kalibari, many years back. As they are worshipping Goddess
Kali since long and had a great belief in her. That is why they took a step to
build a temple for the deity for the prosperity and happiness of the people of
Rampara and the villagers. The hope, credence of the people in the Goddess was
so strong that this is one of the most powerful temples of that region now.
This temple was built
in the historic and traditional style of Bengal architecture with many rooms
within. One of the rooms is shared by the Goddess Kali with the Deity
‘Panchanan’. It is a belief that the old temple was constructed 300 years back
and it was rebuilt in early 20th century and that some of its artisans involved
were members who built Victoria Memorial.
Architecture
The temple compound contains a large courtyard
surrounding the temple with a small garden,a Jagannath Temple, a Hall and the
boundary walls. There are different rooms in the temple.The Goddess Kali is
enshrined in the first room, with another deity, Panchanan, just beside her,sharing
the same room. The temple has its own residential area just attached to its
boundary,which belongs to the Nandy family. The Utensils and the Pooja Samagri
of the temple are keptin the sacristy, other rooms of the temple. There is a
Pond associated with the temple justnearby it. The temple also has a Rath, which
is taken out during the Rath Yatra on the occasionof Jagannath Pooja.
