Kali Temple: Kalighat is the temple from which Kalikata takes its name (anglicized to Calcutta). The temple was constructed over an older temple in 1809. A legend narrates that when the corpse of Shiva's wife was cut up one of her fingers fell down. It has been an important pilgrimage site since then. Kali stands for the destructive side of Shiva's consort and demands sacrifices daily. Every morning goats are slain to satisfy her yearn for blood. Poor people come here during the day for free food.
Belur Math: Belur Math is situated on the West Bank of Hoogly River. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. Ramakrishna preached the unity of all religions. His follower Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. They have branches all over the country. The movement's international headquarters was founded in 1899. It is supposed to represent a church, a mosque and a temple, depending on how you look at it.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: North of Belur Math is the Kali temple that was built in 1847. This is the very temple where its priest Ramakrishna reached his spiritual vision of the unity of all religions. Twelve more temples dedicated to Lord Shiva surround the temple.
Sagar Island (Sagardwip): Sagar Island is situated at the mouth of river Hoogly, is the point where Ganges joins the sea. A three-day bathing festival takes place here in mid-January, on Makar Sankranti. This festival called Gangeshwar Mela is the largest fair in West Bengal. Loads of Hindu pilgrims come here to visit the temple of Kapil Muni and to take a dip in the holy water at the confluence of Ganges & Bay of Bengal. The island is accessible by bus and ferry from Diamond Harbor.
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