Kali Bari Temple Shimla

Introduction to the Kali Bari Temple

The Kali Bari Temple is a popular tourist attraction on Bantony Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most revered Shakti temples in Shimla. Shimla derived its name from the name 'Shyamala', Kali's other name. The Kali Bari Temple is a famous destination for devotees who come for prayers and receive her blessings. Visitors can have a panoramic view of the entire Shimla town from the temple.

History of the Kali Bari Temple

A Bengali Brahmin named Ram Charan Bhramachari built the Kali Bari Temple on Jakhu Hill in 1823. The temple's main deity is Kali, also called Shyamala. The Kali Bari Temple was initially located on Jakhu Hill. Later, the British rulers shifted the temple to the Bantony hill. The Kali Bari Temple formed a temple trust in 1902 with Bengali members. Now, a Hanuman temple is on the Jakhu Hill.

The Architecture of the Kali Bari Temple

The Kali Bari Temple displays the traditional Bengali style of architecture. It has many intricate carvings and beautiful designs. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata has an elegant design, while the Kali Bari Temple in Shimla has a beautiful wooden facade.

The sanctum features a blue-colored wooden idol of Kali. There are separate shrines for Shiva, Ganesha, and Saraswati. Visitors can also see the idols of Bhadrakali, Chinnamasta, Tara, Chamunda, Rudrarani, Durga, Himavati, Kamakhya, Kumari Sati, Meenakshi, and Uma.
Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and other famous personalities have visited the Kali Bari Temple.

The temple provides a pre-booking facility for accommodation. There is a canteen attached to the temple. The best time to visit the Kali Bari Temple is during the summer, between April and June, or during the autumn, between September and November.

Festivals in the Kali Bari Temple

The Kali Bari Temple grandly celebrates Durga Pooja, Navratri, and Kali Pooja with great fervor and devotion. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. Huge crowds of devotees throng the temple, even from far-flung areas.