Ambika Kalna is a town located in Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. This town is simply known as Kalna. Kalna is famous for 108 Shiva Temples and Terracotta Temples which were built in 18th century. Kalna is named after Goddess Kali. Saraswati Puja is the major festival celebrates in Kalna.
What to see in Kalna:
108 Shiva Temples: This is the major attraction of the city which was built in 1809. Other name of this temple is Navakailasha Temple. In the temple 108 Shivalingas are located. Inner Circle comprises of 35 temples where as outer circle comprises of 75 temples. Shivalingas appeared into two colours i.e. White and Black. Black Shivalingas are the symbol for sins and White Shivalingas are symbol for good deeds.
Siddheswari Temple: Major attraction of this temple is 15 feet tall idol of Bamakali. Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambika which was built by Chitra Sen in 1740 AD.
Pratapeshwar Temple: Terracotta ornamentation can be seen on this temple. Terracotta Plaques depicting images of various aspects of day to day life, Goddess Durga, Mythical Life of Sri Chaitanya and Hindu Epics. This temple was constructed in 1849 which was named after King Pratap Chand.
Maijir Bari: This is Shyamchand Radharani Mandir. Annakot, Dol Purnima, Rash, Jhulan Purnima and Rath Yatra are most famous festivals celebrate in this temple. This was built in 1752AD.
Lalji Temple: This was constructed by Braja Kishori Devi in 1739. She was the wife of Maharaja Jagat Ram. Faces of main deities are like Grauda with Chilly green wings. Main idols of the temple are Radha and Krishna.
Anantabasudev Mandir: This was constructed before 250 years. It was renovated by Maharaj Bahkipromode Puri Goswami, about 60 years back. This is situated at Shyamrai Para.
Gopalbari Mandir: This temple consists of 25 monuments. This is the perfect example for Terracotta ornamentation which is located at Bhaduri Para.
Projapoti Bari: Huge Butterfly emblem situated on the top of this house. In this temple kali Puja started in 1947.
Krishna Chandra Mandir: This temple consists of 25 steeples. It was constructed between 1751 to 1752. Epics are depicted on its terracotta walls.
What to see around Kalna:
Nabadwip: This is situated in Nadia district which is 30kms away from Kalna. Nabadwip means Nine islands. Sri Nabadwip Mandala Parikrama is most famous festival in this place. Thousands of visitors come to this place to see this festival.
Mayapur: It is the headquarters for international society for Krihana Consciousness which is located at the confluence of Jalangi and Ganga Rivers. This place is located 47kms away from the city.
Getting to Ambika Kalna: Kalna is well connected with road and railways. From all the cities of South Bengal buses come to this place. Both State run and private buses are available to reach this place. Trains from Malda, Kolkata, Puri, and Howrah halt in this station. Nearest air port is located at Kolkata which is 91kms away from the city.
Getting around Ambika Kalna: Auto, Taxis and buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Ambika Kalna.
Best time to visit Ambika Kalna: Best time to visit this temple is between October to March.
Where to stay in Ambika Kalna: Only limited hotels are available to stay in Ambika Kalna. But visitors will find only budget hotels here. Dharmashalas are also available to stay in Kalna. PWD guest house is also preferred to stay.
Where to eat in Ambika Kalna: Plenty of restaurants are available to eat In Ambika Kalna. Almost all the restaurants serve Chinese and Indian Cuisines along with local food.