Kali Temple at Kalighat (Calcutta)

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Kali Temple at Kalighat Since childhood, I have been a regular visitor to the Kali Temple at Kalighat since my residence was close-by and I could walk to the temple in less than 10 minutes. The temple is always crowded and I would suggest that those who are visiting the temple should preferably go there on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday should be avoided. Try going early at 5 A.M. in the morning for a good darshan. Please try to take a friend or some known person in Calcutta as otherwise you could get mugged by the priests and lose all your money. I am not exaggerating. The temple in its present form is only 200 years old but the diety is presumed to have been in existence since the begining of the 15th century. When

Sati's body was severed by the Sudarshana Chakra, the right toe fell here and hence it is also a venerated Shakthi Peeta. I have felt not only powerful vibrations in this temple but the divine Godess has granted me many wishes and favours. While visiting the temple early in the morning, try applying the "Abishek Thirtha" (the water which has been poured over the diety) on your head, forehead and stomach. I can assure you that if you are able to do this for a period of 2 months, your whole life can take a dramatic transformation for the better. This has been my experience. The diety at close quarters is awe-inspiring and makes one forget their wordly worries and problems. Please make sure you offer a garland of red flowers (hibiscus) to the Goddess. ----------0000-------------------------- Valla Vepa Mariamman Temple near Kumbhakonam (Tamil Nadu) Valla Vepa Mariamman (valla means white, vepa means neem and Mariamman is the presiding Godess in this temple). This temple is approx. 25 kms from Kumbhakonam proper. From Chennai, Kumbhakonam is an overnight journey by train. From Kumbhakonam one can hire a tourist taxi to visit this temple. I was lucky to visit this temple on a Purnima (full moon) day. There is no roof over the diety but only a neem tree which shelters it from the elements. I was stunned to see that the neem leaves in the branches of the tree (i.e. nearly half the huge neem tree) were

absolutely white and glistened in the full moon light like silver. The other half of the same tree had leaves which were green. This is a most astonishing and strange spectacle which can be experienced only when one sees it. Please make sure you put a visit to this temple in your South India itinerary. Regards Ramesh COOLGUY

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