Kripamayee Kali Temple, Hindu temple in Baranagar, India
Kripamayee Kali Temple sits on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River and displays nine spires in the Navaratna architectural style, which is characteristic of Hindu temple design with a tower-like structure. The building shapes the landscape with its distinctive vertical form along the riverbank.
A prominent zamindar named Jai Narayan Mitra founded this temple in 1852 by acquiring land to create a place of worship. The establishment marked an important moment of religious patronage along the Hooghly River.
The temple houses twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva alongside the main sanctum of goddess Kripamayee, a form of Kali in Hindu practice. This arrangement shows how multiple deities are honored together in this sacred space.
The temple opens daily for worship and welcomes visitors from across the region. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, when conditions are cooler and crowds are fewer.
The name Kripamayee means 'She who is merciful' and reflects a compassionate interpretation of the goddess Kali, who is often shown as fierce and destructive in other contexts. This reading emphasizes her gracious and protective side.
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