Hangseshwari Temple / Hanseshwari Temple

Historical | Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Hooghly Railway Station): 10 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Place Location: At Bansberia Town

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 10 km from Hooghly Railway Station, Hangseshwari Temple or Hanseshwari Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located situated at Bansberia town of Hooghly. It is one of the seven famous Kali temples in West Bengal and among the must-include places in Hooghly Tour Packages.

Hangseswari Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity 'Kali'. The temple construction was started by a local king, Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy in 1801 and later completed by his widow wife Rani Sankari in 1814. It is said that the king built this temple after he was instructed by Goddess in his dream. Since then, it has been a prominent religious site in the region.

This temple is gloriously known for its breath-taking Indian architecture and religious significance. The structure of the temple is the representation of 'Tantrik Satchakrabhed'. The structure tells about the structure of a Human Body and its parts such as Bajraksha, Ira, Chitrini, Pingala, and Sushumna. Hangseswari temple houses around 13 towers, each designed like a lotus bud. Inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is the wooden idol of Hangseshwari, an incarnation of goddess Kali. The idol is placed on a lotus stalk arising from the navel of a supine Shiva.

The temple complex also has another temple named Ananta Basudeba temple located beside the main temple. Built-in 1679, the Ananta Vasudeva Temple is topped by an octagonal spire. The facade of the temple is covered with intricately carved terracotta tiles showing stories from the epics, the life of Krishna as well as scenes from then-contemporary life, including that of royal courts, hunting, boat journeys, etc. Near to this temple, there is a Swanbhaba Kali temple built by Raja Nrisinhadeb Roy Mahasay in 1788.

Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 10 PM

Entry: Free