Kolkata: The shimmering golden crown of the Kalighat temple was unveiled on Saturday. Crafted from an impressive 50 kilograms of 24-carat gold, the majestic crown now adorns the spire of the revered sanctum sanctorum. There are three crowns, among these stands the tallest, adorned with a golden flag, symbolising the temple’s spiritual prominence.
While the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) oversees the restoration of the temple’s exterior and the entire complex, the delicate task of refurbishing the interior sanctum, along with the temple spire and its three golden crowns, has been entrusted to the Reliance Foundation.
While the state government is spending Rs 165 crore, the Reliance Foundation bears the cost of restoration of the sanctum, spire, and golden crown at Rs 35 crore.
The meticulous recreation of the crowns, originally made of clay, marks a significant milestone in the temple’s restoration journey. However, due to the ongoing election Code of Conduct, the unveiling was carried out without formal celebrations. Sources within the temple committee indicate that the chief minister traditionally offers her prayers on the first day of the Bengali calendar, hinting at a possible low-key event where her presence may be requested.
The initiative for the temple’s restoration, including the intricate golden crowns, was spearheaded by Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s Reliance Foundation. Ambani, during the Bengal Global Business Summit, expressed their personal attachment to the project, likening it to a shared endeavour with CM Mamata Banerjee. He extended gratitude to Banerjee for the opportunity to contribute to this cultural restoration.
Sources reveal that the renovation was initiated way back in 2019, sourcing special marble tiles from Rajasthan to refurbish the sanctum’s flooring. This latest restoration project not only aims to revive the temple’s structural integrity but also potentially includes provisions for pilgrim facilities, marking a new chapter in the temple's legacy.
Kalighat Temple holds a revered position among the 51 Sati Peeths in India, believed to be the site where fragments of Sati’s body fell during the cosmic dance of Shiva.
Characterised by its distinct ‘chala’ architecture, resembling the mud and thatch-roofed huts of rural Bengal, the temple’s design is a tribute to the region’s cultural identity. Its stacked, hut-like roofs are adorned with intricate detailing, reflecting the craftsmanship of bygone eras.