Kali Bari Temple | |
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काली बाड़ी मंदिर | |
![]() Kali Bari temple outside uphill view | |
Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
District | Shimla |
Deity | Goddess Kali |
Location | |
Location | Bantony Hill, Shimla |
State | Himachal Pradesh |
Country | India |
Geographic coordinates | 31°06′22″N77°10′01″E / 31.105975°N 77.166813°E |
Architecture | |
Style | Deula |
Founder | Ram Charan Brahamchari |
Date established | 1845 |
Kali Bari Mandir is a Hindu temple situated on Bantony Hill, Shimla. The temple is dedicated to fearsome reincarnation of Goddess Kali, known as Shyamala, after which the Shimla city might have been named. The goddess is believed to have existed near Jakhoo. [1]
Kali Bari temple was originally built in 1823 by a Bengali Brahmin Ram Charan Brahamchari in the vicinity of Rothney Castle on Jakhoo Hill. That's why it resembles the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata. [2] It is one of the ancient temples of the city and features a unique Hindu-style architecture along with blue coloured wooden idol of goddess Kali. Later, the British shifted the location of the temple to Bantony Hill. The temple trust formed in 1902 mainly consists of Bengali members. [3]
The temple is located in the city center. Shimla's Old Bus Stand, ARTRAC, Annadale, Railway Board Building, Shimla Railway Station, Shri Hanuman Jakhu can be seen from the temple premises. The temple attracts a lot of tourists and devotees. [4]