India is known for its confluence of diverse religions and cultures, making it truly unique. While most temples across the country offer laddus or sweets as prasad, a temple in Kolkata stands out by serving noodles and momos instead. This temple is not only renowned for its religious significance and stunning architecture but also draws attention due to its distinctive traditions.
The Story Behind the Chinese Kali Temple
According to legend, many years ago, a young boy fell gravely ill, and doctors lost all hope of his recovery. Desperate, his parents took him to a place where two black stones lay beneath a tree, worshipped by locals as Maa Kali. After days of prayers, the boy miraculously recovered. Moved by this divine intervention, his parents began worshipping Maa Kali, and over time, the Bengali and Chinese communities together built the Chinese Kali Temple at this sacred site.
How Did Noodles Become Prasad?
Noodles, a staple of Chinese cuisine, eventually became a part of the temple’s offerings. During the Chinese Civil War, many Chinese refugees migrated to Kolkata, bringing their traditions with them, including the custom of offering special dishes to deities. Over time, they started offering noodles to Maa Kali, which gradually became a permanent bhog (prasad). Today, devotees receive noodles, momos, and other Chinese dishes as prasad, considering them divine blessings from Maa Kali.
A Must-Visit Temple in Kolkata
If you ever visit Kolkata, do not miss the opportunity to experience this unique temple, where faith and culture intertwine beautifully. The tradition of offering Chinese cuisine as prasad symbolises the deep-rooted cultural fusion of Chinese and Indian heritage. Devotees not only receive food but also gain a profound spiritual experience.
The temple is located on Matheswartala Road in the Tangra region. To get there, take the metro to Rabindra Sadan Station and board a bus heading towards Science City or Topsia. The temple remains open all seven days of the week from morning to evening.