Singur Dakat Kali Temple History and Myths Unveiled
According to the Brahmayamal Tantra, Goddess Kalika is regarded as the protector of Bengal. This ancient belief led to the widespread worship of Kali in Bangladesh from early times, and many famous Kali temples were built. Most Bengalis are familiar with the name “Dakate Kali,” with stories recounting how robbers would worship her and transform into devoted followers. It’s said that no robber in Bengal would embark on a raid without performing a Kali Puja first. They would take vermillion from the temple, apply it as a tilak on their foreheads, and set out, seeking her blessings. Some of these pujas even included ancient practices like Narbali. The Dakat Kalimandir in Singur, located in Purushottampur near Hooghly, West Bengal, is one such renowned temple, though the exact date of its establishment remains unknown.
Dakat Kali
The eerie tales of fearsome robbers seem woven into the legend of Singur’s Kali Puja. One such story centers around the Dakat Kali Mandir in Singur. Locals believe that this temple’s Dakat Kali is so spiritually powerful that no Kali Puja takes place in the three surrounding villages. In fact, no home in the village displays an image of Maa Kali, respecting the potent presence associated with the temple.
There is some debate over whether the Dakat Kali Temple was initially founded by Dakat Sanatan Bagdi or Gagan Saddar. The Atchala temple features various deity idols on its walls, including Dashavatar icons of Lord Vishnu, alongside intricate terracotta foliage carvings. A nine-foot-high idol of Goddess Kali resides within the temple’s sanctum, which has only one entrance. Although the temple facade was once richly decorated with terracotta artwork, only traces remain today. A crescent-shaped natmandir sits in front of the temple, which is surrounded by protective walls. Here, Kali is venerated as Siddheshwari.
The Dakat Kali Temple in Singur is believed to have been established around 500 to 550 years ago, surrounded by many local legends. The worship initially began with Raghu or Gagan consecrating a simple ghat for the dacoits’ rituals, as no formal temple existed at that time. The area was then a dense forest. It is said that during a journey to visit the ailing Ramakrishna in Dakshineswar, Sarada Devi encountered Raghu and Gagan, who attempted to rob her. Upon seeing her divine face, they immediately recognized their error and sought her forgiveness, further tying the temple to the local lore and reverence.
Frightened by the miraculous event, Raghu and Gagan, the dacoits, decided to establish the Kali temple at this very spot. It is said that the Maharaja of Burdwan received a divine vision from Maa Kali, prompting him to commission the temple and its idol. In earlier times, there was a small settlement here, and even today, the tradition of offering rice and fried dishes to Mother Sarada as a night offering continues. According to Madan Kole, Secretary of the Temple Committee, Kali Puja is not celebrated anywhere in Mallikpur, Jaminberia, or Purushottampur except at this Dakat Kali Mandir. None of the locals keep an image of Maa Kali in their homes, nor do they dare to display a calendar bearing her likeness. The temple is revered with such devotion that the villagers believe only this idol can be worshipped in the area.
After the era of the dacoits, the Morals of Chalkebati, under Singur police jurisdiction, reportedly had a vision and constructed the temple here. Because there is no foundation plaque, the exact date of establishment remains unknown, though it’s believed to date back to the 18th century. Currently, the temple’s rituals are overseen by the descendants of His Holiness Krishnadhan Banerjee, His Holiness Kalipada Chattopadhyay, and His Holiness Shankar Nath Simlay, who perform the puja in rotation. Additionally, a “Dakat Kalimandir Development Committee” has been formed to maintain and enhance the temple’s legacy.
