ॐ
Hangseshwari Temple, Bansberia
Hangseshwari (Kali) · Hooghly, West Bengal
॥ ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः ॥
The Hangseshwari Temple at Bansberia in Hooghly is one of the most unusual temples of Bengal, a thirteen-pinnacled shrine built in 1814 whose form is said to embody the subtle body of Tantric yoga — its towers representing the channels and centres through which the spiritual energy rises. The goddess Hangseshwari, a form of the Mother, presides over this remarkable temple of brick and stucco.
The temple of thirteen towers
The Hangseshwari temple rises in a cluster of thirteen ratna (jewel) pinnacles over a tall, many-storeyed structure, unlike any ordinary Bengal temple. Its plan is said to be conceived after the subtle body of Tantra, with the towers and chambers standing for the ida, pingala and sushumna channels and the six chakras through which the kundalini energy ascends — a temple built as a diagram of yoga.
The goddess Hangseshwari
The presiding deity, Hangseshwari, is a serene form of the Mother allied to Tara and Kali, worshipped in the inner sanctum of the great structure. The temple was begun by Raja Nrisinghadeb Roy Mahasay and completed in 1814 by his widow, in the line of the Bansberia royal family, devotees of the Tantric path.
A wonder of Bengal
Standing beside the older Vasudeva temple of Bansberia, with its terracotta walls, the Hangseshwari is among the architectural wonders of Bengal, drawing pilgrims and students of Tantra alike. Kali Puja is its great festival, when the goddess is honoured with the night-long worship sacred to the Mother in Bengal.
How to reach the temple
- By road: Bansberia is in Hooghly district, about 45 km north of Kolkata, near Bandel and Hooghly.
- By train: Bandel Junction is the nearest railhead.
- By air: Kolkata is the nearest airport, about 50 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unusual about the Hangseshwari Temple?
It rises in thirteen pinnacles and is said to be built after the subtle body of Tantric yoga — its towers and chambers representing the ida, pingala and sushumna channels and the six chakras — a temple conceived as a diagram of yoga.
Who is the goddess Hangseshwari?
Hangseshwari is a serene form of the Mother allied to Tara and Kali, the presiding deity of the temple, worshipped by the Tantric royal family of Bansberia.
When was the temple built?
It was begun by Raja Nrisinghadeb Roy Mahasay and completed in 1814 by his widow.
What do the thirteen towers represent?
They are said to stand for the channels and centres of the subtle body in Tantra, through which the kundalini energy rises — making the temple a model of yogic anatomy.
What is the main festival?
Kali Puja is the great festival, with the night-long worship of the Mother sacred to Bengal.
How do I reach the temple?
Bansberia is in Hooghly district, about 45 km north of Kolkata near Bandel; Bandel Junction is the nearest railhead.
॥ जय माँ काली ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Hangseshwari (a form of the Mother, allied to Tara/Kali) |
| Special | Thirteen pinnacles; built after the Tantric subtle body |
| Built | 1814, Bansberia royal family |
| Style | Bengal ratna |
| Festival | Kali Puja |
| Region | Hooghly, West Bengal |
Related Temples
Explore more sacred temples connected by deity and region.
