Kali Bari Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shyamala, from which the hill station-and capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla derives its name.Kali Bari Temple houses a shrine of the Hindu goddess Shyamala. Shyamala has multiple aliases, including Kali and Durga.
Kali is a central figure in late medieval Bengali devotional literature. She also has a central role in Tantric literature. The goal of the Kali devotee is to become reconciled with death and accept things as they are. The more complex Tantric beliefs extends her role to an extent so that Kali becomes the Ultimate Reality(Brahman) and Source of Being. The goddess Kali is closely associated with the god Shiva, who is another major god of the Hindu religious pantheon. Kali is synonymous with many Devis' (goddesses)- Durga, Bhadrakali, Bhavani, Sati, Rudrarani, Parvati, Cchinnamasta,Chamunda, Kamakshya, Uma, Meenakshi,Himavati, Kumari and Tara.
Kali was first mentioned in the ancient Hindu religious text of Rigveda. Kali gained prominence after she was depicted in the late antiquity Puranas. She is considered as a 'jagroto' or awake god by the Hindus
Kali Bari Temple was constructed during the era of the British Raj. According to historians, Kali Bari Temple was established in the early 19th century. The present temple was built by the British in 1845; however the original shrine was created by Bengali devotees.
Kali Bari Temple is very popular among Hindu pilgrims. The temple remains jam packed during Navaratras and Pooja holidays. Kali Bari Temple is in close proximity to the Shimla city mall.
Last Updated on : 29/05/2013
