CHENNAI:The Bengalis in Chennai have made the city their home by introducing their culture, traditions and festivities through temples. Two such institutions that spell Bengali culture are The Madras Kali Bari in West Mambalam and Madambakkam Kali Temple, near Selaiyur.The Madras Kali Bari was built between 1975 and 1980s. “The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Swami Tapeshwarananda in June 1975 and was inaugurated in February 1982 by Swami Lokeshwarananda of RK Math,” says Gautam Pine, a member of the Madras Kali Bari.
The Madambakkam Kali Temple was inaugurated in November 1984. “In 1976, a group of Bengali Air Force officers decided to construct a Kali temple to celebrate the rich tradition of Bengali heritage,” says Prashanta Mullik, a member of the organising committee of Madambakkam Kali Temple. He had also conceptualised the design of the temple.
Both the temples replicate Kali temples of Kolkata. Goddess Kali is decked in a traditional Bengali sari, jewellery and hibiscus garland. Apart from a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali, they both have shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, another feature seen in Kali temples of West Bengal. “The Shiva temple was constructed in 2006. The fund for the temple and the linga was given by Sachin Barua, a resident of the Air Force quarters,” says Prashanta. They also have shrines for Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Sarada Devi. The Madras Kali Bari has shrines for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga.
Apart from conducting daily Kali puja, both the temples also conduct pujas for Lord Shiva, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Sarada Devi, and Lord Satyanarayana. They follow the Dhakhineshwar Kali Temple’s rituals to conduct Kali Puja. “The rituals begin with a mangalaarti at 5.45 am followed by a puja and Pushpanjali by devotees. Then a bhog (offering) of rice, lentils, and payesh (rice pudding), is offered to the goddess,” says Hirok Kumar Ghose, a member of the Madras Kali Bari. In the evening the temple is opened by a baikalikaarti, after which the devotees offer archana. The temple closes at around 9 pm after the shyanam.
In Madambakkam temple, the daily routine begins at 8 am when the goddess is worshipped with belkath, belpata and flowers (‘Bel’ means Bengal Quince and the bark and leaves of this tree are used for pujas). In the evening the temple opens at 8 pm with an aarti and an offering to the Goddess. The bhog for the temple is cooked by women members of the temple.
Other than these, the temples conduct special offerings to Goddess Kali on Amavasya. It is said that during Amavasya, Kali Devi attains her full might and grants wishes quickly. “On Amavasya, the priest offers snanam to the Goddess. After which she is dressed in a new sari and jewellery,” says SK Dutta of Madambakkam Kali Temple. On that day the Goddess is also offered Naru (a sweet dish made of coconut) as bhog. In Madras Kali Bari, amavasya begins with Chandi Homam. “After the Homam, the avishika (abhishekam) of the Goddess is done using milk, honey and ghee. The day ends with a chant of Kalika Homam,” says Hirok. On full moon day, Goddess Kali is offered a special bhog. The Madras Kali Bari also celebrates Ratanti Kali Puja during the Bengali month of Magh (January 21 to February 19). “The day begins with a Ratanti Kali Abhishekam and ends with Ratanti Kalika Homam,” he adds.
Another big festival of the Madras Kali Bari is Ambabuchi, celebrated in West Bengal and the north east. “On that day, the temple remains closed and re-opens with an abhishekam,” says Hirok. As the temple is bound by the principles of Ramakrishna Math, they do not perform any other puja other than Durga and Kali Puja. But in Madambakkam Kali temple Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati Puja are the occasions when all the Bengalis from the neighbourhood gather for a sumptuous feast.
Empowering women
The Madras Kali Bari is also a centre for women empowerment. “We have tailoring classes and computer classes for women as both Rani Rashmoni and Ramakrishna Paramhansa were champions for woman rights,” says Hirok.