SPIRITUAL QUEST

Constructed in the Navaratna style of Bengali architecture in 1855, the charming 17 Dakhineswar Temple by the Hooghly is dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Across the river in Howrah, stands the historic Belur Math ( belurmath.org), headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda. The final resting place of Sri Ramakrishna, it attracts peace seekers from all over the world, irrespective of religion. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the mystical 18 Kalighat Temple is located on the banks of a small stream called Adi Ganga, believed to be the original course of the Hooghly. Dedicated to Kali, the fearsome patron goddess of Kolkata, it’s presumed to have lent the city its name. Known for its Gothic architectural style, the pristine-white 19 St Paul’s Cathedral is the largest here, and was built in 1847 to tend to the city’s growing community of Anglicans. 20 St John’s Church is a heritage spot known for housing the mausoleum of Job Charnock, the founder of Calcutta. A place of silence and meditation, the 21 Mother House of the Missionaries of Chairty is dedicated to humanitarian Nobel laureate Mother Teresa, and houses her tomb and a museum showcasing her simple spiritual lifestyle.