Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has taken a big initiative to promote religious tourism and cultural heritage. Three grand temples are being constructed and developed in the state at a total cost of about Rs 856 crore. These temples will not only be centers of faith, but will also prove to be new milestones on the tourism map of the state. Let us know to which god these temples are dedicated, and what are their specialties. Let us first talk about the Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple where the country’s tallest Shiva idol will be installed.
Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple, Siliguri
This temple being built in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid its foundation stone on 16 January 2026. The temple is being built on approximately 17.41 acres. It will cost more than Rs 344 crore to build. For this reason, it is going to become the most expensive temple of West Bengal so far.
USP: A 216 feet high statue of Mahakal (Shiva) will be installed here, which is considered to be one of the tallest Shiva statues in the country. Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas of India will also be made in the temple premises. A big convention center and museum for devotees will also be a part of the complex.
Durga Aangan, Kolkata (New Town)
Durga Aangan is being constructed right in front of Eco Park in the New Town area of Kolkata. Its foundation stone was laid on 29 December 2025. The total area of the temple will be more than 17 acres. Which is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 262 crore.
USP: It is being built in honor of Durga Puja getting the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The most special thing about this temple will be that Maa Durga will be worshiped here 365 days of the year and there will be an atmosphere like Durga Puja throughout the year. The height of the main temple will be 54 meters and it will rest on 1,008 pillars. The complex will also have a cultural museum which will showcase the folk arts and handicrafts of Bengal.
Jagannath Temple, Digha
Lord Jagannath (in the form of Lord Vishnu), his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra will be worshiped mainly in the Jagannath temple located in Digha (West Bengal). This temple has been built on the lines of the famous temple of Puri, Odisha. It was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 30 April 2025 on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Let us tell you that the temple has been constructed on 22 acres, for the construction of which the government had kept a budget of Rs 250 crore.
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USP: This temple is an exact replica of the Puri temple and is made of pink stones from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan. Its height is about 65 meters (213 feet), which is equal to the temple of Puri. The temple has four grand entrance gates, namely, Singh Dwar, Vyaghra Dwar, Hasti Dwar and Ashwa Dwar. Since its inauguration, it has become the main center of tourist attraction.