CM Mamata inaugurates Mahakal temple in Siliguri

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday laid the foundation stone of the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri in Darjeeling district. This is the third temple announced by the Prime Minister after the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha in April 2025 and the laying of the foundation stone of Durga Angan in Rajarhat in December 2025.

“We named this Shiv Temple ‘Mahakal Mahatirtha’. Today, another jewel has been added to the crown of Bengal. In the coming days, this temple will become an international tourism destination just like Jagannath Dham and Durga Angan,” he said.

Ms. Banerjee added that the temple will be built on 17.41 acres of land and will take 2 to 2.5 years to complete. The Trinamool Congress chief said that the temple will house the tallest idol of Mahakal, which is 38 meters high.

“The temple complex is visible from the main road and 1 lakh people can come here every day. We are building the world’s tallest Mahakal idol along with the main temple. The main idol made of bronze will be 108 feet high. The foundation on which it will be placed will also be 108 feet high,” he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during laying the foundation stone of ‘Mahakal Temple’ in Siliguri | Photo Credit: ANI

The Chief Minister said he plans to develop Siliguri as a global tourist destination.

“The deep bond between the plains and the spiritual heritage of the mountains will become even stronger. It will be a convention center of international standards. We will develop this region as a global tourism center. Siliguri will progress in all areas of religion, pilgrimage, tourism and business. A large number of people will be employed.”

The Prime Minister explained how his government acted beautified and renovated several He built walls for various cemeteries as well as temples throughout the state.

“We have also developed Furfura Sharif. Development boards have also been formed for various Hindu religious places. We have given ₹ 10 crore to Jayrambati-Kamarpukur Development Board,” he said.

Reacting to the inauguration of the temple, Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari said that the Prime Minister was trying to impress Hindu voters by building temples.

“Everyone knows that he is anti-Hindu. He had organized a rally in Kolkata during the inauguration of the Ram Mandir,” Mr. Adhikari said.