West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the gathering during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the ‘Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple’, in Siliguri, on January 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday laid the foundation stone of the Mahakal Temple at Siliguri in Darjeeling district. This is the third temple announced by the Chief Minister after the inauguration of Jagannath Temple in Digha in April 2025 and foundation stone laying of Durga Angan at Rajarhat in December 2025.
“We have named this Shiv Temple ‘Mahakal Mahatirtha.’ Another gem is added to the crown of Bengal today. In the coming days, this temple will become an international tourism destination, just like Jagannath Dham and Durga Angan,” the Chief Minister said at the event.
Ms. Banerjee added that the temple will be built on 17.41 acres of land and it will take 2 to 2.5 years for it to complete. The Trinamool Congress chairperson said that the temple will house the tallest Mahakal idol which will be 108 feet tall.
“The temple complex can be seen from the main road, and 1 lakh people can come here every day. Along with the main temple, we are building the world’s tallest Mahakal idol. The main idol, made of bronze, will be 108 feet tall. The foundation on which it will be placed will also be 108 feet in height,” she said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the laying of the foundation stone of the “Mahakal Temple” in Siliguri
| Photo Credit:
ANI
The Chief Minister said that she plans to develop Siliguri as a global tourism hub.
”The deep bond between the plains and the spiritual heritage of the mountains will be further strengthened. There will be an international standard convention center. We will develop this region as a global tourism hub. Siliguri will progress in all aspects of religion, pilgrimage, tourism, business. A lot of people will be employed,” she added.
The Chief Minister said the manner in which her government has beautified and renovated several temples across the state, it has also built walls for several burial grounds as well.
“We have developed Furfura Sharif as well. Development boards have been formed for various Hindu religious sites as well. We have given ₹10 crore to Jayrambati-Kamarpukur Development Board,” she said.
Reacting to the inauguration of the temple, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that the Chief Minister was trying woo Hindu voters by constructing temples.
“Everyone knows that she is anti- Hindu. She had brought out a rally in Kolkata when Ram Mandir was being inaugurated,” Mr. Adhikari said.
Published – January 17, 2026 03:40 am IST
