Dakshineswar Kali Temple

4.7

Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 2 hours

Dakshineswar is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Kolkata. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu navaratna temple which is located in Dakshineswar. It is situated on the eastern bank of the famous Hooghly River. The temple’s governing deity is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Jagadishwari Bhavatarini Kali, a form of Adi Shakti. The renowned temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a great philanthropist and an extensive devotee of Kali. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is known for its association with Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada Devi, who were the mystics of 19th-century Bengal.

Attraction

Everyone knows a temple is a spiritual place. This place is very relaxing and pleasant. The main attraction of this temple is the goddess Jagadishwari Bhavatarini Kali. In addition to the main temple, there are twelve 8-shed Shiva temples known as the “Twelfth Shiva Temple”. To the north of the temple is the Radhakrishna Temple, known as the “Sri Sri Radhakanta Temple”, and to the south is the Nata-Mandir. Today, it is considered a place of worship for the devotees. You can find mental peace here. From this temple area, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Hooghly River. You can also see the sunset on the Hoogly River, which is behind the Vivekananda Setu.

You can buy flowers and offerings to the goddess, which are available outside the temple. There, you can buy many items of home worship needed in the Hindu tradition.

Many attractive handicrafts and home decoration items are also available there. At a very low price, you can buy different kinds of pickles. No hard drinks are available except “Nimbu Pani”. People call it a Lime Juice Drink.

History

In 1848, the rich widow Rani Rasmoni organised a pilgrimage to Kashi in honour of Goddess Annapurna. He left in twenty-four boats with his relatives, slaves, and supplies. According to legend, on the eve of the journey, the queen goddess Kali had a dream. The goddess told him, “There is no need to go to Kashi. Worship by setting up my idol in a beautiful temple on the banks of the Ganges. I will worship as soon as I appear in that idol.”

In 1855, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa came to this temple as an assistant to his elder brother Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, the first chief priest, and after Ramkumar’s death in 1856, Ramakrishna succeeded him as the priest. It is said that Rani Rasmoni founded this temple after receiving a dream order from Goddess Kali. In 1856-58, the young Ramakrishna Paramahamsa took charge of the worship of this famous temple. After becoming the chief priest, Ramakrishna practised his spiritual disciplines and worshipped at this temple.

Dakshineswar Kalibari Chattar is home to several temples and other shrines, in addition to the decorated Kali Mandir. The main temple is the Navaratna temple. It is modelled on the Navaratna temple built by Ramnath Mandal in Taliganj.

The temple’s twenty-acre plot was purchased from an Englishman. His name was John Hasty. This place was popularly known as Saheban Bagicha. Some traditional accounts mention that part of the land included an old Muslim burial ground and that the site was considered suitable for Shakti worship, though this is based on tradition rather than firm historical records. The attractive temple was built in 8 years at a cost of nine lakh rupees by the dynamic lady, Rani Rashmoni. The statue was erected in the temple in a grand procession on 31 May 1855, the day of the bathing procession.

Earlier, the temple was known as Mata Bhavatarini Kalika. Ramkumar Chattopadhyay became the chief priest, and his younger brother, Gadadhar, or Gadai (later Ramakrishna Paramahamsa), became his associate. Later, his nephew, Hridayram Mukhopadhyay (Hriday), assisted him with his temple duties and daily activities. The next year, Ramkumar passed away. Then Sri Ramakrishna succeeded the chief priest of the holy temple. His wife, Sarada Devi, used to stay in Nahabatkhana outside the temple premises. This Nahabatkhana is now the temple of Goddess Sarada.

Inside/Outside Views

The temple faces south and stands on a raised plinth close to the Ganges, with traditional Bengal temple architecture. In the sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Bhavatarini Kali is installed on its own altar and is the principal focus of worship.

Kali, the presiding deity of the Dakshineswar temple. Near the main temple, there are 12 similar-looking east-facing Shiva temples built in the Atchala architectural style. These temples stand on either side of a Ganges ghat. To the northeast of the temple premises is the Radhakanta temple. Various deities traditionally worshipped by Rani Rashmoni may also be present in the wider Dakshineswar complex through local shrines.

Opening Hours

From 6:00 am to 12:30 (midday)
From 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm, every day.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee.

Near Restaurants

There are a lot of hotels near the Dakshineswar Temple. Let’s have a look below at the 5 most liked hotels.

Near Hotels

There are a lot of restaurants near Howrah Bridge. Let’s have a look below at the most liked restaurants.

There are many popular and well-known restaurants near the Dakshineswar Temple. All the restaurants are almost open at 8:30 AM and close at 11 PM. Open seven days a week.

How to Reach

There are four ways to get from Kolkata to Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Those who get off at Dakshineswar station will reach the temple directly by skywalk. Those who come to Dakshineswar junction will no longer have to cross Rani Rasmoni road. The temple can be reached by direct flight.

By Road: It’s well connected by bus from Howrah & Kolkata. There are many city buses available on the Dakshineswar Route. After reaching Dakshineswar, you may try the skywalk to reach this temple fast. You can book a taxi from Howrah, Sealdah, or Kolkata. Local and all popular taxi services available.

By Rail: Dakshineswar Railway Station is the nearest railway station, with local, express, and metro trains. Howrah & Sealdah are two popular railway stations to reach Dakshineswar.

By Air: The closest airport to Dakshineswar Kali Temple is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airportt. It is located at a distance of 21 km from the place. You will find local transport at the airport which can take you to the temple.

Tips for Travellers

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a holy place. You should not disturb the sanity of the place. One needs to maintain the cleanliness of the temple. There are some rules in the temple you have to maintain also. You cannot go inside the temple with your sandals or shoes on. You can not take pictures inside the temple.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes it is a safe place for travelers. Here is the nearest police station information for you:

Que-02: Is photography allowed in this place?

Ans: No, photography is not allowed here.

Que-03: Who was Rani Rashmoni?

Ans: The great lady Rani Rashmoni founded the famous Dakshineswar temple which houses the holy Goddess Kali. After this dream, the queen immediately bought land on the banks of the Ganges to materialize the dream and started the construction of the temple. The construction of this huge temple began in 1848 and ended in 1855. Rani Rashmoni took over the administration of the huge estate that her beloved husband left her. She was always in conflict with the hard British laws and conditions. All the people respected and loved her for her kind judgment. Bathing ghats, a road from Subarnarekha River Puri, Imperial Library, and Hindu College were also made under her supervision. All those things proved her benevolent nature.

Que-04: What is the Religion of the temple?

Ans: Hinduism

Que-05: Who is the Creator of the Temple?

Ans: Rani Rasamoni

Que-06: Which festivals are held in the Temple?

Ans: Kali Puja, Snana Yatra, Kalpataru Day.

Que-07: In which state of India is the Temple located?

Ans: West Bengal.

Que-08: When did the Temple complete?

Ans: 31 May 1855; (165 years ago)

Que-09: What is the area of the Temple?

Ans: The area is about 54.4 bighas.

Que-10: How much did it cost to build the Temple?

Ans: Rs 42,500 only

Que-11: Where to spend the night?

Ans: There is a lodge in the temple for tourists to stay in. The cost of lodging varies at different times of the year. But here you can get a house for one day for 150 INR – 300 INR.

Que-12: What can you do there?

Ans:

You can enjoy boating in the Hoogly. You also can see the sunset on the Hoogly river which is behind the Vivekananda Setu.
You can buy flowers and offerings of the goddess and those are available outside of the temple. There you can buy many items of home worship which is needed in the Hindu tradition.
Many attractive handicrafts and home decoration items are also available there. At a very low price, you can buy different kinds of pickles.
No hard drinks are available except “Nimbu Pani”. People call it Lime Juice Drink.