Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata

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Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Kolkata is one of the most popular temples in the city. Located at a place called Dakshineshwar near Kolkata, the temple was constructed by Rani Rashmoni of Janbazar. The construction of the temple started in the year 1847 and ended in the year 1855. The total expenditure for the temple construction was about 9 lakhs. It is said that about Rs 2 lakhs were spent on the very day of its inauguration. The temple dedicated to the goddess Kali occupies about 25 acres of land which was purchased by the queen from a person named Mr Hasti.

Legend says that once the queen decided to go for a pilgrim trip to Banaras to seek blessings from goddess Kali. Due to absence of any rail road from Kolkata to Benaras, the boat transport was the only mode of transportation during those days. A huge convoy consisting of twenty four boats carrying family members, servants and food supplies was arranged for the trip. But just the day before the on-start of the journey, the Rani dreamt of Goddess Kali asking her to stay back and insisting her to install the goddess's idol at the banks of the river Ganga. The Rani abided by her orders and the temple was constructed.

The temple is regarded as one of the largest temples in Kolkata. The temple measures about 46 sq. feet and is of the height of 100 feet. Standing along the eastern side of the River Hoogly, the temple is built in the Nava-ratna style. The courtyard of the 12 spired Kali temple is huge and is surrounded by 12 small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

A dalan of Radha Krishna is located at the north of the temple along with twelve shiva temples of conventional Bengali 'atchala' style. The river bank is built in the form of 'chandni-bathing ghat'. The north, east and southern sides of the temple are surrounded by guest rooms and offices.

Much of the popularity of the temple is due to the temple's association with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who at one point of time served the temple as the head priest. It was in this place, the famous religious thinker Sri Ramakrishna attained enlightenment and realized that divinity is infinite and all-encompassing. His overflowing love for the deity often transferred him to an unconscious state of mind which in Hinduism is known as Maha-Bhava.

The temple is open for devotees from 5.30 A.M. to 10.30 A.M. and 4.30 P.M to 7.30.

Devotees from all across the world visit the temple with utmost reverence in order to get blessings of the goddess Bhavatarini.