Dakshineshwar Temple - Kolkata, India

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Kolkata, the former capital of British India and the present capital of the state of West Bengal, is well known for the worship of the Divine Mother in the form of Kali. About an hour's drive from the city stands the famous Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mutt. If you cross the Ganges (Hooghly River) from Belur Math, you will reach Dakshineshwar on the eastern bank, home to one of the most celebrated Kali temples in India.

The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is among the most revered temples of West Bengal, largely because of its close association with Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the guru of Swami Vivekananda. Ramakrishna spent a significant part of his life in a room located near the temple's boundary wall. Even today, a number of objects associated with him are preserved there, and the room continues to attract devotees who gather for bhajans and prayers.

The vast temple complex can broadly be divided into three sections. The first section is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It contains three shrines — one housing a black marble icon of Krishna, another with Radha and Krishna, and a third featuring Krishna along with Balram and Subhadra in the traditional Odisha style.

The second and most prominent section houses the sanctum of the presiding deity, Kali, who is worshipped here as Bhavatarini. She is depicted standing upon Lord Shiva. This temple is built in the Navaratna style of Bengal architecture and is fronted by a spacious hall where devotees gather for darshan.

The third section consists of twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva Lingas, built in the traditional Aat-Chala style of Bengal architecture. A large courtyard separates the Kali temple from these Shiva shrines, adding to the grandeur of the complex.

This architecturally impressive temple complex is remarkably peaceful and well worth a visit. Construction began in 1847 and was completed in 1855, with the consecration of the Kali icon taking place in the same year. Although the temple was founded by Rani Rashmoni, it was through the life and spiritual legacy of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who served here as a priest, that Dakshineshwar attained worldwide recognition.

For anyone visiting Kolkata, two places should never be missed. One is Belur Math, and the other is the magnificent Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.

Happy travelling.


Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700035, India

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