Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Dakshineswar Kali Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and night scenes
Admire architectural beauty and see important religious icons at this sacred temple complex on the banks of the Hooghly River.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a large riverside Hindu temple complex and a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus around the world. The sacred site was founded in the middle of the 19th century by philanthropist Rani Rashmoni.

Visit the nine-spired Kali Temple in the center of the main courtyard, which is dedicated to the Divine Mother Kali. Admire the architecture then go inside to see the idol of the deity. This basalt figure, covered in gold brocade, stands on a white marble statue of a prostrate Shiva, one of Hindu’s most important deities. Both are on a thousand-petaled lotus made of silver.

Go to the Vishnu Temple at the northeast side of the temple complex. See the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. Look inside one of the side rooms to see the temple’s original statue of Lord Krishna. The idol was dropped by a priest, but it has been repaired so well that it’s difficult to see the cracks.

Tour the 12 identical temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Six temples are located on either side of the bathing ghat, the stone staircase that leads into the river. View the various representations of the god inside these shrines.

Explore Ramakrishna’s room, near the last of the Shiva temples. This small space is dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, a 19th-century mystic who was a priest here. See Paramhansa’s two cots, the one he slept in and the one he sat on to talk to devotees.

Stop by the old fig tree that is the last remaining tree of the temple’s original panchabati. A panchavati is a garden of five trees where spiritual practices are observed.

Situated 13 miles (20 kilometers) north of the center of Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is easily reached by bus and train. If you are driving, free parking is available in the nearby lot. The complex is open daily, but to avoid the large crowds, arrive early. Admission is free.

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Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is surrounded by several exciting areas that offer a range of unique experiences.

  • Bally: Situated just 1.74 km away from Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Bally is a destination known for its temples, monuments, birdwatching, boating, and stunning views of the river. It also has a university, rich cultural heritage, a beautiful lake, and breathtaking sunsets.
  • Kamarhati: Only 1.88 km away from Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kamarhati is another area that boasts temples, monuments, birdwatching spots, boating opportunities, and a serene river. It is also known for its university, vibrant culture, picturesque lake, and mesmerizing sunsets.
  • Dumdum: Located 5.7 km away from Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Dumdum is a destination that offers temples, monuments, birdwatching spots, boating activities, and a scenic river. It is also home to a university, a thriving cultural scene, a beautiful lake, and captivating sunsets.

These areas near Dakshineswar Kali Temple provide a diverse range of experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tranquility of Kolkata.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a vibrant and cultural destination in Kolkata, West Bengal.

  • Bally Bridge: This modern bridge offers stunning views of the river and is a great spot for birdwatching and boating, providing a unique experience for nature enthusiasts.
  • Belur Math: As a historic building, Belur Math showcases exquisite architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful sunsets by the river.
  • Ratan Babu Ghat: This dockport offers a picturesque setting with its cultural significance, breathtaking views of the river, and opportunities for boating and birdwatching.

These points of interest, along with the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple, provide a diverse and enriching experience for tourists in Kolkata. Don't miss the chance to explore the temples, monuments, and natural beauty of the area.

Dakshineswar boasts a year-around average temperature of 26.1°C, peaking at 29.9°C in May, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 19.8°C in January, December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 206.3mm annually, with March seeing the heaviest showers and December being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January19.818.8
February22.1116.6
March26.6775.5
April29.488.6
May29.9127.3
June29.5259.1
July28.8301.0
August28.6306.1
September28.4287.0
October26.9160.0
November23.035.1
December19.80.0

✅ Top reasons to visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple

  • Surrounded by Attractions: The Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal, India is surrounded by other temples and monuments that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and boating on the nearby river.
  • Vibrant City of Kolkata: Kolkata, the vibrant city where the temple is located, offers a range of facilities and amenities for tourists. It is also known for its many parks and accommodation options.
  • Bally Bridge: Situated near the temple, Bally Bridge offers stunning views of the river and is a great spot for birdwatching and boating.
  • Belur Math: Located nearby, Belur Math is a historic building known for its exquisite architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site.
  • Ratan Babu Ghat: Another nearby attraction, Ratan Babu Ghat offers a picturesque setting with cultural significance, breathtaking river views, and opportunities for boating and birdwatching.

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationKolkata, West Bengal, India
ImportanceOne of the most prominent Hindu temples in Kolkata, dedicated to the goddess Kali
ArchitectureBuilt in traditional Bengali architectural style with a large courtyard and multiple shrines
HistoryConstructed in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and devotee of Kali
SignificanceBelieved to be the place where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a famous saint, attained spiritual vision
FestivalsMajor celebrations during Kali Puja and Durga Puja, attracting a large number of devotees
Visiting HoursOpen from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with breaks during afternoon hours
Dress CodeModest attire is required, covering shoulders and legs
Prohibited ItemsNo photography inside the main temple, no leather products allowed
TransportationWell-connected by road, rail, and metro; taxis and buses available for local transport

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