Dakshineswar Kali Temple

About Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata

Nineteenth-century temple dedicated to goddess Kali

• Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in northern Kolkata, Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site built in traditional nine-spired Bengali architecture.
• Philanthropist Rani Rashmoni founded the temple in 1855, and nineteenth-century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa served here as head priest for decades.
• The main shrine houses goddess Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali.
• Along the riverfront courtyard sit twelve identical shrines dedicated to Shiva, alongside a shrine for Radha and Krishna and the room where Ramakrishna lived.
• October through March brings pleasant weather and lower humidity.
• The temple opens daily from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Entry is free.
• Lines for sanctum darshan grow long on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and during annual celebrations like Kali Puja, so visiting on weekday mornings saves hours of waiting.