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Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It was founded in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a great devotee of Kali. The temple is famous for its association with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a prominent 19th-century mystic and saint, who was the head priest of the temple. The temple complex is a beautiful and serene space, with a large courtyard, a main temple for Kali, twelve identical Shiva temples, a temple for Radha-Krishna, and a bathing ghat on the river. The main temple is a nine-spired structure built in the Navaratna style of Bengal architecture. The peaceful atmosphere, the sound of temple bells, and the view of the Hooghly River make it a spiritual retreat from the city's chaos. It attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world who come to seek blessings and experience the divine energy of the place. The temple's aarti in the evening is a mesmerizing spectacle of devotion and faith.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    2-3 hours for the temple complex and a boat ride.
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    Place Type:
    Religious Site, Pilgrim Center, Historical Site.
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    Entry Fees:
    There is no entry fee to visit the temple. ...
    There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The temple may be closed in the afternoon for cleaning.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the rush. The evening aarti is a must-see. ...
    Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The temple may be closed in the afternoon for cleaning.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the rush. The evening aarti is a must-see.
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    Special Events:
    The temple celebrates major festivals with great fervor, especially Kali Puja and Durga Puja. During these times, the temple is beautifully decorated, and a large number of devotees visit. Kalpataru Utsab (Divine Tree Festival) in January is another significant event related to Sri Ramakrishna. ...
    The temple celebrates major festivals with great fervor, especially Kali Puja and Durga Puja. During these times, the temple is beautifully decorated, and a large number of devotees visit. Kalpataru Utsab (Divine Tree Festival) in January is another significant event related to Sri Ramakrishna.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    From the River: The best view of the temple's nine spires is from a boat on the Hooghly River.

    The Main Temple Steps: The steps leading to the main temple offer a grand perspective of the entrance and the courtyard.

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    From the River: The best view of the temple's nine spires is from a boat on the Hooghly River.

    The Main Temple Steps: The steps leading to the main temple offer a grand perspective of the entrance and the courtyard.

    The Riverfront: The view of the Hooghly River with the row of Shiva temples and the main Kali temple in the background is a popular photo spot.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Offer Prayers: Participate in the temple rituals and offer prayers to Goddess Kali. The morning and evening aarti are particularly significant.

    Walk Around the Complex: Take a leisurely walk around the large courtyard. Visit the twelve Shiva temples and the Radha-Krishna temple.

    Visit Sri Ramakrishna's Room: Explore the room where Sri Ramakrishna lived and meditated. It is preserved as a shrine and provides insight into his life.

    Take a Boat Ride: A boat ride on the Hooghly River from the temple ghat is a peaceful and beautiful experience, offering a different view of the temple complex and the Belur Math across the river.

    Explore the Riverbank: The riverfront near the temple is a serene spot to sit, relax, and watch the activ...

Hotels

● Addyama Hotel and Banquet


Address: Ariadaha, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 2 km

Details: This hotel offers a straightforward and affordable stay for those visiting the temple. It provides essential amenities and a comfortable atmosphere fo...

● De Sovrani


Address: Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 11 km

Details: This hotel offers a pleasant and well-maintained stay. It is located in a convenient area and provides a range of amenities for a comfortable trip. Th...

● FabHotel De Sivalika


Address: Howrah, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 500 m (from Belur Math, which is very close)

Details: This hotel is located in the vicinity of both Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math, making it an excellent choice for pilgrims and tourists visitin...

● Hyatt Regency Kolkata


Address: Salt Lake City, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 12 km

Details: A modern and luxurious hotel with spacious rooms and excellent facilities, including a swimming pool and a spa. While a taxi ride away from the temple...

● ITC Royal Bengal


Address: Tangra, Kolkata

Distance: Approximately 14 km

Details: This luxury hotel offers a grand and sophisticated experience. Known for its impeccable service, lavish decor, and world-class dining, it is a great c...

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Restaurants

● Ammini Restaurant


Address: Not specified

Distance: 1.40 KM

Details: Ammini Restaurant is a great spot for a quick bite. It specializes in South Indian cuisine and offers a variety of snacks and light meals. The food is...

Food List: Dosa, Idli, Vada, Sambar, Upma, Coffee...

● Bachan's Dhaba


Address: Kalighat, Kolkata

Distance: 0.70 KM

Details: Bachan's Dhaba is a top player in the category of North Indian restaurants in Kolkata. It's a popular spot for its delicious and authentic Dhaba-style...

Food List: Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Tandoori Roti, Chicke...

● Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets


Address: Not specified

Distance: 1.80 KM

Details: This is a legendary sweet shop established in 1885, known for its exquisite and artful Bengali sweets. It's a must-visit for anyone who wants to exper...

Food List: Sandesh, Nalen Gur Sandesh, Rasmalai, Malai Chomch...

● Balwant Singh's Eating House


Address: Not specified

Distance: 2.10 KM

Details: Balwant Singh's Eating House is one of the oldest food joints in Kolkata. It is famous for its North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant's Dood...

Food List: Doodh Cola, Aloo Paratha, Chhole Bhature, Lassi...

● Banana Leaf


Address: Not specified

Distance: 1.10 KM

Details: Banana Leaf is a renowned name in Kolkata for its South Indian cuisine. The restaurant is a pioneer in offering a variety of South Indian dishes that ...

Food List: Masala Dosa, Rava Dosa, Uttapam, Idli, Vada, Samba...

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Spiritual Significance: The temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, especially for devotees of Goddess Kali. It is a place of immense spiritual power and devotion.

    Association with Sri Ramakrishna: The temple is famou...
    Spiritual Significance: The temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, especially for devotees of Goddess Kali. It is a place of immense spiritual power and devotion.

    Association with Sri Ramakrishna: The temple is famous for being the spiritual home of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who spent a significant part of his life here and attained enlightenment. His room within the complex is a key point of interest for his followers.

    Architectural Beauty: The temple's unique Navaratna architecture and the beautiful layout of the entire complex make it an architectural marvel. The row of twelve Shiva temples along the river is a sight to behold.
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    Architecture:
    The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a prime example of the Navaratna style of Bengal architecture, which is characterized by nine spires.

    Nine Spires: The main temple is a three-storeyed building with a total of nine spires, which is a unique feature of this style. Th...
    The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a prime example of the Navaratna style of Bengal architecture, which is characterized by nine spires.

    Nine Spires: The main temple is a three-storeyed building with a total of nine spires, which is a unique feature of this style. This design makes the temple stand out and gives it a grand, symmetrical appearance.

    Temple Complex Layout: The complex is meticulously laid out. The main temple is surrounded by a large courtyard. Along the riverfront, there are twelve smaller temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which are built in the Aat Chala style (a traditional Bengali temple design with eight slanting roofs).

    Materials and Design: The temple is constructed of brick and mortar with a plastered finish. The main temple stands on a raised platform with a flight of stairs, adding to its imposing look. The sanctum sanctorum houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Kali standing on the chest of a reclining Lord Shiva, both placed on a lotus throne made of silver.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), you can take a taxi or an app-based cab. The temple is approximately 10-12 km away.

    By Train: The Dakshineswar railway station is the closest, and it's a short walk from t...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    1.

    Belur Math: Approximately 3 KM (across the river, a ferry ride is a popular option). 2.

    Adyapith Temple: 1 KM. 3.

    Ramkrishna Sarada Peeth: 0. 5 KM. 4.

    Panihati Sripati Temple: 5 KM. 5.

    Kamarhati Bhabatarini Temple: 2 KM. 6.

    Howrah Bridge: 12 KM. 7.

    Victoria Memorial: 13 KM. 8.

    Indian Museum: 12 KM. 9.

    Eco Park: 15 KM. 10.

    Science City: 16 KM.

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to walk barefoot inside the temple. The floors can get hot, so visit accordingly.

    Packing: It is a religious site, so dress modestly. Carry a bottle of water.

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Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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