Dakshineswar Kali, Kolkata Overview

Flanked by River Hooghly on the Eastern bank, Dakshineswar Kali is a revered Hindu navratna temple which is presided by Bhavatarini - a form of Goddess Kali. Built in Rani Rashmoni in 1855 who was a devotee of Goddess Kali, the Bhavatarini form means ‘she, who liberates her devotees from the ocean of existence.’ Aside from the main shrine, there are also several rooms built along the complex surrounding the boundary walls.

In these rooms, there are shrines dedicated to several gods. 12 of these are dedicated to Lord Shiva, 1 to Radha Krishna, and 1 to Rani Rashmoni. In addition to that, there is also a bathing ghat on the river. Besides, the temple is also known for its famous association with Sri Ramakrishna who was a yogi, mystic and a revered person of the 19th century Bengal. Other than paying your respect to the gods and goddesses, you can also admire the gorgeous architectural designs and beautiful scenic beauty.

History of Dakshineswar Kali

Rani Rashmoni was a wealthy widow and the history of the temple can be traced back to the year 1847. At that time, she planned to pay her respect and express her devotion to the Goddess by making an elaborate visit to Benaras. But before she could leave with her convoy of 24 ships and a large party, she was visited by the Divine Mother i.e. Goddess Kali in her dreams.

The Goddess told here to install her idol on the banks of the River Ganges in Kolkata itself and she would manifest herself in the image and accept worship. So to adhere to the order, Rani Rashmoni purchased a 20 acre plot from an Englishman and got the temple constructed. It took a total of eight years and a sum of 9 lac rupees to get the temple built. The complex was built between 1847 and 1855 and the idol of Goddess Kali was installed on the 31st of May, 1855, on the day of Snana Yatra.

Architecture of Dakshineswar Kali

Dakshineswar Kali is built in the traditional Bengal style of architecture with a nine spired style, also known as the Navratna style. The three storeyed temple faces the south and the nine spires are distributed in the upper two storeys that can be reached with a flight of stairs. Rising to a height of a 100 ft., the inner sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Goddess Kali who stands on the chest of Lord Shiva. Both these idols are placed in the heart of a gigantic lotus flower that is made in silver.

There are 12 shrines alongside the boundary of the temple complex that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These idols are placed on a thousand leaf lotus which are again made in silver. These shrines are constructed in the aat- chala style of Bengali architecture. On the North east of the temple are also shrines of Vishnu and Radha Kanta. There are a flight of stairs that lead to the verandah and the garba griha.