Popular Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal
The site of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's spiritual practice, a grand nine-spired temple on the Hooghly
At a glance
- Location
- Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Presiding deity
- Goddess Bhavatarini (a form of Kali)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shakta
- Nearest railway station
- Dakshineswar railway station (~0.5-1 km, right by the temple)
- Nearest airport
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (~20 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March; Kali Puja (Diwali) is celebrated with particular grandeur.
History
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni. It is deeply linked to the renowned saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who served as its head priest for years and imparted spiritual teachings here to disciples including Swami Vivekananda. The temple follows the traditional Bengali "Navaratna" (nine-spire) architectural style.
Spiritual significance
Ramakrishna's personal room within the complex is preserved to this day, making the site especially sacred for followers of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM (two shifts).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
From Howrah or Sealdah, a local train reaches Dakshineswar station, from where the temple is just a few minutes' walk; a Dakshineswar Metro station is also nearby.
Continue your Durga bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.