Dakshineswar Kali temple is a Hindu Navaratna Temple located within Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is situated in the middle of the Hooghly River; the presiding god of the Temple is Bhavatarini, a variant of the Goddess Parashakti Adya Kali, also called Adishakti Kalika. The Dakshineswar Kali Sanctuary was laid out toward the start of the nineteenth hundred years in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a devotee of Kali. Rani Rashmoni was a Mahishya by caste and was prominent for her helpful Activities. This article reveals the Dakshineswar temple opening Time and other Temple services.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of Kolkata’s most well-known temples after the Kalighat Temple. The Temple is notable for its relationship with Shree Ramakrishna Dev and Maa Sarada Devi.
History of Dakshineswar Kali Temple
At the beginning of the 1800s, Dakshineshwar was a tiny village surrounded by dense forests close to where the Temple today is situated. The majestic Temple of Dakshineshwar was constructed in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist and a fervent believer in the Goddess Kali.
It is believed that the Rani Rashmoni wanted to travel on a pilgrimage to Varanasi to pray to the Goddess Mother. On the night before she was due to depart to Varanasi, She woke up dreaming about the Goddess requesting her to construct the Temple Near Ganges and build an idol without going to Varanasi.
Rani quickly started making arrangements to build a sanctuary. After scouring through various plots of land for the Temple, she decided on the 20-acre plot. On the eastern bank of the Ganges in the area was a Muslim burial ground, which also looked like a tortoise hump, believed to be the most appropriate to worship Shakti According to Tantra tradition.
A different part of the land was owned by a European known as John Hasty, and this part of the country was called Saheban Bagicha. It was also the construction site for the Hindu temple, where parts belonged to various faiths and symbolized the unity of the world’s faiths.
An enormous temple complex was constructed in an interval of eight years, between 1845 – 1855, estimated amount in the range of INR 9 lakhs, from which Rs 2 lakhs were used at the time of the ceremony.
The god’s and Goddesses’ idols were slated to be installed on May 31st, 1855, the day of Snana-yatra,’ an auspicious day for Hindus. More than a hundred thousand Brahmins were welcomed to go to the festivals and feast.
The Temple was officially called the Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali Temple. Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, Sri Ramakrishna’s older brother, took over as chief priest at the Temple. His younger brother was Ramakrishna, later known as his initials Gadadhar and his nephew Hriday.
But Ramkumar died a year after the dedication of the Temple, so All duties shifted to the young Ramakrishna Dev and his spouse Sarada Devi And their nephew Hriday. Sarada Devi stayed south of Nahabat (the music room) on the first floor. It is now a temple that is dedicated to her.
Ramakrishna Dev was the primary factor in bringing about the huge fame and people who would visit the Temple in the subsequent three decades of his work towards the divine Mother Goddess. He became a passionate devotee of Kali and brought about several changes to the socio-religious status of Bengal.
Rani Rashmoni, an extremely open-minded and generous, had always desired that the Temple was accessible to every sect of society regardless of Their caste, creed, or faith. The custom has been practiced to the present day while devotees frequent the Temple from every tier of society.
Rani Rashmoni’s Time wasn’t enough to see the full extent of the glory of the Temple after her death in February 1861, only five years and nine months after the inauguration of the Temple.
Recognizing that she would not last many years, she left the property in Dinajpur (part of present-day Bangladesh) as part of her legacy to care for the Temple and the temple trust. Rani died on February 18th, 1861, the same day she handed her legal papers.
Architecture of Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Temple in Dakshineshwar is built in the ‘Nava-Ratna,’ or nine spires style. Ancient Bengali architectural style. The principal Kali temple is a three-story structure. It is South facing monument that has nine spires arranged on the two upper floors.
The main Temple is constructed within an area of approximately 46 Square feet. It is situated on a high platform with stairs that give the Temple the top of the hill—100 ft (30m). There is a narrowly screened verandah that functions as an auditorium.
There is also an expansive Natmandir constructed right in front of The Temple. The Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is home to the idol of the god. The Kali located at Dakshineshwar is well-known as Bhavatarini and is situated in the chest area of a supine Shiva.
The two gods are seated on a ten thousand-petaled lotus constructed from pure silver. The main courtyard temple is enclosed by 12 miniature Shiva temples, set in an order that faces east.
The interiors are made of white and black stone finishes. Each Temple has a Shivalinga made in black granite. The temples were constructed with the ‘AatChala’ or ‘At Chala’ (eight eaves) architectural style.
It is typical of Bengali architecture. The 12 Shiva temples were built with 12 jyotirlingas as the main focus. Within these Shiva temples, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa meditated as he believed to have achieved enlightenment.
The Vishnu temple that has worshippers of Radha, as well as Krishna, is situated northeast of the Temple’s main entrance. The Temple is also known as Radha Kanta’s Temple. It is situated on a high platform, with an escalator leading to the inside. On a platform high, the Lord Krishna idol, situated within the Vishnu temple, measures 21 and a quarter inches, and the god of Radha is located at 16 inches.
What is the significance of Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
The significance of Dakshineswar Kali Temple is that the layout is such that it has space for rooms for staff and guests of the Temple. The orchard is located north of the Temple, the ‘Panchavati,’ along with banyan trees and is also home to the Bel tree.
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple’s ambiance is tolerant of praise and criticism. Here, the humble and high-priced do not make any significance. Everyone here lives with the same unpredictability
Harmony. Time is a mystery in the middle of the night. It appears as if that Time has stopped in this place.
The roads that surround Dakshineswar Kali Temple are crowded with people. Dakshineswar Kali Temple increases the excitement of the admirers of Maa Kali, who would soon give her love and peace to your mind. The Goddess is adorned with various ornaments such as anklets, necklaces of gold, and pearls. A headband made of gold and a golden nose ring with a pearl drop.
In this area, Sri Ramkrishna would sit for hours of meditation. The area has been revamped traditionally. The main Temple is home to the most beautiful “Natmandir,” also known as a music hall. In the northwest and southwest areas of the temple grounds, the Temple has 2 “Nahabhats,” or music towers.
Interesting facts about Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- 1.Vivekananda’s Guru, Shree Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev, is closely associated with his Dakshineswar Kali Temple.There is a belief to be the case that Ramakrishna Paramhansa had Darshan Dakshineswar Kali.
The Temple next to it is a room dedicated to Paramhansa Dev. The room has his bed as well as some of his personal belongings.
2.The idols were erected during the auspicious “Snan-yatra’ day on May 31st, 1855.
3.This Temple was constructed in 1847 under the Time of British rule. The history surrounding the construction and construction of the Temple is thrilling. The Temple was built by A queen known as Rani Rahmani. Maa Kali appeared in a dream and asked her to build the Temple.
4.The construction of the Temple began in 1845, and after eight years of work, in 1855. It can be seen in the splendor of this Temple.
5.After the building of the Temple, Raj Purohit was appointed with the task of worshiping here. Ramakrishna was a royal priest of Paramhansa’s older brother Rani Rasmani, and his younger brother Paramhansa to the party with him.
What are some of the temples near Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
A few temples located near Dakshineswar Kali Temple are:
Adyapeath Temple is a well-known pilgrimage spot. It is located near its Dakshineswar Kali Temple and is dedicated to the Goddess Kali. It is a gorgeous place for devotees.
Every year, visitors come to the area for peace.
Belur Math: Swami Vivekananda, one of the disciples of Sri Ramkrishna, created Belur Math. Belur Math. It is a wonderful spot to visit during the early mornings when the ambiance is very peaceful.
It is peaceful and tranquil. The area is noted for its blend between Hindu, Islam, and Christian symbols, which shows the unity between all religious traditions.
There is Shobhabajar Rajbari also is a renowned tourist attraction. It is a place of historical significance that draws tourists.
Another location where devotees go can be The Hanseswari Temple. It is located in Bashberia town, which is located in the Hooghly district. It is where people can find the Goddess Hanseswari, an additional form of goddess Kali. It is a six-story shrine with the form of a human body.
Dakshineswar temple opening time
| Opening | Timings |
| Open (Morning) | 7 am 12 pm |
| Open (Evening) | 3:30 pm 9 pm |
What are the times of Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
A) Dakshineswar Kali Temple Darshan Timings
| Seasons | Morning | Evening |
| During Winter(Oct to Mar) | 06:00 to 12:30 | 15:00 to 20:30 |
| During Summer(Apr to Sept) | 05:30 to 11:30 | 15:30 to 21:00 |
Note:
I) 1. Dakshineswar Kali Mandir Darshan Timings might change during holidays and on special occasions.
I) Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays are the most special times for worship. Ashtami is also a special day.
B) Dakshineswar Kali Temple Aarti Timings
| Seasons | Morning | Evening |
| During Winter(Oct to Mar) | 05:00 | 18:30 |
| During Summer(Apr to Sept) | 04:00 | 19:00 |
Note:
The timings for Morning and Evening Aarti may change during celebrations and special Days.
C) Dakshineswar Kali Temple Bhog Timings
| Days | Bhog Timings |
| Mon to Sun | 12:00 |
Note:
In the event of festivals and special occasions, it could affect the Bhog Timings.
Pro-Tip: Tuesdays and weekends are considered auspicious and the best times to offer prayers to Goddess Kali. Therefore, the Temple is packed with people These days. Watching the Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer) is an essential experience.
What are the festivals Celebrated at Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
The most popular festivals in Dakshineswar Kali Temple are:
Kalpataru is one of the most sacred festivals held at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The devotees of Sri Ramkrishna go to the festival with great enthusiasm. It falls on January 1st, according to the English calendar.
Devotees observe Navaratri in the Dakshineswar Kali Temple with grandeur for nine days and nine nights. Kumari Puja is the worship of Kanyas or girls who still haven’t reached puberty happens before mother nature, the Divine Mother.
On the ninth day comes the Ayudhya puja, where devotees put their equipment for their livelihood, hoping for the best results. And joy.
The Dusshera is the Time to celebrate Goddess Saraswati, who imparts wisdom and knowledge to her devotees. On the day of Diwali, Kali pooja takes place at Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where the devotees worship Bhavatarini. Devotees also decorate the Temple’s entire complex. It is lit with diyas and a string of lights. Skylights are now illuminated within the temple premises, making the temple shine with bright lights.
Which Poojas and Rituals are performed at Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
The rituals and poojas in the Dakshineswar Kali Temple are:
Each month, the priest performs the Amavasya (darkest night) ritual, in which devotees offer prayers following the day of fasting. Then, the priest ends when the priest has completed performing the Homa.
The second month in the Bengal calendar, Jaistha, known as the summer season, is the Time to celebrate Phalaharini Kali puja on the night of the new moon. It is believed that the Durga puja is among the most lavish celebrations in Bengal. Here at Dakhshineswar, this Durga festival is marked with lavish events.
Priests recite holy Sanskrit text for five days, telling of maa’s victory of Maa Durga in the battle against Ashura, or the demon. The priests here make the puja right before the Kali statue.
The most significant ritual or pujas in Dakshineswar Kali Temple is the Kali puja. It occurs during Diwali, and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims attend. And devotees enter the Temple to offer offerings and prayers to Goddess Kali.
The Tantric, as well as Brahmanical rituals, are performed for Maa Kali, and thousands of guests get to witness of visitors get to see.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple committee creates the special Bhog/prasad for rituals and pujas. It is then distributed to the long line of devotees that visit the Temple and wish Mayer Prasad (offerings from the Divine Mother).
How to reach Dakshineswar Kali Temple
By air: The distance from Dakshineswar Kali temple to the nearest airport is around 12 kilometers. It is possible to reach the Temple via taxi or auto to get to Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
By rail:– The distance from Dakshineswar Kali Temple to the railway station is around 700 meters. To get to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, you can reach the temple compound on foot from Dakshineswar Railway Station.
By road: The temple complex is accessible by Transport Corporation buses, private taxis, and buses from any city within the State of West Bengal to reach Dakshineswar Kali Temple.