History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata. The splendour and allure of the temple is known to be such that a trip to Kolkata is considered to be lacking without a visit to this place.
History of Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata
Instituted by Rani Rashmoni of Bengal, a devout and pious believer of Goddess Kali, in the year 1855, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple was opened to the general public just for two years before the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 in British India. The traditional ‘nava-ratna’ or nine spires style is engineered in the temple building, adding a historical touch, coming from typical Bengal School of Architecture. The temple was officially named as Sri Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali temple.
Popular belief behind Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata
Popular legend circulates around the construction of the temple, in which Rani Rashmoni dreamt of the mother Goddess who asked her to construct her temple in her home state near the Ganges, when she herself wanted to go on a pilgrimage to Varanasi to offer prayers. Rani instantaneously started making arrangements for the same.
Several plots of land were looked upon to be used for the temple’s construction. The Rani zeroed down on a twenty acre land by the eastern banks of Ganges, part of which had a Muslim cremation ground, resembling a tortoise hump, considered sacred for worshiping Shakti according to Tantra traditions. While the other part of the land belonged to a European named John Hasty. With establishment of a Hindu temple on such a site, parts of which belonged to different faiths, it popularly came to signify the unity of all faiths. Rani Rashmoni was exceptionally broad minded and benevolent, far ahead from her times, wanted the temple be open to the people from all sections of the society disregarding caste, creed or religion based discriminations in religious places. This tradition is continued till date.
Influence of Ramakrishna
Ramkumar Chattopadhayay was appointed as the head priest of the temple. He was assisted by his younger brother, Sri Ramakrishna in this task. However; Ramkumar passed away a year after the temple was inaugurated, so, all responsibilities fell on the shoulders of young Ramakrishna along with his wife Sarada Devi. Ramakrishna was the major influence behind bringing in immense reputation to the temple as well as pilgrims during the next three decades of his service towards the mother Goddess. He became an ardent seeker of Kali and also brought in quite a few changes in the socio-religious condition of Bengal during his service years.
Architecture of Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata
The main Kali temple is a three storeyed monument facing southwards with nine spires distributed in its upper two storeys. There is also a spacious Natmandir built right in front of the temple. The garbhagriha houses the idol of the deity. Goddess Kali at Dakshineshwar is legendarily known as Bhavatarini, and stands on the chest of Lord Shiva. The two idols stand on a thousand petal lotus made out of pure silver. The main courtyard is surrounded by twelve identical mini Shiva temples standing in a row, facing eastwards with magnificent interiors painted with black and white stone glosses. The temples have been fashioned in ‘Aat- Chala’ (eight eaves) architectural style, typical to Bengal.
The twelve Shiva temples were constructed keeping the twelve jyotirlingas in mind according to the Hindu tradition. It is here in these Shiva temples that Sri Ramakrishnan Paramhansa is believed to meditate have reached enlightenment.
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata Daily Darshan Timings
The temple is open all through the year from 6:00 am in the morning to 12.30 pm in the afternoon. It reopens at 3:00 pm till 8:30 pm in the evening. Best time to visit Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata
Tuesdays and Saturdays are believed to be the most auspicious days for offering prayers to Goddess Kali. Therefore, the temple is thronged with visitors on these particular days of the week, especially to witness the famous Sandhya aarti.
How to Reach Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata, The Capital of West Bengal, India
Kolkata being capital and district headquarter of Kolkata district and important city of West Bengal, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Lots of people across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Kolkata more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Kolkata has major internal airport from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Kolkata has major rail junction from where you can get train to almost all part of country. Kolkata is located at 118 km from Ganga Sagar, 172 km from Durgapur, 138 km from Bishnupur, 212 km from Bankura, 64 km from Durgapur, 129 km from Mayapur, 89 km from Belur, 65 km from Tarakeshwar
