Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar, North 24 Parganas (north Kolkata), on the east bank of the Hooghly · Goddess Bhavatarini (Kali, 'saviour from the ocean of worldly existence'), standing on Shiva
Rani Rashmoni's riverside nine-spired Kali temple, where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa lived and worshipped for three decades.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple was built between 1847 and 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a wealthy and pious widow of Kolkata, and consecrated on 31 May 1855. Its nine-spired (navaratna) main temple, twelve riverside Shiva temples and a Radha-Krishna temple stand in a large courtyard on the Hooghly. The temple is world-famous because Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa served as its priest and lived here for about 30 years; it was here that he met his disciple Swami Vivekananda. Entry is free and open to all.
Timings
- Morning darshan: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening darshan: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Note: Timings may be changed by the Board of Trustees; extended on festivals.
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
Sevas and costs
- Mangal Aarti – Free (Daily, 4:00 AM)
- Sandhya Aarti – Free (Daily, 6:30 PM)
- Annabhog prasad – Check at the temple office (coupon system) (Daily, after the 12:30 PM bhog offering)
- Dhoti for Sri Ramakrishna / saree for Sri Sarada Maa – Varies (devotee brings or buys the cloth) (Daily)
- Kalpataru Utsav – Free (1 January)
- Phalaharini Kali Puja – Free (Jyeshtha Amavasya (May/June))
- Shyama Puja (Dipanwita Kali Puja) – Free (Kartika Amavasya (Diwali night, Oct/Nov))
How to book darshan
No booking needed for darshan. For offerings, bhog and enquiries contact the temple office.
Dress code
Modest dress. Remove footwear at the stalls.
Best time to visit
October to March. Visit early morning or late afternoon; combine with the Belur Math aarti across the river.
How to reach
- air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, about 10 km.
- rail: Dakshineswar railway station (Sealdah–Dankuni line), linked to the gate by the Rani Rashmoni Skywalk.
- road: Dakshineswar Metro station (Blue Line) is a short walk away. Ferries connect to Belur Math and Bagbazar. Buses via Bally Bridge/BT Road.
Festivals
- Kalpataru Utsav – 1 January
- Ratanti Kali Puja – Magha (Jan/Feb)
- Sri Ramakrishna's birth tithi – Phalguna (Feb/Mar)
- Phalaharini Kali Puja – May/June
- Snana Yatra (temple foundation day) – Jyeshtha Purnima (May/June)
- Durga Puja – Sep/Oct
- Shyama Puja (Dipanwita) – Oct/Nov (Diwali night)
- Rani Rashmoni's birthday – September