Dakshineswar Kali Temple Tourism

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, the temple is an epitome of the traditional 'Nava-ratna' or nine spires style of Bengal architecture. The spacious courtyard surrounded by 12 Shiva temples, a Radha-Krishna temple, bathing ghat, Rani Rashmoni's shrine room, nahabatkhana, and Shiva's temple forms a tranquil space inspiring devotion. It is a significant pilgrimage center as the religious philosopher, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, served as the head priest and spiritual luminary. The temple has three storeys and stands over a high platform with a flight of stairs. The sanctum houses an idol of goddess Kali, known as Bhavatarini, standing over the chest of a lying Shiva. The temple complex is spread over a substantial area characterized by its distinctive features and active participation in religious and cultural events.