Visiting Dakshineswar Kali Temple: 5 Best Tips

Dakshineswar Kali Temple, is one of the most revered temples in West Bengal, India. This temple is renowned for its association with the 19th-century mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. All year round, the temple attracts pilgrims, devotees, and tourists alike. Nestled on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, this temple dedicated to Goddess Kali holds deep cultural, historical, and spiritual importance.

If you are planning a visit in Kolkata, your trip cannot be complete without visiting Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Before we move forward, if you are looking to travel please book your hotels and flights through this link. You will get exclusive discounts & I will be able to earn a small commission that will help me keep this site up & running.

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Location and How to Reach Dakshineswar Kali Temple

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is located in the town of Dakshineswar, about 20 kilometers from the Howrah (if you plan to reach by train) and 11 km from DumDum Airport (Kolkata Airport). Perched on the banks of the Hooghly River, this magnificent temple complex offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere. It provides an inviting space for those seeking peace and introspection and serves as an ideal destination for those interested in India’s spiritual heritage.

Now unlike the Kalighat temple, this is not centrally located. While you can easily find an uber or ola cab to reach there, the return is not so easy. You will rarely get a cab from here and if you do, they will charge exorbitant prices. So the best approach would be to take a Ola or Uber or local cab rental & keep the car waiting. There is a upcoming metro which is still under construction. Once ready, it will help ease travel woes to come extent

By Air: The nearest airport to Dakshineswar is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, approximately 11 kilometers away. From the airport, one can take a taxi or an app-based cab to reach the temple.
By Train: Dakshineswar has its own railway station, which is connected to Kolkata and other cities. Regular suburban trains operate from Howrah, Sealdah, and other stations, making it a convenient and affordable option. It’s just a short walk or a quick rickshaw ride from Dakshineswar railway station to the temple.
By Metro: The Kolkata Metro’s Dakshineswar extension connects the temple with other parts of the city. Visitors can disembark at the Dakshineswar metro station and take a short walk to reach the temple complex.
By Road: Dakshineswar is well-connected by road. Taxis, and app-based rides are easily available from Kolkata and nearby cities. If you’re driving, follow the route along BT Road or take NH-16 towards Dakshineswar.

Now once you reach the area, there is car parking area that charges Rs. 50 per car as parking fees. Once you exit the parking area there will be a gate to the left which leads to the temple

Dakshineswar Kali temple Resplendent at Night

Significance of the Temple

Dakshineswar Temple is dedicated to Bhavatarini, an aspect of Goddess Kali, who is considered the “savior of the universe.” It was commissioned by Rani Rashmoni, a local queen and a devout follower of the goddess. Rani Rashmoni had a divine vision before her pilgrimage to the holy city of Varanasi, where the goddess Kali reportedly instructed her to build a temple on the banks of the Ganges. Following this dream, she devoted her resources to construct the Dakshineswar Temple, which was completed in 1855.

Sri Ramakrishna, a prominent saint and philosopher, served as the head priest here and spent much of his life immersed in deep devotion and meditation within the temple. His teachings and spiritual insights have elevated Dakshineswar Temple as a spiritual pilgrimage site worldwide, attracting devotees of all faiths.

Temple Timings

The temple is open every day, all throughout the year. The timings however may vary slightly on special occasions and during festivals like Kali Puja, when the temple sees a surge in visitors. Mornings and holidays see a lot of rush, even from the bengali locals.

The best time to visit Dakshineswar Kali temple will be in the evening after the doors open post “Bhog” ritual. Bhog or Goddesses’ food is also distributed around 2pm to anyone who would want to eat(it is open to people from all walks of life).

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Mangalarati at 4:00 AM (special days only)
- Bhog at 12:00 PM
- Evening aarti around 8:00 PM

The Legend Behind the Dakshineswar Kali Temple

The story of Dakshineswar Kali Temple begins with Rani Rashmoni, a local queen and a devoted follower of Goddess Kali. Legend has it that on the eve of her pilgrimage to Varanasi, she had a divine dream where Goddess Kali appeared and instructed her to construct a temple dedicated to her on the banks of the Ganges. Following this vision, Rani Rashmoni purchased 20 acres of land in Dakshineswar and embarked on constructing the temple complex.

Ma Kali Idol at Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Completed in 1855, the temple soon became a focal point for spiritual gatherings. It gained additional prominence with the arrival of Sri Ramakrishna, whose teachings on universal tolerance and spirituality transcended religious boundaries, attracting followers from around the world. It is believed that Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa saw the Divine Mother, Kali, as a living presence and would go into ecstatic states of bliss, forgetting the world around him. His intense longing to see God culminated in a vision where he experienced the Divine as a living, breathing presence.

The temple was further made popular by the fact that Swami Vivekananda, a renowned world spiritual leader, was a disciple of Swami Ramakrishna Parmahansa. Thus the Dakshineswar Kali temple is visited by people from all over the world.

Architectural Marvel

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple complex, spread over 25 acres, is an architectural wonder in itself. Built in the traditional Bengali style, the temple features nine spires arranged in a three-story structure, adding to its majestic grandeur. The primary temple housing Goddess Kali stands at a height of over 100 feet, flanked by a row of smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna. Intricate terracotta work adorns the walls, showcasing elements of Bengali art.

The temple also houses a bathing ghat along the Hooghly River, where devotees perform rituals and also take a dip in the waters, especially at dawn.

There are many entry points to the temple, but they all lead to the same sanctum sanctorum of Ma Kali.

Important Tips for Anyone Visiting Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Here are few tips to make your visit memorable, hassle free and easy.

Time Your Visit Correct: The temple can get very crowded, especially during festivals and weekends. Visit early in the morning( at dawn) or post noon after the temple doors reopen, and that too on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
Dress Modestly: As with any religious site in India, modest attire is recommended. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops out of respect for the temple’s sanctity.
Mode of Travel: As mentioned before it is difficult to get cabs from here to go back to the city. So please use rentals for the ease of traveling.
Are mobiles & bags allowed ? No, mobiles and bags are not allowed inside the temple. There is a rigorous security check that happens before you enter. Only small wallets are allowed. Please ensure you keep your valuables secure, and be cautious of pickpockets. Also, photography is not allowed inside since mobiles are not allowed!!
Explore Nearby Attractions: If time permits, visit the Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, located just across the river. A boat service operates between Dakshineswar and Belur Math, offering a unique and peaceful journey.

In Conclusion

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is more than just a place of worship. It’s a destination for soul-searching, meditation, and reflection. With its rich history, spiritual significance, and beautiful architecture, it offers you a glimpse into the spiritual depth and cultural heritage of Bengal. A visit to Dakshineswar Temple is not just a journey to a holy place but an opportunity to connect with a legacy of devotion and spiritual enlightenment.