Inheritage Foundation
Preserving Our Past, Enriching Our Future
Documenting and digitizing India's architectural heritage, one site at a time
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Kolkata, West Bengal, India, West Bengal
Temple
Bengali Navaratna Style
Modern Era (19th Century)
Major Pilgrimage Site, historically significant (Ramakrishna connection), managed by Trust.
Year Built
1847
Built By
Rani Rashmoni (19th century)
Patronage
Rani Rashmoni's family, Devotees
Area
20000 m²
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a famous Hindu shrine founded by Rani Rashmoni in the mid-19th century. The complex centers around the main temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini (a form of Kali) and includes twelve Shiva temples and a Radha-Krishna temple. It gained renown due to its association with the mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who served as its priest. It remains a major pilgrimage site and symbol of devotion in Bengal.
Location
Kolkata, West Bengal, India(West Bengal)
Year Built
1847
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free entry.
Heritage Status
Major Pilgrimage Site, historically significant (Ramakrishna connection), managed by Trust.
Preservation Status
Good, well-maintained active complex.
Historical Context
Built 1847-1855 by the affluent Zamindar Rani Rashmoni. Her Shudra (Kaivarta) caste initially posed challenges in finding priests, highlighting caste rigidities of the era. The temple's destiny changed with the arrival of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa as priest (c. 1856). His intense spiritual practices, ecstasies (samadhi), and teachings on the harmony of religions attracted diverse followers (including Brahmos, later monks like Vivekananda), transforming Dakshineswar from a private temple into a global spiritual landmark and the cradle of the Ramakrishna movement.
Archaeological Survey
N/A (Managed by Temple Trust).
Location Map
Architectural Details
Bengali Navaratna Style
Modern Era (19th Century)
Built by
Rani Rashmoni (19th century)
Materials
Brick, Plaster, Chunar stone (details)
Dimensions
Height30m
Width140m
Length140m
Area20000m²
Featured Image
Excavation Details
N/A - Relatively modern temple (mid-19th century). Historical significance related to Rani Rashmoni and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Restoration Work
Regular maintenance and periodic repairs by temple trust.
Patronage
Rani Rashmoni's family, Devotees
Construction Technique
Brick masonry, Plasterwork
Architectural Influences
2 items
Building Techniques
Nine-spired structure (Nava-ratna), Built on a high platform, Courtyard with surrounding shrines
Coordinates
22.655000, 88.358300
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Large complex with paved pathways but significant walking. Steps access river ghats and some shrines. Can get extremely crowded.","restrooms":"Available, variable cleanliness","wheelchair_accessible":"Partial (main courtyards generally accessible, assistance needed)"}
Visitor Facilities
9 items
Best Visit Times
Winter (October to February) offers the most comfortable weather. Evenings allow experiencing the Ganga Aarti. Tuesdays, Saturdays, Amavasya, and festival days (Kali Puja, Navratri) are extremely crowded. Visit early on a weekday for a calmer experience.
Seasonal Events
4 items
Visitor Restrictions
Strict modest dress code required (cover shoulders, knees, midriff). Footwear removed. Photography and mobile phones strictly prohibited inside temple premises (deposit facility available). Be prepared for large crowds and security checks. Respect the sanctity of the place.
View Count
15
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
67
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00