Dakshineswar Kali Temple or Dakshineshwar Kalibari is one of the most prominent temples of Kolkata city, this temple is dedicated to Devi Kali. This temple is also known as Dakshineswar Kalibari, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, this temple is spread over an area of 25 acres. It is a Hindu Navratna temple in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
History and Architecture of Dakshineswar Kalibari
The presiding deity of the temple at Dakshineshwar Kalibari is Bhavatarini (Kali), a form of Mahadevi or Parashakti Aadya Kali, otherwise known as Adishakti Kalika.
The sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of Devi Kali, known as Bhavatarini, standing on the chest of the reclining Shiva, and both idols are placed on a throne of a thousand-petalled lotus made of silver.
The temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a landowner, philanthropist and devotee of Kali Maa.
The temple is known for its association with the 19th century Bengal mystic Ramakrishna and Maa Sarada Devi.
The temple was built in the Navaratna or nine shikhara style of Bengal architecture, the three-storey south-facing temple has nine shikharas in the upper two storeys, and stands on a raised platform with a flight of stairs, overall measuring 14 metres. Is. (46 ft) square and more than 30 meters (100 ft) high, the temple complex, apart from the nine-spired main temple, has a large courtyard around the temple, with rooms along the boundary wall. There are twelve temples dedicated to Shiva along the river, a temple of Radha-Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river and a temple dedicated to Queen Rashmoni. 'Nahabat', the chamber in the north-western corner just beyond the last of the Shiva temples, is where Ramakrishna and Mata Sarada spent a large part of their lives.
Darshan time of Dakshineshwar Kalibari
Devotees can visit Dakshineswar Kalibari throughout the week and darshan timings are from 6 am to 7:30 pm. Monday to Sunday Bhog time is 12 noon. During winter (October to March) aarti timings are 05:00 am and 6:30 pm. During summer (April to September) the hours are 04:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Major festivals in Dakshineswar Kalibari
Kali Puja is a major festival of West Bengal which is celebrated on the day of Diwali at Dakshineswar Kalibari. Kalpataru Mahotsav, Navratri Mahotsav are also celebrated with great pomp. Tuesday and Saturday are special days for worship at Dakshineswar Kalibari. Ashtami days are also special here.
How to reach Dakshineswar Kalibari?
There are several ways to reach Dakshineswar Kali Temple from Howrah, firstly, you can take a bus from Howrah Station Bus Stand. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is about 11 kilometers from Kolkata Airport and will take about 30 minutes by cab. You can reach the temple by taxi, bus or metro. Kali Temple is a popular site, so it is important to be prepared for the crowds. The temple is especially crowded during religious festivals and holidays.
Popular Name: Dakshineshwar Kalibari, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Dakshineswar Mandir