The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Founded in 1855 by the philanthropist Rani Rashmoni, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini, a form of Kali. The sprawling complex, built in the traditional Bengali 'Nava-ratna' style, also includes twelve identical shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a temple for Radha-Krishna. Its global fame is profoundly linked to the 19th-century mystic, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who served as its head priest and attained spiritual enlightenment here, making it a major pilgrimage site for devotees of the Ramakrishna movement.
Summer Schedule (April to September)
Temple is open for morning darshan.
Temple is closed for Bhog (offering) and rest.
Temple reopens for evening darshan. Evening Aarti is around 6:30 PM.
Winter Schedule (October to March)
Temple is open for morning darshan.
Temple is closed for Bhog (offering) and rest.
Temple reopens for evening darshan. Evening Aarti is around 6:00 PM.
Free Darshan for All
Entry and darshan at the temple complex are completely free for all devotees and visitors. There are no paid tickets for general darshan.
Ekadash Rudra
Twelve identical Shiva temples along the riverfront
Radha Kanta
Deities of Radha-Krishna in a separate temple
Kali Puja
The most important festival dedicated to Goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, coinciding with Diwali. The temple is decorated grandly and attracts huge crowds for the night-long puja.
Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa with special prayers, discourses, and devotional music, highlighting the temple's deep spiritual heritage.