Another famous Hindu temple in Kolkotta dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple was built by Smt. Rani Rashmoni- a devotee of Goddess Kali in 1855.

There is an interesting legend on the making of this temple. The day before Smt Rashmoni planned to go for an elaborate pilgrimage to Varanasi, Goddess Kali appeared to Smt.Rashmoni in her dream.

The goddess told Smt.Rashmoni that there is no need to go to far away kasi to seek God’s blessings. Instead, build a temple to her and install an idol of her in that temple. Praying to her at this temple is equal to going to Kasi and worshipping the God there.

This dream surprised the Rani who immediately started the construction of the present temple. It was completed in 1855.

This temple is closely associated with Sri. Ramkrishna Paramahamsa, the great Hindu saint and the Guru of Swami Vivekanand. Sri Ramakrishna was the chief priest of the temple from 1855 to till his death in 1885. His presence at this temple made this temple famous World-over. It attracted (still attracts) many devotees too.

Besides the Kali shrine there is a row of twelve Shiva temples on the banks of river Hooghly (Hooghly is the local name for river Ganga) facing east. There is also a Radha-Krishna temple within the temple complex.

The well-preserved living room of Sri. Ramkrishna Paramhamsa and his wife Sarada Devi, adjacent to the temple is a must visit. Besides, a shrine is there in honour of Smt.Rani Rashmoni, the founder of the temple.

The temple is on the eastern side of the Hooghly River. On the western bank is the Belur Math, the International Head Quarters of Sri Ramakrishna Mission. The Samadhi of Sri Ramkrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekannada are located there.

There is a ferry connecting Belur Math and Dakshineswar across the Hooghly River. The voyage across the river Ganga is memorable. One must have this while visiting these places.

Dakshineswar is within the kolkotta city. It is accessible from all parts of the city, more so from the Belur Math side.

View Larger Map