Carved from black stone, Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani stands upon the reclining Lord Shiva, adorned in a resplendent Benarasi sari and shimmering gold ornaments. Before this sacred idol, Paramhansa Dev Sri Ramakrishna realised the living presence of the Divine Mother, sanctifying Dakshineswar Kali Temple as an eternal pilgrimage of faith, devotion, and spiritual illumination.
On the eastern bank of the sacred River Bhagirathi stands the majestic Navaratna Temple of Sri Sri Bhavatarini, a timeless symbol of India’s spiritual heritage. This revered shrine was founded in 1855 A.D. by the illustrious philanthropist and devotee, Rani Rashmoni. It was within these hallowed precincts that Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, through his intense spiritual disciplines and profound realisation of the Divine, attained the highest state of God-consciousness and emerged as one of the world’s most venerated spiritual luminaries.
The luminaries whose lives are forever woven into the story of Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Phalaharini Kali Puja is among the most sacred festivals observed at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Celebrated on the new moon night of the month of Jyeshtha, it venerates the Divine Mother as the compassionate remover of the bondage of karma and the giver of spiritual freedom. The occasion is inseparably linked with the temple's spiritual legacy, for it was on this holy night that Sri Ramakrishna performed the historic Shodashi Puja, worshipping Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi as the living embodiment of the Divine Mother. The temple resonates with devotion as pilgrims from far and wide gather to seek the grace of Sri Sri Bhavatarini.
Dipanwita Kali Puja
Dipanwita Kali Puja is the most celebrated annual festival at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Observed on the new moon night of Kartika, the sacred shrine is transformed into a radiant sea of light, symbolising the triumph of divine wisdom over darkness. Amidst the glow of countless lamps, special worship, Vedic chants, devotional music, and night-long rituals are offered to Sri Sri Bhavatarini Kali. The festival draws thousands of devotees, creating an atmosphere of profound faith, devotion, and spiritual joy.
Ratanti Kali Puja
Ratanti Kali Puja, observed on the Krishna Chaturdashi of the month of Magha, is a deeply revered occasion in the worship of the Divine Mother. At Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the festival is marked by solemn rituals, sacred offerings, and heartfelt devotion. As prayers rise before Sri Sri Bhavatarini, devotees seek the Mother's blessings for courage, protection, inner purification, and spiritual awakening, reaffirming the temple's enduring tradition of worship and divine grace.
We have observed the above three Auspicious Kali Puja since its inauguration in 1855 A.D.
Mother India was shackled to a foreign yoke. Her economy was pillaged to shambles. Her people were devastated. Her society ruled by superstition and ignorance. And it was from this chaos, that God created cosmos. Enlightenment dawned, as Bengal kept her tryst with destiny ushering in, what is known as the Bengal Renaissance - a period that was marked by an unprecedented surge in the cultural, social, artistic and intellectual realms. The spiritual centre of this movement being the Temple of Dakshineswar, set up by Rani Rashmoni, a young widow, paying heed as much to her inner callings as to the desire to contribute to the greater good.
Entrance to The Temple Complex, Singha Dwar
Today, as we write this piece, the Holy Ganges flows in her mute splendour next to the temple that was set up by Rani Maa. This is the sanctum where Narendranath Dutta had a U-turn which culminated him into cyclonic monk Swami Vivekananda, at the transcendental wave and benediction of Paramahansa Sri Ramakrishna Dev. Years have passed, but the reasons that had led to the resurgence, marking the founding of the temple are still troubling us, silently corroding our souls. Greed, envy, sloth, mistrust, poverty, ignorance, violence ... the forces of evil are constantly at work, pitting man against man, forcing us away from realizing the divine that is inside us in the pursuit of the tinsel. Our all encompassing passion for the material, forcing us away from the eternal, the celestial, the spiritual.
And that is precisely why, we must retrace our steps, search for our roots, in order to mend our wayward steps. That is why the story of Rani Rashmoni needs to be told to the children of tomorrow - for, Dakshineswar is no mere temple, it is on the one hand the embodiment of the achievements of a widow who fought the vested interests of an unjust society and the might of a British ruler; the symbol of a people's aspirations for a better tomorrow and the sacred seed from which sprung the thought of spirituality that transcends all religions, the world centre of pilgrimage.
Sri Sri Jagadishwari Kali Mata Thakurani
In an age when Hindu society was deeply divided between the Shakta and Vaishnava traditions, Dakshineswar Kali Temple emerged as a remarkable symbol of spiritual harmony. Within a single sacred precinct stood the magnificent Bhavatarini Kali Temple, the Vishnu (Radha-Krishna) Temple, and the twelve Shiva temples—bringing together the three principal streams of Hindu worship in one sanctified space. More than an architectural marvel, Dakshineswar became a living testament to the timeless truth that while the paths of devotion may differ, they all lead to the same Divine. It was here that the ideals of unity, inclusiveness, and the harmony of all spiritual disciplines found their most eloquent expression.
We have strung together this humble tribute to the Rani-Ma in an effort to recount only a few instances from her remarkable career so that future generations may know of the temple that she built, Bhavatarini (She who liberates Her devotees from the ocean of existence): The Universal Mother who blesses the universe by manifesting herself in the temple and Thakur Ramakrishna Paramahansa who attained spiritual enlightenment within its precincts. Together, the Mother of the Universe, Sri Ramakrishna her devotee and Rani Rashmoni, who built the abode that treasures them, constitute the Holy Trinity that dwells in temple of Dakshineswar.
Sarada Maa - the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda, who was instrumental in introducing the western world to the timeless Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga, the chief architect of raising interfaith awareness and elevating Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the 19th century are also the Godheads, to whom we offer our devoted prayers through this effort.
"We dream for that universe where there are no boundaries between the rich and the poor, no barriers between caste and class, no distinction between the learned and the ignorant, where none will kill in the name of religion, die of starvation or be the victim of exploitation. We yearn for that world of freedom where his very humanity is the identity of a human being and animal world are the objects of worship of his fellow men. The spirit of every human being will have the same right to live as the human spirit."Paramahansa Ramakrishna
These words of the revolutionary prophet Paramahansa Ramakrishna. Words, that show us the way forward, words that we cherish and have made the core of our belief. The Dakshineswar temple complex situated on the eastern banks of the River Bhagirathi is spread over an area of 54.4 bighas, which was purchased by Rani Rashmoni in 1847 from Mr. James Hasty. The idols of the Gods and the Goddesses were established on the 31st of May 1855 AD, the day of the Holy Snanyatra of Lord Jagannath Dev.
Illuminated night view of Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Since then, the emergence of the temple as the centre of spiritual consciousness of humanity and the place it has carved out for itself in the hearts of the devoted has led to its emergence as a major pilgrimage with a steady flow of devotees. Devotees who have attracted establishments that seek to serve them, leading to a natural influx of people that create its own pressures on not only the civic amenities but also on the temple complex itself. Managing the ever-increasing needs of those visiting the complex as well as of those who serve, in itself, is a huge task. To do so, keeping the spiritual sanctity of the complex intact and ensuring that unspoiled conditions are maintained as pure to their original forms as practicably possible, more so. To achieve these worldly objectives, without harming the fragile ecological balance of the area, that too within the constraints set by the availability of resources has been, and continues to be, a challenge for the Trustees of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate through their administration. A challenge that successive generations of Trustees have lived up to, with the blessings of the Holy Mother, whose abode we maintain for all.
While much has been achieved over the years, much more remains to be done. The idea is to create a model for integrated development of the pilgrimage destination (which is also a sacred land where patriotism sprouted) in a planned, prioritised and sustainable manner, to provide a complete religious tourism experience to the visiting devotees. However, in doing so, it is proposed that a community based development that embraces pro-poor tourism concept is followed. Support infrastructure has to be built, maintained and refurbished, even as the development of the pilgrimage destination is used to harness the potential employment generation multipliers for the economic development of the region.
The major initiatives that are in various stages of planning and implementation, awaiting execution include among others.
History of Dakshineswar Kali Temple
(The Centre of International Interested and National Importance)
"On the bank of the Ganges, build me an abode to dwell on..." The village of Dakshineswar, on the eastern banks of the Bhagirathi, was selected as the auspicious site for the temple. Rani Rashmoni's Deed of Dedication records that, to fulfil her late husband's wish and for the welfare of his soul, she purchased 54.4 bighas of land from James Hasty on 6th September 1847.
Deed of Dedication of the Dakhineswar Kali Temple
On that land she resolved to build a pucca Navaratna temple, twelve Shiva temples, a Vishnu temple, and a Natmandir. On 31st May 1855 AD (18th Jaistha 1262 B.S.), she placed Luxmi Narayan Shila in the Navaratna temple according to the wish of her late husband.
Temple under construction during 1850,photographer Frederick Fiebig(British Library,London)
As stated in the Deed, the land was purchased in 1847 and the idols of the gods and goddesses were installed on 31st May 1855 AD. The work of constructing the temple, the wide courtyard, the Natmandir, Chandni Ghat, the food-offering rooms, store rooms, staff quarters, and the gate was completed over nearly nine years by the leading architectural firm Mackintosh Burn.
The seal of Rani Rashmoni
Common folklore recalls that no sweets were available in and around Calcutta on May 31st 1855 AD, such was the grandeur of the installation ceremony. Innumerable Brahmins from across the country took part in the proceedings, marking the holy Snanyatra tithi, and were accorded honour, gifts, cash, and traditional offerings.
Dudh Pukur
The consecration ceremonies were not restricted to the Brahmins alone. Food was distributed to the masses irrespective of caste, creed, or colour. More than a lakh of rupees, a huge sum in those days, was spent on that day alone. The programmes, including religious songs of many genres as well as the sacred rites, were personally overseen by Rani Rashmoni.
Garden adjacent to Panchabati & Jhowtala
The team of priests who installed the idols strictly according to shastric instructions was led by Pandit Sri Ram Kumar Chattopadhaya of Kamarpukur, Hooghly, whom Rani Rashmoni appointed as the priest of the Kali temple. Present among the devotees was Ram Kumar's younger brother, Ramakrishna, then a teenager, who would later become Thakur Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Hans Pukur
Recalling the consecration later, Ramakrishna said it was as though Rani Rashmoni had brought the Dhabal Giri mountains down to earth. From that sacred beginning, the temple became a living centre of worship, devotion, and spiritual awakening.
The riverfront, shrines, courtyards, and ritual spaces together formed a complete sacred landscape. The temple's history is therefore not only a record of construction and consecration, but also the story of a spiritual world brought into being through devotion, courage, and service.
The World Centre Of Pilgrimage
The auspicious day was 31st May, 1855 AD (18th Jaistha, 1262 B.S.), which happened to be the holy tithi of Jagannath Deva's Snanyatra. On this day, overcoming all the obstacles that had come on the way, Rani Rashmoni founded the Dakshineswar Temple, marked by the installation of the idol of Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kali Mata Thakurani - the Mother of the Universe.
The duty of performing the sacred rites fell on Sri Ram Kumar Chattopadhaya, whose younger brother - the teenaged Ramakrishna - was also present in the ceremonies. The transformation of Ramakrishna into an Avatar, his quest for divine truth, and his attainment of the highest levels of spiritual knowledge are now enshrined in the consciousness of the devoted.
View of the temple in a full moon night
The timing of the establishment of the temple was no less significant, and seems as though it was by divine ordain. The University of Calcutta was established the following year in 1856, followed by an awakening of a different kind, when a generation of thought leaders ensured the amalgamation of western rationality with eastern piety, unleashing what is celebrated as the Bengal Renaissance.
In 1857, Mangal Pandey, a soldier in the army of the East India Company, was hanged in the military barracks of Barrackpore, just a few miles from the temple complex. The event sparked a rebellion that soon spread across large swathes of Northern India as sepoys and soldiers in the Company's army rose in revolt. According to many historians, this was India's first Battle for Independence.
The manifestation of the Divine Mother in Dakshineswar and the germination of the nation's aspiration to free herself from the foreign yoke happened in tandem. The appearance of the Holy Mother in Dakshineswar in 1855 AD is therefore considered by many as the beginning of a new epoch, marking the desire for freedom in the minds of the immortal sons of the soil.
The Dakshineswar temple served as an epicentre of the swadeshi movement and social reformation in Bengal. Names such as Jatindranath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo, and Rash Behari Bose were linked to this wider struggle for freedom and social awakening, and were regarded by many as sons chosen by the Universal Mother.
Devotees having prasad inside the temple complex
On another level, Dakshineswar marked the beginning of the Bengal Renaissance, which witnessed remarkable strides in many spheres of achievement. It also witnessed the emergence of a more just and equitable social order that rebelled against superstition, exploitation, and the perpetuation of vested interests in the name of religion.
The greatest contribution of Dakshineswar was in the creation of the idea behind modern India: the unifying thought of unity in diversity. The essence of Sri Ramakrishna's enlightened thought - many paths for many faiths, all leading to one universal truth - helped shape an ethos that celebrated difference while seeking unity.
The late nineteenth and twentieth centuries were like clay on the divine potter's wheel, where the hands of Rani Rashmoni, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and others shaped the socio-economic and spiritual destiny of a nation, guided by the Holy Mother of the Universe.
The spiritual essence of Sri Ramakrishna's vision did not remain confined to Dakshineswar. Having lit the fire of faith in millions of hearts, it transcended boundaries and spread to the farthest corners of the world through the tireless efforts of Swami Vivekananda and his brother disciples.
No wars were waged, not even a drop of blood was shed, as seekers gathered beyond divisions of caste, creed, colour, and religion. It is this love of the devotee that has made Dakshineswar the ultimate shrine: not merely a temple of brick and mortar, but the abode of Ma Bhavatarini, the Mother of the Universe, reigning forever in the hearts of her children.
Biography
Explore the biographies of the great souls whose devotion, spirituality, and service enriched the sacred heritage of Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
Born 28 Sept. 1793
Lokamata Rani Rashmoni
Rashmoni was born in Kona Village of what is Halisahar in North 24 Parganas on 28th September 1793 (11th Ashwin, 1200 BS). She was married at the tender age of eleven to Babu Rajchandra Das, the Zamindar of Jan Bazar of central Calcutta. They had four daughters.
Rajchandra Das died prematurely at the age of 48, forcing the young widow to take on the reins of the zamindari from behind the purdah to which society confined her. Being extremely pious from childhood, Rashmoni continued to lead a religious and austere life, even as she metamorphosed into Rani Rashmoni.
She took on the might of empire, shook the foundations of a callous, ignorant and superstitious social order, planted the seed of spiritual renaissance in the land, and won the universal admiration of her subjects as a just and kind ruler. At a time when women were forbidden to cross the threshold of their bedrooms, Rani Rashmoni, denied the enlightenment associated with formal education, was known not only for the justice she meted out but also as an able ruler deeply versed in the administration of her estate and the economic well-being of both the ruler and the ruled.
She was aware of the laws of the land and had the courage to implement them with an iron fist, daring on several occasions to take on the British establishment to uphold the rule of law. One incident that moved into popular folklore relates to how she took up the cause of fishermen on whom the Company had imposed an unjust tax.
Palace of Rani Rashmoni,Jaanbazar,Kolkata
Legend has it that Rani Rashmoni spent a huge amount to acquire a particular stretch of the Ganges and cordoned it off so that British ships could not enter the then capital of India, Calcutta. She allowed the fishermen to continue their trade unhindered, without paying the hated tax. The British were forced to withdraw the taxes they had imposed, and the fishermen of the Ganges enjoy the facilities Rani Rashmoni bestowed on their forefathers till date.
A similar incident relates to the fishermen of Madhumati, a river in erstwhile eastern Bengal, now Bangladesh, who too could ply their traditional trade without paying the British taxes. Similar is the famous spat that the Rani had with cruel Indigo planters who were bent on pillaging the land and forcing people into untold miseries for their own vested interests.
Legal document bearing Rani Maa and her daughter Jagadamba Devi's signatures
The most celebrated of Rani Rashmoni's victories against the East India Company came when they obstructed the ceremonial procession, organised from her residence in Jan Bazar, leading the Kola Bou to the Ganges for the ceremonial dip on the charge of disturbing the peace. Rani Rashmoni retaliated by enclosing the entire stretch of road from her palace to the Ganga's ghat by a wooden barricade, within the precincts of her zamindari, leading to a showdown. British orders were defied, fines were imposed, public opposition rose fiercely in her favour, and the British were forced to retreat by entering into a treaty with her.
It is not that there were no landlords richer or mightier than her in those days. What made Rani Rashmoni universally respected was her political consciousness, diplomatic aptitude, uncompromising patriotism, and principled faithfulness to matters just and equitable. For a woman confined to the inner precincts of the household, with no formal education, in a male-dominated and anachronistic world, her feats were remarkable.
Rani Rashmoni's contribution to social causes was legion. She had the road from the river Subarnarekha to the temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri built for the benefit of pilgrims. The ghats that dot the Ganges, including Babughat, built in memory of her late husband Babu Rajchandra Das and formally inaugurated by Lord Bentinck, along with Ahiritola and Nimtala, were constructed with her funds for daily bathers.
Babu Ghat
The then Imperial Library, now the National Library, the Hindu College, later Presidency College, and Metcalf Hall are mute testimonials of her generosity. The development of huge infrastructural facilities in what is now greater Kolkata and the rest of Bengal also owes much to her foresight and largesse. Her unwavering support for the abolition of Sati, women's education, and widow remarriage, movements led by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, made her name immortal. The Bengal Renaissance, which greatly shaped the thought of modern India, cannot be cited without acknowledging the contribution of Rani Rashmoni.
The Silver Chariot
Rani Rashmoni, the revered founder of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, shared a deep and enduring association with the festival of Rath Yatra. In the Bengali year 1245 (1838 CE), she commissioned a ceremonial chariot for the first time, on which her family deity, Sri Raghunath Jiu, was enthroned during the Rath Yatra celebrations.
At that time, temple chariots in Bengal were traditionally constructed of wood. Rani Rashmoni, however, cherished a unique aspiration: to have her revered deity carried in a magnificent silver chariot.
During British rule, Hamilton & Co., the renowned British jewellers of Calcutta, enjoyed an outstanding reputation. Mathuramohan Biswas, one of Rani Rashmoni's sons-in-law, suggested entrusting the construction of the silver chariot to the company. Her eldest son-in-law, Ramchandra Das, however, expressed a different opinion. He argued that Bengal possessed no shortage of highly skilled craftsmen and artisans, and that such a sacred undertaking should be entrusted to indigenous hands rather than to a foreign firm.
Rani Rashmoni accepted this view. Master craftsmen from Sithi, Bhabanipur, and other parts of Calcutta were invited to her residence, where they began work on the chariot. Through tireless labour, day and night, they completed its construction within the month of Ashadha. The entire chariot was crafted in silver, with only its wheels made of wood.
Every year thereafter, Rani Rashmoni celebrated Rath Yatra with great splendour and devotion. The grand procession resonated with the sounds of dhak, dhol, shehnai, kara, nakara, flutes, and other traditional instruments. Groups of devotees singing kirtan walked before and behind the chariot, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual joy and festive grandeur. The magnificent procession attracted countless spectators from across Bengal and beyond, who gathered along both sides of the streets to witness the celebrated Rath Yatra of Rani Rashmoni.
The greatest contribution of Rani Rashmoni to the world as we know it today was, however, the setting up of the Dakshineswar Temple, which provided the spiritual impetus for history to play out its defining role. The story of the temple, the legends that grew around it, the saints who led the temple to the pinnacle of spiritualism, and the way it shaped the destiny of a people are no less exciting than the revered Rani who began it all and set it on its sacred course.
Babu Rajchandra Das had passed away before he could give shape to his dream of establishing a temple for his ruling deities. Rani Rashmoni was aware of his wish and, inclined to fulfil it, was preparing for a pilgrimage to Varanasi to seek divine blessing before beginning the journey of creation. The Goddess Kali appeared in Rani Rashmoni's dream the night before the journey was to begin, asking her to set up the temple on the banks of the Ganges for Her to manifest herself.
Rani Rashmoni lived for a mere five years and nine months from the day the Dakshineswar temple was inaugurated. She performed her duties to the temple and its staff till she breathed her last on 19th February 1861.
But her will lives on. In the Deed of Endowment executed by her, she declared that after her death her name would be struck off and the heirs of her husband, as her representatives, would be registered as shebaits. Upon the death of any shebait, his heirs or representatives would carry on the sheba along with the other shebaits, and in this way the worship of the Deities would continue from generation to generation.
This effect, I hereby execute this Deed of Debottar endowment and appointment of she- bait in sound health and in composed state of mind."
All Paths Lead To The Same Goal
Sri Ramakrishna Parmahansa Dev
Ramakrishna used to live in the Jhamapukur area in Central Calcutta in those days, where he was studying in the tol, but soon moved in with his brother as the divine will played out.
It was not long after that failing health urged Ram Kumar to request Mathur Mohan Biswas, the youngest son-in-law of Rani Rashmoni who was supervising the temple's administration at that time, to induct Gadadhar into the temple work. Accordingly, Ramakrishna was appointed the dresser of Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kali Mata Thakurani.
Marble statue at Kuthibari, the historic room where Sri Ramkrishna lived(1855-71)
Ram Kumar, who was suffering from indifferent health, succumbed soon after and Ramakrishna, who was only 21 at the time, was elevated to the position of the permanent Priest of Sri Jagadiswari Kali Mata Thakurani.
Santi Kutir
Ramakrishna, whose spirituality and religious outpourings could neither be measured by the dogmatic pronouncements of traditions nor be confined within the dictates of the scriptures, was not by any stretch of reasoning an easy choice for such a revered position. It was the will of the Divine Mother and the resolute foresight of Rani Rashmoni that made it possible.
Beltala
Ramakrishna went on to perform his Sadhana in the temple and achieved the fulfilment of his Sadhana and attained divinity. Rani Rashmoni, his first patroniser in the real sense of the term, gave him full cooperation and support so that he might continue his search unhindered, admiring the unwavering faith and unfaltering devotion of the young Ramakrishna.
The first part of Ramakrishna's physical stay in Dakshineswar, which lasted for 16 years and a few months from 1855 to 1871, was marked by his presence in the western room on the ground floor of Kuthibari, so named as it was once the house of an Indigo planter.
Gaji Pith
It was in this period that Gadadhar, the young priest, transformed into Ramakrishna, whose religious fervour became a matter of reverence among the masses. It was during this period that the unique spiritual awakening dawned upon Ramakrishna, leading to the realisation that was later to shake the world of belief from its very foundations: all paths lead to the same goal.
Ramakrishna practiced Tantra under the guidance of Bhairavi Ma and was blessed with full realisation. He practised Islam and realised its ultimate truth. Totapuri guided him on the path of Vedantic Sadhana. He remained immersed in Nirvikalpa Samadhi for three consecutive days, and emerged having realised the Absolute Truth in the garden of Panchavati.
Jadu Mullick's Garden House
Jesus Christ blessed him in a vision in Jadu Mallick's garden house, which was situated to the east of the temple. The death of his nephew Akshay, in the room that Ramakrishna used to share with his mother in the Kuthibari, led him to shift his abode after requesting Mathur Babu. He took up residence in what was then the store room of the Vishnu Temple.
This room, located in the north-west corner of the temple complex, is now known as Sri Thakur's Room. The Kuthibari, where Ramakrishna used to stay in this period with his mother Chandramoni and where Rani Rashmoni stayed during her visits, stands in mute testimony to the epoch-making events that took place.
Historic Gol Verandah in the western side of Sri Ramakrishna's room
It was here that Ramakrishna met the various saints and men of God who called on him. It was here that Ramakrishna, devoted to a trance, could hear the peals of Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kali Mata Thakurani's anklet. It was in this room that Thakur Ramakrishna met and addressed his devotees, teaching them and sharing the wealth of his bottomless realisations.
Swami Vivekananda and his co-disciples, frequent visitors who became his followers, were also led to their realisations in this room. Some of the most luminous names of the time, including Pandit Shiv Nath Shashtri, Keshab Chandra Sen, Vijay Krishna Goswami, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Mahendra Nath Gupta, Girish Chandra Ghosh, Dr Mahendra Lal Sarkar, Mahatma Ashwini Dutta, Pratap Chandra Mazumdar, Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Nag Mahasay, and many eminent personalities, met Thakur Ramakrishna in the temple during this period.
Kuthibari-where the transformation of Sri Ramakrishna took place
These meetings immortalised the role that the temple and its illustrious son played in shaping the thought of modern India, apart from helping humankind by bestowing on it the Religion of the World. After spending three decades in Dakshineswar, Ramakrishna went to Shyampukur in North Calcutta for treatment.
Special puja is held at Sri Ramakrishna's room on Kalpataru Day, Sri Ramakrishna's Birthday as well as on the tithi of his birth, Soroshi Puja on the day of the Phalaharini Kali Puja, and during daily pujas. Devotees may offer dhoti to Sri Ramakrishna by registering his or her name in the Central Office of the Temple.
Apparel belonging to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansadev
Sri Ramakrishna's room
The historical Kharga (Sword) of Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani
Born 22 Dec. 1853 in Jairambati
Sri Sri Ma Sarada Devi
Sarada Devi, lovingly revered as the Holy Mother, was born on 22nd December 1853 to Ramchandra Mukhopadhay and Shayamasundari Devi in Jairambati, Bankura.
At the age of six, in May 1859, she was married to Ramakrishna, then priest at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. She became a sacred and intellectual leader in her own right, serving Ramakrishna and his disciples with quiet strength.
Nahabat : The Holy Mother hived here
After Ramakrishna's passing, she continued his spiritual ministry as guide and inspiration. Her life became a model of simplicity, devotion, compassion, and spiritual steadiness.
Ramakrishna saw the Supreme Goddess existing in her and worshipped her during Shorashi Puja. Her spirituality shone through ordinary acts, and devotees found in her the living image of motherhood.
The Holy Mother carried forward the teachings of Ramakrishna with her own practical philosophy. She passed away on 21st July 1920.
Born 12.01.1863
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Dutta, was the son of Biswanath Dutta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi. He was gifted in music, sport, wit, learning, rational thought, and service.
He was a natural leader and student of philosophy. The question of God haunted his mind, and in Sri Ramakrishna he found his guru. His meeting with Sri Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar shaped his life and mission.
Vivekananda travelled extensively through India and was deeply moved by the suffering of rural India. He wanted India to combine spiritual idealism with practical strength, science, technology, and organization.
At the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, he made a tremendous impression and became a national hero in India. In London in 1895, he met Margaret Elizabeth Noble, later Sister Nivedita.
Swamiji preached that "jiva is Shiva", every being is a part of God. He inspired Indians to "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached". He left his body at the age of 39 on 4th July 1902.
Margaret Elizabeth Noble, 1867-1911
Sister Nivedita: A Dedicated Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna's Ideal
Sister Nivedita (Margaret Elizabeth Noble, 1867-1911) embraced the universal message of Sri Ramakrishna through the guidance of Swami Vivekananda. Inspired by the Ramakrishna ideal of the harmony of religions, selfless service, and the divinity inherent in every human being, she dedicated her life to the service of India.
Her work in women's education, national awakening, and humanitarian service reflected Sri Ramakrishna's teaching that God is realised through love, devotion, and service to humanity. Nivedita regarded India not merely as a nation but as a sacred spiritual civilization, whose regeneration would be founded upon its eternal values.
The sacred precincts of Dakshineswar, where Sri Ramakrishna attained the highest spiritual realisation under the grace of the Divine Mother Bhavatarini, remain a source of inspiration for all who seek to live the ideals that Sister Nivedita so faithfully embodied - renunciation, service, and unwavering devotion to the Divine in all beings.
Chief Administrator of the Temple Estate
Mathuramohan Biswas
Mathuramohan Biswas, popularly known as Mathur Babu, occupies a distinguished place in the history of Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
As the third son-in-law of Rani Rashmoni and the chief administrator of the temple estate, he played a pivotal role from its very inception.
With exceptional administrative ability, unwavering dedication, and remarkable foresight, he oversaw the management of the temple, the maintenance of its endowed properties, the daily worship, religious festivals, and the care of pilgrims. Under his prudent stewardship, Dakshineswar Kali Temple soon emerged as one of Bengal's foremost religious, spiritual, and cultural centres.
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa affectionately addressed him as "Sejo Babu." Mathur Babu was far more than an able administrator; he was one of Sri Ramakrishna's closest companions in his divine play (lila), a devoted disciple, and a selfless servant. Recognising the extraordinary spiritual stature of Sri Ramakrishna, he provided every possible support for his spiritual practices.
His invaluable assistance in facilitating the visits of eminent spiritual teachers such as Bhairavi Brahmani and Totapuri, arranging various phases of Sri Ramakrishna's spiritual disciplines, and creating an atmosphere conducive to his sadhana was of immense significance.
Mathur Babu accompanied Sri Ramakrishna on pilgrimages to several of India's most sacred destinations, including Baidyanath Dham, Kashi, Prayag, and Vrindavan. Inspired by Sri Ramakrishna's boundless compassion, he generously devoted himself to serving the poor and the needy during these journeys.
Many memorable episodes associated with Sri Ramakrishna's life and spiritual mission revolve around Mathur Babu and are preserved in Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) and Sri Sri Ramakrishna Lilaprasanga (Sri Ramakrishna: The Great Master).
The life of Mathuramohan Biswas reminds us that the history of spiritual awakening is shaped not only by great saints but also by dedicated patrons, devoted servants, and visionary administrators. His contribution to the growth of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, to Sri Ramakrishna's spiritual mission, and to the establishment of this sacred shrine as a place of universal spiritual significance remains enduring and unforgettable.
Sculptor of Sri Sri Bhavatarini Kali
Nabin Bhaskar
Nabin Bhaskar, the celebrated sculptor of nineteenth-century Bengal, occupies a place of honour in the history of Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
Renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and profound understanding of traditional Hindu iconography, he was entrusted by Rani Rashmoni with the sacred responsibility of sculpting the idol of Sri Sri Bhavatarini Kali.
Before the temple's consecration in 1855, Nabin Bhaskar worked in accordance with the prescriptions of the Shilpa Shastras and the devotional vision of the temple's founder. He created an image that perfectly embodies the Divine Mother as Bhavatarini, "She Who Liberates the World."
The grace, spiritual majesty, and artistic excellence of the idol have inspired generations of devotees and continue to make the sanctum of Dakshineswar one of India's most revered centres of worship.
Nabin Bhaskar's association with Dakshineswar extended beyond the principal shrine. He also sculpted the marble image of Sri Sri Ramakrishna installed in the Radhakanta Temple, commemorating the spot where Sri Ramakrishna once served as the priest of Sri Sri Jagamohan Krishna and Sri Sri Jagamohini Radha.
This image remains an object of deep reverence for devotees from around the world. Through his artistic genius, Nabin Bhaskar transformed stone into living expressions of devotion.
His creations continue to bear witness to the spiritual legacy of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where art, faith, and divine presence unite in timeless harmony. His contribution forms an enduring chapter in the temple's sacred heritage.
Explore the biographies of the great souls whose devotion, spirituality, and service enriched the sacred heritage of Dakshineswar.
Rani Rashmoni
Born 28 Sept. 1793 · Bengali year 1211
Rashmoni was born in Kona Village of what is Halisahar in North 24 Parganas on 28th September 1793 (11th Ashwin, 1211 BS). She was married in the tender age of eleven to Babu Rajchandra Das, the Zamindar of Jan Bazar of central Calcutta. They had four daughters.
Rajchandra Das died prematurely at the age of 48, forcing the young widow to take on the reigns of the zamindari from behind the purdah, to which society confined her. Being extremely pious from her childhood, Rashmoni continued to lead a religious and austere life, even as she metamorphosed into Rani Rashmoni - taking on the might of the empire; shaking the very foundations of a callous, ignorant and superstitioussocial order; planting the seed of the spiritual renaissance in the land and winning the universal admiration of her subjects as a just and kind ruler. At a time when women were forbidden to cross the threshold of their bedrooms, Rani Rashmoni, who was denied the enlightenment associated with formal education, was not only known for the justice that she meted out, but was also acknowledged as an able ruler who was extremely well versed with all matters relating to the administration of her estate and the economic well-being of both the ruler and the ruled. As a matter of fact, not only was she aware of the laws of the land, but also had the courage to implement it with an iron fist. Daring, on several occasions, to take on the might of the British establishment to uphold the rule of law. One inci- dent that has moved into popular folklore, relates to how she had taken up the cause of some of her subjects - fishermen, on whom the Company had imposed an unjust tax. Legend has it that Rani Rashmoni spent a huge amount to acquire a particular stretch of the Ganges and cordoned it off, so that British ships could not enter the then capital of India, Calcutta and allowed the fishermen to continue with their trade unhindered, without paying the British the taxes that they hated. The Britishers were forced to eat humble pie as they were compelled to withdraw the taxes that they had imposed. The fishermen of the Ganges enjoy the facilities that Rani Rashmoni had bestowed on their forefathers, till date. A similar incident relates to the fishermen of Madhumati, a river in erstwhile eastern Bengal, now Bangladesh, who too could ply their traditional trade without having to pay the British the taxes that were imposed. Similar is the famous spat that the Rani had with the cruel Indigo planters who were hell bent on pillaging the land and forcing the people to untold miseries for their own vested interests. However, the most celebrated of all of Rani Rashmoni's victories against the East India Company Rulers had come when they had obstructed the ceremonial procession (organised from her residence in Jan Bazar, in Central Kolkata) leading the KolaBou to the Ganges for the ceremonial dip on the charge of disturbing the peace. Rani Rashmoni retaliated by enclosing the entire stretch of the road from her palace to the Ganga's ghat by a wooden barricade, which was within the precincts of her zamindary, leading to a showdown. British orders were defied, leading to the imposition of fines, which led to fierce public opposition and rioting in her favour, forcing the British to beat a retreat by entering into a treaty with Rani Rashmoni. It is not that there were no landlords that were richer or were mightier than her in those days. What made Rani Rashmoni universally respected was her political consciousness, diplomatical aptitude her uncompromising patriotism and her principled faithfulness to matters just and equitable. For a woman confined to the inner precincts of the household, with no formal education, that too, in a male dominated, anachronistic world, her feats were remarkable, to put things mildly. Rani Rashmoni's contribution to social causes are also legion. She had the road from the river Subarnarekha to the temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri for the benefit of the pilgrims. The ghats that dot the Ganges - Babughat (built in the memory of her Late Husband Babu Rajchandra Das and formally inaugurated by Lord Bentinck, the then Viceroy of India), Ahiritola and Nimtala were constructed with her funds for the benefit of the daily bathers. The then Imperial Library (now National Library), the Hindu College (Presidency College) and the Metcalf Hall are mute testimonials of her generosi ty. The development of huge infrastructural facilities in what is now greater Kolkata and rest of Bengal, also owes their origin to her foresight and largesse. However, it was her unwavering support to the abolition of Sati and woman education, widow-remarriage like issues - a movement led by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and that has made her name immortal. As a matter of fact, the Bengal Renaissance, which was to a very great extent the spirit that led to the thought that is modern India cannot be cited without acknowledging the contribution of Rani Rashmoni.
The greatest contribution of Rani Rashmoni to the world as we know it today, was however, the setting up of the Dakshineswar Temple, which had provided the spiritual impetus to history to play out its defining role. The story of the temple, the legends that grew around it, the saints that led the temple to the pinnacle of spiritualism and the way it shaped the destiny of a people, are no less exciting than the revered Rani ed it all and had set it on its sacred course.
Babu Rajchandra Das had passed away before he could give shape to a dream of establishing a temple for his ruling deities. Rani Rashmoni was aware of his wish and inclined as she was to give shape to his desire, was preparing for a pilgrim age to Varanasi to seek divine blessing to embark on the journey of creation. The Goddess Kali appeared in Rani Rashmoni's dream the night before the journey was to begin, asking her to set up the temple on the banks of the Ganges, for Her to manifest herself.
Rani Rashmoni lived for a mere five years and nine months from the day the Dakshineswar temple was inaugurated. She performed her duties to the temple and the staff till she breathed her last on 19th February 1861.
But her will lives on, and we quote from the Deed of endowment executed by her that helps run the institution till date: "After my death my name shall be struck off and the names of the heirs of my husband who will be my representatives shall be registered as shebaits and upon the death of any of the shebaits his heirs of his representatives shall carry on the sheba along with other shebaits. In this way, according to the rules mentioned above, the said sheba etc. of the Deities shall be continued by the shebaits from generation to generation.
This effect, I hereby execute this Deed of Debottar endowment and appointment of she- bait in sound health and in composed state of mind."
Rashmoni was born in Kona Village of what is Halisahar in North 24 Parganas on 28th September 1793 (11th Ashwin, 1211 BS). She was married in the tender age of eleven to Babu Rajchandra Das, the Zamindar of Jan Bazar of central Calcutta. They had four daughters.
Rajchandra Das died prematurely at the age of 48, forcing the young widow to take on the reigns of the zamindari from behind the purdah, to which society confined her. Being extremely pious from her childhood, Rashmoni continued to lead a religious and austere life, even as she metamorphosed into Rani Rashmoni - taking on the might of the empire; shaking the very foundations of a callous, ignorant and superstitioussocial order; planting the seed of the spiritual renaissance in the land and winning the universal admiration of her subjects as a just and kind ruler. At a time when women were forbidden to cross the threshold of their bedrooms, Rani Rashmoni, who was denied the enlightenment associated with formal education, was not only known for the justice that she meted out, but was also acknowledged as an able ruler who was extremely well versed with all matters relating to the administration of her estate and the economic well-being of both the ruler and the ruled. As a matter of fact, not only was she aware of the laws of the land, but also had the courage to implement it with an iron fist. Daring, on several occasions, to take on the might of the British establishment to uphold the rule of law. One inci- dent that has moved into popular folklore, relates to how she had taken up the cause of some of her subjects - fishermen, on whom the Company had imposed an unjust tax. Legend has it that Rani Rashmoni spent a huge amount to acquire a particular stretch of the Ganges and cordoned it off, so that British ships could not enter the then capital of India, Calcutta and allowed the fishermen to continue with their trade unhindered, without paying the British the taxes that they hated. The Britishers were forced to eat humble pie as they were compelled to withdraw the taxes that they had imposed. The fishermen of the Ganges enjoy the facilities that Rani Rashmoni had bestowed on their forefathers, till date. A similar incident relates to the fishermen of Madhumati, a river in erstwhile eastern Bengal, now Bangladesh, who too could ply their traditional trade without having to pay the British the taxes that were imposed. Similar is the famous spat that the Rani had with the cruel Indigo planters who were hell bent on pillaging the land and forcing the people to untold miseries for their own vested interests. However, the most celebrated of all of Rani Rashmoni's victories against the East India Company Rulers had come when they had obstructed the ceremonial procession (organised from her residence in Jan Bazar, in Central Kolkata) leading the KolaBou to the Ganges for the ceremonial dip on the charge of disturbing the peace. Rani Rashmoni retaliated by enclosing the entire stretch of the road from her palace to the Ganga's ghat by a wooden barricade, which was within the precincts of her zamindary, leading to a showdown. British orders were defied, leading to the imposition of fines, which led to fierce public opposition and rioting in her favour, forcing the British to beat a retreat by entering into a treaty with Rani Rashmoni. It is not that there were no landlords that were richer or were mightier than her in those days. What made Rani Rashmoni universally respected was her political consciousness, diplomatical aptitude her uncompromising patriotism and her principled faithfulness to matters just and equitable. For a woman confined to the inner precincts of the household, with no formal education, that too, in a male dominated, anachronistic world, her feats were remarkable, to put things mildly. Rani Rashmoni's contribution to social causes are also legion. She had the road from the river Subarnarekha to the temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri for the benefit of the pilgrims. The ghats that dot the Ganges - Babughat (built in the memory of her Late Husband Babu Rajchandra Das and formally inaugurated by Lord Bentinck, the then Viceroy of India), Ahiritola and Nimtala were constructed with her funds for the benefit of the daily bathers. The then Imperial Library (now National Library), the Hindu College (Presidency College) and the Metcalf Hall are mute testimonials of her generosi ty. The development of huge infrastructural facilities in what is now greater Kolkata and rest of Bengal, also owes their origin to her foresight and largesse. However, it was her unwavering support to the abolition of Sati and woman education, widow-remarriage like issues - a movement led by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and that has made her name immortal. As a matter of fact, the Bengal Renaissance, which was to a very great extent the spirit that led to the thought that is modern India cannot be cited without acknowledging the contribution of Rani Rashmoni.
The greatest contribution of Rani Rashmoni to the world as we know it today, was however, the setting up of the Dakshineswar Temple, which had provided the spiritual impetus to history to play out its defining role. The story of the temple, the legends that grew around it, the saints that led the temple to the pinnacle of spiritualism and the way it shaped the destiny of a people, are no less exciting than the revered Rani ed it all and had set it on its sacred course.
Babu Rajchandra Das had passed away before he could give shape to a dream of establishing a temple for his ruling deities. Rani Rashmoni was aware of his wish and inclined as she was to give shape to his desire, was preparing for a pilgrim age to Varanasi to seek divine blessing to embark on the journey of creation. The Goddess Kali appeared in Rani Rashmoni's dream the night before the journey was to begin, asking her to set up the temple on the banks of the Ganges, for Her to manifest herself.
Rani Rashmoni lived for a mere five years and nine months from the day the Dakshineswar temple was inaugurated. She performed her duties to the temple and the staff till she breathed her last on 19th February 1861.
But her will lives on, and we quote from the Deed of endowment executed by her that helps run the institution till date: "After my death my name shall be struck off and the names of the heirs of my husband who will be my representatives shall be registered as shebaits and upon the death of any of the shebaits his heirs of his representatives shall carry on the sheba along with other shebaits. In this way, according to the rules mentioned above, the said sheba etc. of the Deities shall be continued by the shebaits from generation to generation.
This effect, I hereby execute this Deed of Debottar endowment and appointment of she- bait in sound health and in composed state of mind."
Sri Ramakrishna
Born 17.02.1836 in Kamarpukur
Sri Ramakrishna was born on 17.02.1836 in Kamarpukur and was deeply devoted to serve the mother goddess Kali from a young age.....
Sri Ramkrishna was born on 17.02.1836 in Kamarpukur, Hoogli of Khudiram Chattopadhay and Chandramoni Devi. He was the 4th child of his parents, after Ramkumar, Katyayani, and Rameswar and a sister, Sarbamangala.
Nicknamed as Gadadhar he was a very reckless but god fearing boy since childhood, and was deeply devoted to serve the mother goddess Kali from a young age. He was inspired by the leelas of Lord Krishna and tried to imitate his feats. As a child he was matured for his age and earned the love of all.He had an unusual memory interested in Hindu mythology.Once while playing the part of Shiva in the plays performed during Shivaratri, he attained Vhava Samadhi. His elder brother Ramkumar took him to Dakhineswar to assist him in his works as a priest in the temple. In 1855 AD Rani Rashmoni of Janbajar offered him the job of the priest of the Goddess Kali at Dakkhineshwar Temple. Onlookers would crowd to see Ramkrishna performing puja as they wanted to see the love and devotion with which it was performed. At the age of 23, May 1859, he married Saradamoni of Jairambati, whom he thought would be his ideal life companion. Soon after, the urge of finding the truth of life made him take sannyas under the sage Totapuri who gave him the sobriquet, Paramhansa.
His quest for truth continued with Bhairavi Ma and sages in other religion. Though he attained Bhava Samadhi very often, he was inclined to know the truth about human existence. He started Adyitya Sadhana and realised god exist in every form of life. In Jan 17, 1868, he stared for a Tirthayatra along with Mathur Babu and his nephew Hridoy. He visited places like Deoghar, Varanasi and Vrindavan.
He even worshipped Saradamoni in the same way he worshipped the mother goddess which was known as Shorshi puja.. He preached universal brotherhood, and soon stalwarts like Kesab Sen, Shibnath Sastri, Girish Ghosh and Narendranath Datta (later Swami Vivekananda) became his disciples.
He developed a strange theological relation with Narendranath and soon moulded him in his own way. He taught Naren the truth of life by letting him see a glimpse of the holy spirit. He taught Naren the truth of life by letting him see a glimpse of the holy spirit. It was Vivekananda in later days, who held high the teachings of Sri Ramakishna to the world by forming the Belur Math. In Jan 1st, 1886 in Kashipur Garden an ailing Ramkrishna touched some of his disciples. Those who were touched felt an unearthly feeling never felt before. While some went speechless for a short while, others moved into a state of Samadhi. This incident is remembered by his disciples as Thakur taking the form of a Kalpataru. The great preacher passed away in 16th August, 1886.
Ma Sarada
Born 22 Dec. 1853 in Jairambati, Bankura
Ma Sarada was born on 22nd Dec 1853 in Jairambati, Bankura. At the age of 5, in May1859, she was married to Ramakrishna......
Bengal has seen many great men and women in her kaleidoscopic history. Some of them have paved the way to spiritual enlightenment, some enriched the philosophical Bengali mind and some have transformed the Bengalis by bringing the modern era.
Saradamoni taught the Bengalis to lay stress on their theological and spiritual roots. The loving term "Holy Mother" refers to Sarada Devi (1853-1920), Ramakrishna's spouse and celestial harmonizing component. According to the practice then established in India, she was engaged to him even as still an adolescent. Sarada Devi was a sacred and intellectual leader in her individual right. She served Ramakrishna and his disciples for several years. After Ramakrishna's bereavement, she agreed on his spiritual ministry, helping as guide and motivation of the latest pious movement. Born on 22nd Dec 1853 of Ramchandra Mukhopadhay and Shayamasundari devi in Jairambati, Bankura, she was the eldest among her brothers and sisters. She had a sister named Kadambini and her brothers were Prasannakumar, Umeshchandra, Kalikumar, Varadacharan and Abhaycharan. At the age of 6, in May 1859, she was married to Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna was then the priest at the Dakkhineshwar Kali temple, appointed by Rani Rashmoni herself. In 1872, while in her father's home, Saradamoni had her first vision of the Goddess Kali, who told her to join Ramakrishna in Dakkhineshwar. Soon she moved to Kolkata at the age of 19.
Even though by all respect she was a self-effacing and modest lady, the movement in progress by Ramakrishna continual to grow in reputation and become moderately prominent in the fading days of British majestic rule. Before his passing away, Ramakrishna encouraged his disciples to take care of her as if she were their mother, paralleling the position of Kali as the mother of human race.Kali as the mother of human race. She nurtured them consequently, helping with delicate matters. Moreover, she was a vital predictor and educator of Ramakrishna's philosophy for all comers.
Ramakrishna saw the supreme Goddess existing in her and started worshipping her with the usual 16 kinds of offerings. It was during this "Shorashi Puja" She was seen to attain the & quot;Bhava Samadhi for the first time. She again had to go to her father's home but came back in 1877 when Ramakrishna started the Jagaddhatri puja in Dakkhineshwar. During this time Ramakrishna's nephew, Hridoy was her constant companion.
She was human being, yet celestial. Her spirituality shone all the way through all she did, even if it was somewhat exclusively ordinary. She was an easy woman, but in reflection, tongue, and exploit she was accustomed to God. She was a correct saint, but she never claimed she was. She passed as an average woman, but the whole obsession about her was amazing.
Her existence was an epithet of the ideal ideals of Jnana, Bhakti and Karma, which are once in a blue moon to be met with in such a harmonious unification anywhere else in the planet. In her existence of simple plainness, clarity, piousness and self-dedication, the present world has discovered the ideal model of womanhood. She was exceptional in being the committed wife, ideal Sannyasini, loving mother and best teacher in one. She was definitely "Sri Ramakrishna's final word as to the ideal of Indian womanhood".
By the Master's personal admittance, authoritative aspects of the Divine Mother of the Universe were evident in Holy Mother. In addition her significant component in His effort of raising the distress, nurture to the devotees and helping the Master Himself, She would ultimately seize over His task and supervise its critical expansion and progression when He was no longer capable.
In 1886, Ramakrishna passed away and Saradamoni was left alone. She preached the teachings of Ramakrishna along with her own practical philosophy. In 17th March 1898, She met Bhagini Nivedita for the first time and in Nov 12th Saradamoni opened Nivedita school, formed by Bhagini Nibedita. In 1901, between 18-22nd of Oct, she started the Durga puja in Belur Math.
On 18th Aghran (Dec 1910) she started towards Kotharia in Orissa. From there she took a trip to the south travelling to Madras, Madurai, Dhanuskoti and Rameswaram. In1911, on the 10th of Chaitra, she started for Bangalore from where she came back to Bengal. The holy mother passed away in 21st July 1920.
Swami Vivekananda
Born 12.01.1863
Swami Vivekananda was born on 12.01.1863. Son of Biswanath Dutta & Bhuvaneshwari Devi.He preached that "jiva is Shiva"......
"When this quite unknown young man of thirty appeared in Chicago at the inaugural meeting of the Parliament of Religions, opened in September 1893, by Cardinal Gibbons, all his fellow members were forgotten in his commanding presence."
His strength and beauty, the grace and dignity of his bearing, the dark light of his eyes, his imposing appearance and from the moment he began to speak, the splendid music of his rich voice enthralled the vast audience of American Anglo-Saxons, previously prejudiced against him on account of his colour. The thoughts of this warrior prophet of India left a deep mark upon the United states". ROMAIN ROLLAND.
Swami Vivekananda (Narendranath Dutta), son of a well known lawyer of Calcutta, Biswanath Dutta, and a very intelligent and pious lady, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, in the year 1863. Naren learnt the epics and Puranas from his mother. Naren was an all rounder. He could sing, was good at sports, had a ready wit, his range of knowledge was extensive, had a rational frame of mind and he loved to help people.
He was a natural leader. He was a student of philosophy and the story of God very much haunted his mind. It was in Sri Ramakrishna he found his guru. Vivekananda travelled extensively through India. He was shocked to see the conditions of rural India- people ignorant, superstitious, half-starved, and victims of caste-tyranny. It pained Swamiji to see Indians imitating western ways and mannerisms. Later he would call out to the nation and say, 'Feel proud that you are Indians even if you're wearing a loin-cloth'.He was not opposed to learning from the West, for he knew the Western people had some great qualities and it was because of those qualities that they had become so rich and powerful. He wanted India to learn science and technology from the West and its power to organize and its practical sense, but, at the same time retain its high moral and spiritual idealism.When he went to Madras, young people gathered round him drawn by his bright looks and inspiring talks. They begged him to go to the USA to attend the forthcoming parliament of Religions in Chicago to represent Hinduism. Swamiji made a tremendous impression, first in the USA and then in England.
The press paid him the highest tributes as an exponent of India's age old values; overnight he became a great national hero in India. Suddenly it was brought home to the Indians that there must be something in Indian thought that Western intelligentsia feel compelled to admire. For the first time, they awoke to the richness of their heritage.This was the starting point of Indian renaissance one hears about. It is in London in 1895 Swamiji met Margaret Elizabeth Noble, who later became Sister Nivedita. Swamiji saw in Margaret a great future in the work for India. What we wanted was 'not a man, but a woman, a real lioness' to work for the Indian women.
He described India's neglect of the masses as a national sin. Next to this was the sin of neglecting the womanhood. Caste, was yet another sin. India's ethnic and religious pluralism did not worry him, for India had always sought her unity in love and respect for different sects and communities. It was Swamiji's hope that India would create a new social order and a new civilization by combining her best spiritual traditions with the latest advancement in science and technology. She would be rich both materially and spiritually.He knew affluence was not enough, man had to be human too. He wanted India to set an example in this. Swamiji preached that "jiva is Shiva" i.e. every being is a part of God. He inspired Indians to "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached". He worked for the suffering masses of India till his end. Swamiji left his body at an young age of 39 on the 4th of July 1902.
Biography
Biography
The Sacred Complex
Rani Rashmoni had purchased the land. for the Dakshineswar temple from an European Christian, James Hasty. It was on this land - the confluence of religions - that the Hindu temple was built, rising above the petty confines of religions to spread the dictum of universal spirituality and emerge as the world centre of pilgrimage. There are 14 temples within the complex apart from the Panchavati and the Panchamundi seat. Sri Ramakrishna had planted saplings of Banyan, Bel, Fig, Ashoka and Amlaki - five sacred plants that he nurtured with tender, loving care. This abode of the five trees, is known as Panchavati and is revered as it was here that Sri Ramakrishna used to meditate at night. In the Northern periphery of the temple lies the Panchamundi seat. Here stands the Bel tree, under which Sri Ramakrishna had practised Tantra, guided by Bhairavi Maa. in keeping with Tantric practices, the seat was placed on three human skulls. In the Panchavati there was another seat under which were the heads of a jackal, a serpent, a dog, a bull and a man. Sri Ramakrishna had attained the truth through the Tantric path. Over the years, following the rules of nature, many changes have occurred in these Holy places. However, every effort has been made to keep the sanctity of these icons intact and as close to their original forms as possible. Preservation and upgradation is carried out on a continuous basis, remaining faithful to the original and without damaging the priceless legacies or the spiritual fervour of the places. The room where Sri Ramakrishna lived during the second phase of his stay in Dakshineswar (1871 - 1884) has also been restored and preserved with full reverence. Articles of his daily use have been kept for the devotees to pay their respects and daily worship is conducted.
Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani Temple
Dakshineswar Temple was founded on the 31st of May,1855 AD;18 Jaistha 1262 b.s. The holy tithi was of Jagannath Deva Snanyatra. The Dakshineswar temple was founded on this auspicious day after facing many conflicts. The Rani Ma called by her people out of adoration, respect and love, installed Sri Jagadishwari Ma, the mother of the universe under the priesthood of Sri Rama Kumar Chattopadhaya .From young Gadadhar's coming to Dakshineswar along with elder brother Rama Kumar to his transformation into the Avatar of the age, has become a legend now.
Sri Jagmohini Radha and Sri Jagmohan Krishna Temple
To the north east of the Temple Complex is the Vishnu Temple or the Radha Kanta's Temple. A flight of steps lead to the columned verandah and into the temple where a silver throne rests with a 21 and half inches idol of Lord Krishna and 16 inches idol of Radha. Daily puja is performed here and it is said that Sri Ramakrishna himself offered puja here. In a room next to it has the original idol of Lord Krishna which was replaced when repeatedly the leg of the idol broke. Though it was repaired since the time of Sri Ram Krishna it has ultimately to be replaced by the present idol in 1930 by the Debottar Estate.
Temples of Lord Shiva
From left to right: Yagneshwar,Jaleshwar, Jagadishwar, Nadeshwar, Nadishwar, Nareshwar, Nirjareshwar,Nageshwar,Nakuleshwar,Ratneshwar & Yogeshwar - 12 identical Shiva temples are established within the premises of the Devalaya. Opposite to the Kuthi Bari these temples are close to the banks of the River Ganga. The interior of the temples is done in white and black stone and each of the temples houses Shiva lingas done in black stone. The temples face the east and are constructed in the typical 'Aat Chala' Bengal architecture. The series of temples are divided by the Chadni (River bank), keeping the six Shiva temples to the left and the other six to the right. Prayers are offered here every day and it was here Sri Ramkrishna is said to have meditated here to reach enlightenment.
Room Of Sri Ramkrishna
In the temple premises, in the North West corner is the room of Sri Ramkrishna where he stayed for the last 14 years of his life. Sri Ramkrishna initially stayed at Kuthi Bari but at the demise of his nephew in Kuthi Bari he no longer wanted to reside there. It was on an occasion of renovation of the Kuthi Bari, he was allotted the room within the temple premises. On completion of the renovation he no longer wanted to return to his original room and thus arrangements were made for him to permanently reside in the room which we call today the ‘Room of Sri Ramkrishna’.
In 1872 it was here Sri Ramkrishna conducted the ‘Phalharini Kali Puja’ when he offered puja to Sri Sarada Ma praying her as the mother Goddess. Various articles used by Sri Ramkrishna are now exhibited. The pitcher that held Ganga water in his room is still found in its place. Sri Ramkrishna had an ardent group of followers like Swami Vivekananda and Keshab Chandra Sen with whom he had spiritual discussions here. During the ‘Kalpataru Utsav’ special puja is performed. It was on the 1st of Jan.1948, the 1st Kalpataru Utsav was held which the West Bengal governor Sri Raja Gopalacharya attended.
Historic Natmandir
50ft in length and 75 ft in width, this 16 pillared structure with a roof is an open hall which served the purpose for many religious discourses as well as spiritual songs. Just above the Nat Mandir, there is an idol of Lord Shiva whom Sri Ramkrishna always prayed before entering the Kali temple. To the south of this Nat Mandir there is a place for religious sacrifice. It was here in a religious gathering Bhairavi Bramhani Yogeshwari Devi according to the Sashtra proved Sri Ramakrishna to be an avatar. In the Nat Mandir in 1864 the ‘Annomeru Utsav’ was held by Mathur Mohan Biswas. Various religious songs like ‘chandigaan’, ‘jatragaan’, ‘Kali Katha’, ‘bhajan kirtan’, ‘matri sangeet’ and more are held here.
Deities
Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani
Carved from sacred black stone, Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani stands upon the reclining Lord Shiva, adorned in a resplendent Benarasi sari and radiant gold ornaments. Before this divine image, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa realised the living presence of the Divine Mother, making Dakshineswar Kali Temple an eternal seat of faith, devotion, and spiritual awakening.Adyashakti is the Primordial Divine Power—the eternal embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda and the Supreme Mother who creates, sustains, and liberates all beings from the bonds of Maya. Revered as Mahakali, She is the first of the Dasa Mahavidyas, symbolising the triumph of divine power over darkness and ignorance. Though fierce in form, She is infinitely compassionate, blessing Her devotees with protection, wisdom, peace, and liberation.
Sri Jagmohan Krishna & Jagmohini Radha
The word "Ra" means to get liberated and "dha" means to run. Radha wants to get liberated by getting Krishna. "Radha" means worshipping. Radha is Krishna's inner strength. Radha is His ladini power. The name of Radha is very much associated with Krishna's Vrindavan Lila. She sacrifices everything for the sake of love for Krishna. In the Baraha Kalpo, she was born as the daughter of Vrishabhanu. Vrishabhanu's wife Kalabati conceived air in her womb and gave birth to air. Radha was born out of that air. She was not born out of sexual organs. The Brahmavaivarta Purana says that once Krishna wanted to enjoy while in Ramaja forest of Gokula. Radha came out of His own body. The right side of Krishna appears as Krishna, but the left side is Radha. At the time of Vishnu's birth Luxmi was born. At the same time Radha, a portion of Laxmi, also took birth. In another version, king Vrishabhanu found a girl while tilling the soil. That girl is Radha. When she was twelve, her marriage was settled. But Radha disappeared leaving her shadow behind. The name of Radha does not occur in the Bhagavatam. Radha is called "the flower in full bloom in the water of consciousness". Radha is the enshrinement of love and beauty.
Sri Krishna,broken idol which Sri Ramakrishna had reinstalled
Krishna draws all to Him. He is Vishnu's A Avatar. He is the son of Vasudev and Devaki of the Yadu clan. He is the eighth child of Devaki. But King Kansa, brother of Devaki went on to kill her off-springs. Just after the birth of Krishna he was taken to Gokula and put to the care of Yasoda, wife Nanda who was head of the Gopes. At the same time, the new born daughter of Yasoda was brought to Mathura and was placed beside Devaki. Krishna was thus saved from the death. As Kansa tried to kill the new born daughter, she disappeared in the skies. Krishna is the principal deity of the Hindus. According to some, Krishna was a non - Aryan god. Hе joined the Pandav side in the Kurukshetra war and gave sermons to inspire ignorance-ridden Arjun to do battle. Those sermons have been collected in the Gita. Krishna was a supreme philosopher, an astute politician, a lover and fulfiller of devotee's wishes. He is also the symbol of united India. According to the Vaishnav philosophy, He is the supreme self, the object of love, the supreme personality, the beloved of the Gopis. Various stories have been woven around Him and many views are present about Him. The Vaishnav sects have grown cantered round Him.
Sri Raghunathji,The Family Deity of Rani Maa
Sri Raghunathji, the revered family deity of Rani Rashmoni, was worshipped with profound devotion at the Janbazar Rajbari. Regarded as the spiritual guardian of the family, Sri Raghunathji held a central place in their daily religious life and sacred traditions. Even today, He remains an enduring symbol of the family's unwavering faith, devotion, and rich spiritual heritage, inspiring generations with the timeless values of righteousness and divine grace.
Lord Shiva
He is also known as Mahadeva, Shankar and by many other names. He destroys the world and is also the fountainhead new creation. He called Shankar, benefactor of all. He is the original God of the Indian pantheon. He is called Shiva, because He always does good to all. Vedic, non-Vedic and other forms of worship of is Him are prevalent in India. Serpents are His ornament’s and He has matted hair. In the Agam shastras there are many stories about the birth of Shiva. Brahma was born from Vishnu 's naval on the day of Shivaratri (night of the Shiva). Brahma asked Vishnu, 'Who are you?' Vishnu said: "I am your father." Then they were engaged in heavy fighting. Shiva took the Linga form and stood between them. The fight stopped. Then the Brahma undertook the journey to find out the upper limit of the Shiva Lingam. Vishnu dived deep in search of the root of the Shiva Lingam. Both failed. He is Mahesh, white like silver mountain. He has three eyes. Stung by Kamadeva's arrows, He burned him with flame of His third eye. He was not invited at King Daksha's place of sacrifice. So Sati, the daughter of Daksha and consort of Shiva felt insulted. She gave up Her life. Shiva carried Sati's dead body on His shoulders and went on a terrible dance of destruction. Seeing that the dissolution of the world was near at hand Vishnu cut Sati's body to pieces with His Chakra. There were fifty-one pieces. This is how the fifty-one peeths (seats of Goddess) came into being from those pieces throughout undivided India. Shiva is Shiva and Rudra, the destroyer at the same time.
Mandir Remains Opened
Opening Hours
Morning6:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Note: The Board Of Trustee can change the timings, if required.
Temple Detail
Temple Detail
Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani
Adyashakti
Carved from black stone, Sri Sri Jagadiswari Kalimata Thakurani stands upon the reclining Lord Shiva, adorned in a resplendent Benarasi sari and shimmering gold ornaments. Before this sacred idol, Sri Ramakrishna realised the living presence of the Divine Mother, sanctifying Dakshineswar Kali Temple as an eternal pilgrimage of faith, devotion, and spiritual illumination.
Adyashakti is the primordial energy consiousness-bliss. She is the Mahamaya who creates the universe and liberates the jiva from the clutches of Maya.
The sky is Her clothes. Her eyes have the spread from ear to ear. The Gods were defeated in the war against Shumbha and Nishumbha, the two Asura brothers. They were driven out of the heavens. They then composed a hymn to the Devi and prayed to Her. At this, a Devi came out of the body of the Adyashakti. She was named Kousiki. As a result, the colour of Adyashakti turned into black. That is why She became known as Kali or Kalika (the dark). Though, in course of time, She got back her original colour. In another version, during Ambika's (the Mother) war against Shumbha and Nishumbha, at the moment of killing Chandrasur, Kali sprang forth from the forehead of Ambika. During the war between the Gods and the Asuras Kali spread out Her tongue and drank all the blood of Raktabij. That is why Her tongue is out. Kali is the first Vidya of ten Mahavidyas. She wears tiger- skin. She plays with Mahakal and so she is Mahakali or Kali. Kali has many forms. She is terrible and at the same time calm and benefactress of the world.
Important Places In Temple Complex
Lokamata Rani Rahmoni Temple
A temple dedicated to Rani Rashmoni has been built between the Nahabat and Sri Ramakrishna's abode in 1930's and gradually it is upgraded and later on a marble statue was installed. A sculpted figure of the Rani Maa has been consecrated in this temple and prayers are held every day with complete reverence.
Kuthi Bari
Close to the Gaji Tala towards north of Ganga is Kuthi Bari, originally built by Lord Hastings. Rani Rashmoni stayed with her daughter and son-in-law in Kuthi Bari whenever she visited Dakshineswar. Sri Ram Krishna used to reside at the ground floor of the residence between the years 1855 AD to 1870. Today a police camp in lodged here for the safety of the tourists.
Nahabat
Nahabat - near the Ganges and not far from Sri Ramakrishna's abode - is A known as Sri Sri Sarada Maa's room as she used to live in this room when residing in Dakshineswar. This room has also been restored with full spiritual reverence. The Image of Sri Maa, to which prayers were offered earlier has been replaced with an idol after the earlier picture was dilapidated. Daily worship is conducted and prayers are held in full veneration.NOTE:
Festival at Sri Sarada Maa's Temple
Her Birthday & Tithi puja day Daily worship is conducted The devotees may offer saree to Sarada Maa by registering his/her name at the central office of the temple
Chadni Ghat
Chadni ghat is the bank of the River Ganga which is situated in between the series of Shiva Temples. A flight of steps from the River Ganga leads to the Chadni ghat where Sri Ramakrishna’s Vedantic guru Sri Totapuri alighted from his journey.
Bakul Tala Ghat
Close to Nahabat Khana is Bakul Tala Ghat where Sri Sarada Ma used to take her bath. The Bakul tree is not there but the river bank is exists and it is here Sri Ramkrishna’s guru Bhairavi Bramhani Yogeshwari Devi had made him a disciple of the ‘Tantra Sadhana’.
Panchabati
To the North of Bakul Tala is a wide open space called the Panchabati and to its south in later years under Sri Ramkrishna’s guidance, 5 trees Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Amlaki and Woodapple trees were planted. Soil from the ‘Radha Kund’ and ‘Shyam Kund’ of Vrindavan was brought here to plant these trees. It is in Panchbati Sri ramkrishna spent 12 years of sadhana. Under the tutelage of Sri Totapuri he took sanyas according to vedantic rites. For the purpose of sadhana a hut was built in Panchabati which was later rebuilt into ‘Shanti Kuthi’. Close to it is a Shiv temple with a Shiv linga where puja is performed everyday.
Santi Kutir
Nestled beside the sacred Panchabati, Santi Kutir stands as a symbol of serenity and spiritual contemplation. The original meditation hut at this site was associated with the period of Sri Ramakrishna’s intense spiritual practices. Rebuilt in later years as Shanti Kuthi, it preserves the sanctity of that sacred legacy. Surrounded by the tranquil ambience of Panchabati, it invites devotees to experience the silence, peace, and inward reflection that have long defined Dakshineswar as a living centre of spiritual awakening.
Beltala
Beltala is one of the holiest Sadhanapithas within the Dakshineswar Kali Temple complex. Under the sacred Bilva (Bel) tree, Sri Ramakrishna performed profound spiritual disciplines, especially those rooted in the Tantric tradition. It was here that his intense quest for the Divine transcended ritual and blossomed into direct spiritual realization. Preserved with reverence, Beltala continues to radiate an atmosphere of silence and sanctity, inviting pilgrims to reflect upon the timeless ideals of devotion, austerity, and God-realisation.
Gaji Pith
Gaji Pith (Gaji Tala) is a unique symbol of Dakshineswar Kali Temple’s universal spiritual vision. Revered as the shrine of the Muslim saint Gaji Pir, the site was respectfully preserved by Rani Rashmoni when the temple complex was established. Sri Ramakrishna later practised Islam here with complete sincerity as part of his spiritual experiments, ultimately realising the same Divine Truth through another religious path. Gaji Pith thus stands as a lasting testimony to harmony among faiths, embodying the Ramakrishna ideal that all genuine spiritual paths lead to the One Supreme Reality.
Central Office
The Central Office serves as the administrative headquarters of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. It oversees the day-to-day management of the temple, coordinates religious observances and festivals, and facilitates various services for devotees, ensuring the smooth functioning of one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centres.
Dala Arcade
The Dala Arcade provides devotees with a convenient place to obtain traditional worship offerings (dala) and other puja essentials before entering the temple. Designed to ensure an orderly and pleasant experience, it offers authentic items required for offering prayers to the Divine Mother.
Panya Bithika
Panya Bithika is the temple’s dedicated shopping arcade, featuring a carefully curated selection of devotional articles, souvenirs, religious literature, handicrafts, and other items that reflect the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Dakshineswar.
New Bhog Ghar
The New Bhog Ghar at Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the sacred preparation of bhog for Maa Bhavatarini and the temple deities. Designed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, efficiency, and ritual purity, it supports the daily worship as well as the increased requirements during festivals and special occasions. Every offering is prepared with devotion in accordance with traditional temple customs before being offered to the deities and distributed as prasada to devotees. The New Bhog Ghar reflects the temple’s commitment to preserving its sacred traditions while providing modern facilities for the service of the Divine and Her countless devotees.
Janani Sarada International Guest House
The Guest House offers comfortable accommodation for pilgrims, visiting scholars, and guests associated with the temple. Equipped with essential amenities, it provides a peaceful environment conducive to rest and spiritual reflection.
Dudh Pukur
Dudh Pukur is one of the sacred ponds within the Dakshineswar Temple complex. Revered for its serene ambience and historical significance, it enhances the spiritual landscape of the temple and serves as a reminder of the sacred traditions associated with the shrine.
Hans Pukur
Hans Pukur is another historic water body situated within the temple premises. Surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the complex, it contributes to the architectural beauty and spiritual character of Dakshineswar, preserving an integral aspect of its heritage.
Place Detail
Place Detail
Visiting the Temple
Before You Enter
Visitor Guidelines
Pilgrims, devotees and visitors are welcome to this historic temple. They are kindly requested to undergo the security check at the main entrance of the temple complex and deposit their bags, baggage, and shoes at the designated counters before entering the temple.
1
Dress modestly Respectful attire is appreciated in this sacred space.
2
Footwear & phones Remove footwear at the designated stalls; photography is prohibited inside the sanctum.
3
No leather or large bags Leather items and large luggage are not permitted near the sanctum.
4
Maintain the queue Please follow the darshan line and the directions of temple volunteers.
5
Silence & sanctity Keep your voice low and your heart calm in the Mother’s presence.
Darshan Timings
Daily Opening Hours
Morning
6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening
3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Note: The Board Of Trustee can change the timings, if required.
Daily Schedule
Puja & Aarti
Mangal Aarti4:00 AM
Morning Puja & Darshan6:30 AM
Bhog Offering (Annabhog)12:30 PM
Midday Rest (Sanctum closed)12:30 PM
Evening Re-opening3:30 PM
Sandhya Aarti6:30 PM
Shital Bhog & Shayan8:00 PM
Getting Here
How to Reach
By Rail
Dakshineswar Railway Station (Sealdah - Dankuni) connects directly via the Skywalk — the easiest route.
By Metro
Dakshineswar Metro (Blue Line terminus) connects directly via the Skywalk — the easiest route.
By Road
Well connected by bus and taxi from Kolkata & Howrah; ample parking near the Skywalk.
By River
Ferry services link Chandni Ghat with Belur Math across the Hooghly — a scenic approach.
Accommodation facilities for devotees visiting Dakshineswar.
Dakshineswar Guest House
Stay Near The Temple
Construction of a Guest House for devotees to stay overnight is on its way of completion. This two-star facility, spread across 50,000 square feet, has been built according to the comprehensive development plan of the KMDA, with shopping facilities on the ground floor, dormitories and single room accommodation on the first floor, and suites on the top floor.
To make this project successful, the temple seeks valued support and cooperation from devotees, well wishers, administration, and media.
The holiest night of the year — the Mother worshipped through the dark hours of Amavasya amid a sea of lamps.
Auspicious Kali Puja
Phalaharini Kali Puja
Phalaharini Kali Puja is among the most sacred festivals observed at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Celebrated on the new moon night of the month of Jyeshtha, it venerates the Divine Mother as the compassionate remover of the bondage of karma and the giver of spiritual freedom. The occasion is inseparably linked with the temple's spiritual legacy, for it was on this holy night that Sri Ramakrishna performed the historic Shodashi Puja, worshipping Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi as the living embodiment of the Divine Mother. The temple resonates with devotion as pilgrims from far and wide gather to seek the grace of Sri Sri Bhavatarini.
Dipanwita Kali Puja
Dipanwita Kali Puja is the most celebrated annual festival at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Observed on the new moon night of Kartika, the sacred shrine is transformed into a radiant sea of light, symbolising the triumph of divine wisdom over darkness. Amidst the glow of countless lamps, special worship, Vedic chants, devotional music, and night-long rituals are offered to Sri Sri Bhavatarini Kali. The festival draws thousands of devotees, creating an atmosphere of profound faith, devotion, and spiritual joy.
Ratanti Kali Puja
Ratanti Kali Puja, observed on the Krishna Chaturdashi of the month of Magha, is a deeply revered occasion in the worship of the Divine Mother. At Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the festival is marked by solemn rituals, sacred offerings, and heartfelt devotion. As prayers rise before Sri Sri Bhavatarini, devotees seek the Mother's blessings for courage, protection, inner purification, and spiritual awakening, reaffirming the temple's enduring tradition of worship and divine grace.
We have observed the above three Auspicious Kali Puja since its inauguration in 1855 A.D.
Invitation to the Unveiling Ceremony of the Reconstructed Bronze Statue of Sculptor Nabin Bhaskar Devotees are cordially invited to the unveiling ceremony of the reconstructed bronze statue of Nabin Bhaskar, the renowned sculptor of Sri Sri Jagadishwari Kali Mata, on 16th July 2026 at 9:30 AM at Dakshineswar Kali Temple. All are warmly welcome.
Inclusion of New Shebaits with their respective share position/altered share position in shebaity right (with reference to voter list revised on 24.04.2022) last revision on 23.04.2025
TAKE NOTICE THAT the' Hon'ble Justice Bivas Pattanayak in IA No.GA/42/2024 in CS/308/1872 (Balaram Das Vs. Guru Charan Biswas) by order dated 3rd April 2025 has appointed the undersigned as Chairman - cum-Special Officer to hold elections within a period of two months from the date of the order for constituting the board of trustees for management of Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate.
PUBLICATION OF NOTICE BY THE HON'BLE EX-CHIEF JUSTICE JYOTIRMAY BHATTACHARYA, CHAIRMAN-CUM-SPECIAL OFFICER (ELECTION - 2022) POST NOMINATION AND DECLARATION OF 3 (THREE) TRUSTEES OF THE NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Inclusion of New Shebaits with their respective share position/altered share position in shebaity right (with reference to voter list revised on 30.01.2016) last revision on 24.04.2022
The Hon'ble Ex-Chief Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya, Chairman-cum-Special Officer, appointed to hold election for constituting three-member Board of Trustees for management of Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate by order dated 10th March, 2022 passed by the Hon'ble Justice Sekhar B. Saraf in IA. No. GA 30 / 2021 with GA / 26 / 2019 in CS / 308 / 1872 (Balaram Das Vs. Guru Charan Biswas) after taking into consideration the suggestions received in order to meet the need of the day for holding free and fair election for constituting three-member Board of Trustees for management of Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate, has framed the following fresh set of Rules and Guidelines -
Election notification issued by Hon'ble Ex-Chief Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya, Chairman-cum-Special Officer, for holding election for constituting the Board of Trustees for management of Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate in terms of order passed by the Hon'ble Calcutta High Court on 10th March, 2022.
Abridged Tender Notice (No. 1/2020-21 dated 16-10-2020) Board of Trustees, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate, Dakshineswar, Alambazar, Kolkata-700035, invites eligible participants for the work of Providing Services (Non-Engineering) for Operation/Maintenance of the Rani Rashmoni Skywalk and/or Funding the Cost of such Services through Permissible Advertisement on the Skywalk Individually/Jointly. Last date & time for submission of application alongwith necessary credentials/documents extended for 4(four) days i.e. 06.11.2020 to 09.11.2020 (Monday) within 4.30 p.m. ..... Click here for more
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