Introduction
At a time when India was still reeling under British rule and struggling to adjust to the conditions imposed by the English, a new wave of patriotism swept through the brave soldiers of the town of Barrackpur (which shares the same river line as the site where the present-day Dakshineswar Temple will be constructed). This led to the Sepoy mutiny in 1857. At the time, Kolkata was India’s capital and the second-largest city in the British Empire, after London. This new wave of patriotism soon spread among the city’s prominent people. One of the first to take up arms against foreign rule was the courageous and deeply religious woman Rani Rashmoni.
![Picture of Dakshineswar Temple](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/3.png)
Picture of Dakshineswar Temple
Historical Background of Dakshineswar Temple
Dakshineswar at the beginning of the 19th century was a very small village on the eastern bank of the Ganges. The beautiful details by J с Marshman in his January 1845 edition of the Calcutta review mentioned that A bit higher on the map is a village called Duchinsore. It’s famous for being a country seat, but it’s also been changed a few times in the last 30 years. Just north of it is Powder Magazine. In the past four years since Joseph’s map was made, four pretty houses have been built to the south side of the garden.The area now occupied by the renowned Dakshineswar Temple was once surrounded by a dense forest. Approximately three hundred years ago, members of the Savarna Roy choudhury family settled in the area. One of the descendants of this family was Yogindranath. He was a devout follower of the Hindu deity Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who later went on to become Swami Yogananda.
![Old Picture of Dakshineswar Temple](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10.png)
Old Picture of
Dakshineswar Temple
Rani Rashmoni is credited with the founding of the renowned Dakshineswar Temple, which is home to the goddess Kali. This was inspired by a vision she had while on her way to Benaras and was the result of a long-term plan she had been pursuing since her husband’s untimely death. She assumed responsibility for the immense estate her husband had left her and was constantly at odds with the British government’s strict laws and regulations. Despite this, she was beloved by many for her boldness and kindheartedness. Numerous monuments to her accomplishments can be found in Dakshineswar, such as the bathing ghats, the road from the Subarnarekha river to Puri, the Imperial Library (now the National Library), and Hindu College.
![Maa Bhabatarini](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/5.png)
Maa Bhabatarini
Rani Rashmoni was so moved by this dream that she sent her trusted people to look for a plot of land to build the Kali temple. After a huge search, she chose a plot of 20 acres in the village called Dakshisheswar. The land looked like the hump of some kind of turtle. One part belonged to a European Christian, and the other part belonged to a Muslim burial site. Rani Rashmoni started building this Hindu temple on this land in 1847, bringing different faiths together. The deed states that on September 6, 1847, she bought a plot of land for Rs. 42,000 and 500 from a man named James Hasty and planned to build a Navaratna Temple, 12 Shiva Temples, 12 Jyotirlingams, one Vishnu Temple, and one Natmandir. On May 31, 1855, Rani put a Shiva Linga in the Navratna temple, saying, “This is my late husband’s wish, and for the well-being of his soul, this Shiva Linga is placed in the temple.”
![Scenic View](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/7.png)
Scenic View
The Lillaprasanga mentions that ‘the land of Kali temple complex’ is ’60 bighas’. The Endowment document states that the land is ’54 1/2 Bighas.’ So, according to the paper, the land mass of the temple complex is around 58 bighas. This figure includes the Ganges area on the west side, Kashinath Roy Choudhury’s land on the east side, and John Hastie’s constructions on the south side. Some of the land was later used for the railway line and 2nd Vivekananda Bridge.It was decided that the gods and goddesses should be installed on the ‘snan-yatra day’, which is a very special day for Hindus. So, on May 31st, 1855, over a lakh Brahmins from all over the country were invited to come and celebrate this special day. But there was some controversy because the Rani wasn’t allowed to own a temple or give Brahmins food because she was of low cast.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple or Dakshineswar Kalibari
Dakshineswar Temple in Kolkata is a Hindu Navaratna temple dedicated to Kali Maa, the Hindu god of fear. It’s located on the east bank of the river Hooghly, and the temple’s main deity is Bhavatanini, which is a form of Kali Adya Sakti. It was built in the 1855s by a philanthropic Zamindar named Rani Rashmoni. It’s well-known for its connection with the Hindu mystics of the 19th century, Ramachrishna and Maa Sarada Devi.
![Dakshineswar Temple main Entrance](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/9.png)
Dakshineswar Temple main Entrance
Architecture and Design
The main temple of the Dakshineswar Temple complex was constructed in a Navaratna style, inspired by the Radhakanta Temple in Tollygunge, which was constructed by the RamaNath Mondal family from Bawali.
![Radhakanta Temple](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/11.png)
Radhakanta Temple
In addition to the nine-story main temple, the temple compound includes a large courtyard with rooms along its boundaries. Along the riverfront, twelve shrines are dedicated to Shiva and his consort Kali, including a temple dedicated to Radha Krishna, a ghat for bathing on the river, and a shrine for the goddess Rani. The Nahabat, located in the northwest corner just behind the last Shiva temple, is believed to have been the resting place of Ramakrishna and Maa Sarada.
![Dakshineswar Temple main Entrance Nat Mandir](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/13.png)
Dakshineswar Temple main Entrance Nat Mandir
Deities and Worship
Rani Rashmani was aware of this issue and held long talks with the pandits, but none of them could solve the problem. It was suggested to Rani Rashmoni that the temple should be dedicated to the elder brother of Ramkrishna, Ramkumar, who was a Brahmin. Ramkumar was appointed as the head priest of the temple, and on Thursday, May 31, 1855, the idol of Lord Kali was installed in the temple. Ramakumar passed away a year later, leaving the responsibility of the temple to Ramkumar’s younger brother Gadadhar (Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsha). Over the next thirty years, Ramkumar became a devotee of the goddess Kali and nurtured the seeds of change in Bengal’s socio-religious life, earning the reputation of the Dakshinewar Temple as a place of worship for all castes, all religions, and all faiths. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world have come to worship at the temple, and it is admired for its serene and peaceful atmosphere. The temple has attracted intellectuals of all kinds from all walks of life, from Kashi to Orissa to Navadwip to Kolkata.
![Rani Rashmoni](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-26.png)
Rani Rashmoni
The Rani Rashmoni only lived for 5 years and 9 months after the temple was inaugurated. In 1861, she got really sick. She knew she was going to die, so she decided to give the land she bought in her hometown of Dinajpur, which is now in Bangladesh, to the Temple Trust as a gift for the temple’s upkeep. She did this on February 18th and died the next day.
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Maa Bhabatarini and Sree Ramakrishna
Gadadhara later became Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Deb. Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Deb used to do Kali Sadhana in this temple. Ramakrishna’s method of worship in this Dakshineswar Temple main Entrancewas completely different. He used to see Maa Bhabatarni as a simple girl. These two names, Maa Bhabatarini and Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, are two of the foundations of Dakshineswar, founded by Rani Rashmani. From 1855 to 1886, Sree Ramakrishna stayed in the Dakshineswar temple for almost three decades. Gadadhar transformed into Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Deb in Dakshineswar Temple.This is the temple where it was decided that ‘Naren will teach’ (নরেন শিক্ষে দেবে).Swami Vivekananda’s transformation from Naren also took place in this temple. Dakshineswar Temple of Maa Bhabatarini is the place of transformation for two great Yogis. Both are believed to be the incarnations of Lord Shiva.
![Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Maa Sarada Devi Trio in One Frame](https://www.travelhistoricaltourism.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6.png)
Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Maa Sarada Devi Trio in One Frame
Conclusion
Kali devotees can get the perfect darshan for their special day at the Dakshineswar Temple. Check out the Aarti Times, Pooja Times, Darshan Times, Bhog Times, and Schedule to get the best darshan for your special day. The significance and importance of this Dakshineswar Temple can be explained by the fact that it was here in 1847 that the spiritual visionary Rama Krishna Prasama achieved his vision. Thousands of devotees come to this temple every day to get a glimpse of Goddess Kali, and it’s always packed on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and during festivals like Kalpataru and Navaratri. Make sure to check the Aarti Time, Pooja Time, Darshan Time, Bhog Time, and Closing Time to make sure your special day is a smooth one.
Encore Audio Visual of Dakshineswar Temple Kolkata
FAQ
Festivals Celebrated in Dakshineswar Kali Temple
1) Kalpataru Festival
2) Navaratri Festival
3) Kali Pooja During Deewali Festival
Route Direction of Dakshineswar Temple
Distance (From Kolkata Railway Station): 9 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: In Dakshineswar Locality
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / Auto/Metro