Dakshineswar Kali Temple: history, darshan timings and how to reach
Rani Rashmoni's Bhavatarini temple is one of Kolkata's best-known Kali shrines. How it began, what is in the complex, when it is open and how to get there.
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History of the temple
The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni, a zamindar and devotee of Kali. The image of the goddess was installed on the Snana Yatra day, 31 May 1855. The presiding deity is Bhavatarini, a form of Mahadevi in her Kali aspect. The temple was originally known as Sri Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali. (Source: Wikipedia, Dakshineswar Kali Temple)
Ramakrishna came to the temple in 1855 as an assistant to his elder brother Ramkumar, and became head priest after Ramkumar died in 1856. His wife, Sarada Devi, is also associated with the temple. (Source: Wikipedia, Dakshineswar Kali Temple)
What is in the complex
- The main temple is built in Bengal's navaratna (nine-spire) style, three storeys, facing south.
- The goddess stands on the chest of a supine Shiva, on a silver lotus throne.
- A row of twelve identical Shiva temples runs along the riverfront.
- A Radha Kanta temple lies to the northeast of the complex.
- The Nahabat, or music tower, is where Sarada Devi spent a considerable part of her life.
Darshan timings
The temple's own website lists these hours (as published by the temple; check before you go): morning 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, evening 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. It adds that the Board of Trustees can change the timings if required. (Source: Dakshineswar Kali Temple official site (timings as published by the temple))
- Mangal Aarti: 4:00 AM
- Midday rest (sanctum closed): 12:30 PM
- Evening re-opening: 3:30 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 6:30 PM
- Shital Bhog and Shayan: 8:00 PM
(Source: Dakshineswar Kali Temple official site (timings as published by the temple))
π‘ Timings can change, so look at the temple's site before you leave. The sanctum is closed at midday, so plan your arrival around that, and keep extra time on holidays and festival days.
How to reach
Dakshineswar railway station is in Eastern Railway's Sealdah division on the Sealdah-Dankuni line (also called the Calcutta Chord link line), station code DAKE. The station building is a replica of the Dakshineswar temple, and the Dakshineswar metro station is next to it. (Source: Wikipedia, Dakshineswar railway station)
By metro, take the Blue Line (North-South corridor). Dakshineswar is the elevated northern terminal of the line and was inaugurated on 22 February 2021. The station is about 300 metres east of the Bhabatarini Kali Temple. (Source: Wikipedia, Dakshineswar metro station)
In 2026 Kali Puja in Kolkata falls on Sunday 8 November. Per Drik Panchang, the Nishita Kaal puja time is 10:55 PM to 11:46 PM, and the amavasya tithi runs from 11:27 AM on 8 November to 12:31 PM on 9 November. (Source: Drik Panchang, Kali Puja 2026 date and time (Kolkata))
π‘ Temple hours on Kali Puja night may differ, and we found no source for them, so check the temple's announcements before going that night. To dodge road crowds you could consider the metro, and plan your way back in advance.
Questions
- Dakshineswar temple timings
- Per the temple's website: 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The trustees can change the hours, so check before you go.
- Who built the Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
- Rani Rashmoni. The image was installed on Snana Yatra day, 31 May 1855.
- How to reach Dakshineswar temple by metro?
- Take the Kolkata Metro Blue Line to Dakshineswar, the northern terminal. The temple is about 300 metres west of the station.
- How to go to Dakshineswar by train?
- Use Dakshineswar station on the Sealdah-Dankuni line, station code DAKE.
- When is Kali Puja in 2026?
- Per Drik Panchang, Sunday 8 November 2026 in Kolkata, with the Nishita Kaal puja from 10:55 PM to 11:46 PM.
See also
Kali Puja 2026Kali Puja and DiwaliNaihati Boro MaaKali Puja at TarapithDurga Puja 2027Calendar 2027Kolkata pujas