About Dakshineswar Kali temple , Kolkata (West Bengal)

 

Idol of Kali (Bhavatarini) in the sanctum

               

Nahabat (Music Hall) where Sarada Devi lived

                 

Shrine of Rashmoni

Ferry Ride from Belur to Dakshineswar

               

View of Dakshineswar Temple

                   

View of Vivekananda Sethu  (Bally Bridge)

     

The Dakshineswar Kali temple is one of the most visited places in Kolkata. At this holy place Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa worshipped Kali Ma as a priest for nearly thirty years and meditated on Kali to get Her Darshan. The beautiful three-storeyed south-facing temple constructed in Navaratna style with nine spires distributed in the upper two storeys is a majestic sight to see. The sand-colored construction with many arches all along the corridor with twelve Shiva shrines further adds splendor to this magnificent temple. We arrived at this place by ferry from Belur jetty managed by West Bengal Surface transport. It takes only twenty minutes to reach Dakshineshwar Bhabatarini Ghat. The panoramic view of the Bally Bridge (Vivekananda Setu) and monumental buildings on the banks gives an awesome view of this city’s glory. Every half an hour there is ferry service from both sides from 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

This famous temple was constructed by Rani Rashmoni. In 1847 she wished to go to Kashi along with her relatives and servants in twenty-four boats. The day preceding her travel, Kali Mata appeared to her in a dream and asked her to install Her idol in a temple and get her Blessings. So Rashmoni purchased twenty acres of land in Dakshineswaram village from an Englishman named John Hestie and completed the temple construction in 1855. On the holy day of Jagannath Deva Snana Yatra on May 31^st, 1855 the idol of Jagadeeswari Kalimata Thakurani was installed. Sri Ramkumar Chattopadhyaya served as the temple priest till his demise in 1856. His brother Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa later served as the priest till 1866. Rani Rahmoni Lived for five years and nine months after starting the temple. She died on 18^th February, 1861. Her shrine has been later added near the entrance to the temple yard.

Perched on an elevated platform the main Kali temple reveals the gracious form of Bhavatarini made of shining black basalt stone decked with gold brocade standing on white marble statue of Shiva in lying position. Both these idols are installed on a thousand-petalled lotus-seat made of silver. A narrow covered verandah serves as the audience chamber attached to the sanctum. A spacious Natamandir(dancing hall) is seen in front of the temple. Twelve east-facing Shiva Mandirs (shrines) with holy Shiva Lingas made of black stone with idols of Nandis facing them are seen on both sides of corridor near the bank of the Hoogly River. At the head of the Hoogly ghat there is a roofed terrace to view the river front. Just beyond the last Shiva Mandir Sri Ramakrishna used to live with Sarada Devi in a music room called Nahabath. He stayed here nearly for thirty years till his death in 1866.

On the northeastern side of this temple complex one can see the Radhakanta shrine where 21 ½ inch Krishna’s idol with 16 inch Radha’s idol are seen on a silver throne. The Panchavati (five sacred trees) garden is located very close to the temple. The old fig tree, the last remaining tree of Panchavati trees, is still seen. Here Sri Ramakrishna used to meditate. The visiting hours are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.00 to 8.30 p.m. every day. In summer (April to September) the temple closes at 9.00 p.m. On Tuesdays and Fridays the temple is very much crowded. The whole temple beams with festive atmosphere with illumination, with ringing bells, blowing conchs and ululating piercing cries of Bengali women with shouts of excitement and devotion. On every Amavasya day the temple is beautifully decorated and evening aarti is performed. This temple graced by Sri Ramakrishna’s holy presence makes one feel his deep devotion to Kali Ma. Many newly married couples and family members come here to receive the benedictions of the Universal Mother.

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               4th January, 2018                                       Somaseshu Gutala