Dakshineswar Kali Temple
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Bhavatarini, a form of the goddess Kali. Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a devotee and zamindar, the temple gained significant fame through its association with the 19th-century mystic Sri Ramakrishna and his wife Sarada Devi.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to Bhavatarini, a form of Kali.
- ›It was founded in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a zamindar and devotee of Kali.
- ›The temple features a navaratna (nine-spired) architectural style.
- ›It is closely associated with the spiritual figures Sri Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi.
- ›The temple complex includes twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, a Radha-Krishna temple, and a shrine to Rani Rashmoni.
- ›The sanctum sanctorum houses an image of Kali standing on the chest of a supine Shiva.
Kali, Shiva, Radha-Krishna
- Associated With Sri Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi
- Pilgrimage Site
- Architectural Style
Rani Rashmoni
- Image of Bhavatarini Standing On the Chest of A Supine Shiva
Hooghly River
About Dakshineswar Kali Temple
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a significant Hindu navaratna-style temple situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Dakshineswar, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The temple's presiding deity is Bhavatarini, a form of the goddess Kali, also known as Mahadevi or Adya Kali.
History and Founding
The temple was established in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a wealthy zamindar and devout follower of Kali. According to tradition, Rani Rashmoni abandoned a planned pilgrimage to Kashi after experiencing a divine vision of the Mother Goddess, who instructed her to build and worship her in a temple on the Ganges. She purchased a substantial plot of land in Dakshineswar and oversaw the construction of the temple complex between 1847 and 1855. The main temple, built on land shaped like a tortoise, cost nine hundred thousand rupees and took eight years to complete.
Religious and Spiritual Significance
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is profoundly associated with the 19th-century mystic Sri Ramakrishna and his wife, Sarada Devi. Sri Ramakrishna served as the head priest of the temple, and his spiritual practices and teachings brought immense fame and a large number of pilgrims to the site. Sarada Devi also resided in a room within the temple complex, which is now a shrine dedicated to her. The temple continues to be an active center for worship and a major pilgrimage destination.
Architecture
The main temple is a three-storeyed structure built in the navaratna or nine-spired style of Bengal architecture. It stands on a high platform and measures approximately 14 meters square and over 30 meters in height. The sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) houses the silver image of Bhavatarini standing on a silver lotus throne atop the chest of a supine Shiva. The temple complex also features a row of twelve identical Shiva temples to the west of the main temple, built in the aat-chala style, and a temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
The Dakshineswar Kali Temple was founded by Rani Rashmoni, a Mahishya zamindar and a devoted follower of Goddess Kali. She had a divine vision instructing her to build a temple on the banks of the Ganges River instead of undertaking a pilgrimage to Kashi.
What is the architectural style of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
The main temple is built in the navaratna style, characterized by nine spires. It is a three-storeyed structure standing on a high platform with a flight of stairs. The surrounding Shiva temples exhibit the aat-chala Bengal architecture.
What deity is worshipped at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple?
The presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, a form of the goddess Kali. She is also known as Mahadevi or Parashakti Adya Kali, and Adishakti Kalika. The image depicts Kali standing on the chest of a supine Shiva.
What is the significance of Sri Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi to the temple?
The temple is closely associated with the 19th-century mystic Sri Ramakrishna, who served as the head priest for a period. His wife, Sarada Devi, also resided in the temple complex and is revered there. Their spiritual presence and teachings brought significant fame and pilgrims to the temple.
What are the key structures within the temple complex?
Besides the main nine-spired temple, the complex includes a large courtyard, twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva, a temple to Radha-Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river, and a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. Sri Ramakrishna's room and Sarada Devi's room are also preserved within the complex.
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