Dakshineswar Kali Temple

দক্ষিণেশ্বর কালী মন্দির

Rani Rashmoni’s nine-spired temple on the Hooghly, where Sri Ramakrishna lived.

About Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Rani Rashmoni, a wealthy widow of the Kaibarta caste, built this temple of Bhavatarini Kali and consecrated it in 1855 after, it is said, the goddess told her in a dream not to travel to Benares. The main temple is in the navaratna (nine-spired) style; along the river stand twelve identical Shiva temples, with a Radha-Krishna temple and a wide courtyard between. Sri Ramakrishna served here as priest and lived in a room in the north-west corner for about thirty years. His room, the Panchavati grove and the Nahabat where Sarada Devi stayed are kept as they were.

Why visit

The most loved temple in Bengal, and the best place to feel what the river means to the city.

What to see and do

The navaratna temple and the image of Bhavatarini
The twelve Shiva temples along the ghat
Sri Ramakrishna’s room
The river at sunset from the ghat

Plan your visit

Area: Dakshineswar, Baranagar & Dakshineswar
Nearest landmark: Dakshineswar, north of Baranagar
Best time: Morning or sunset. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 1½ hours
Cost: Free
Entry: An active place of worship that admits visitors; its own rules apply. Open daily with a long midday closure; exact hours are not currently verified.
Metro: Dakshineswar (Blue Line), then the skywalk to the temple
Train: Dakshineswar
Getting there: Ferries cross from the temple ghat to Belur Math; check timings at the jetty.
Parking: Paid parking near the approach road.
Walking: Some walking
Photography: Photography is restricted. No photography inside the complex.
Food nearby: Kachori and hing-er kochuri stalls line the skywalk approach.

Tip

Phones, cameras and bags are not allowed inside and must be left at the counters. Weekends and Tuesdays and Saturdays have long queues.

Nearby and related places

Belur Math: The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, on the west bank.
Adyapeath: A white temple of Adya Ma with three images set one above another.
Cossipore Udyanbati: The garden house where Sri Ramakrishna spent his last months.
Kripamayee Kali Temple: A nine-spired riverside Kali temple of 1848, older than Dakshineswar.
Kuthi Ghat: Baranagar’s old riverside ghat, named for the Dutch factory that stood here.

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.