Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Darshan, Aarti, Pooja, and Bhog Timings

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Kolkata, dedicated solely to Goddess Kali, who holds a significant place in Hindu beliefs. This sacred temple draws thousands of devotees, especially during major festivals like Navratri, Kali Puja, Snana Yatra, and Kalpataru Day. The temple is also known for its historical importance as it witnessed the spiritual bond between Sri Ramakrishna and Ma Sarada Devi in the 19th century. Every day, a large number of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Maa Kali, participate in Pooja, attend the Aarti, and offer Bhog with heartfelt devotion.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: A Sacred Abode of Maa Kali

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple (দক্ষিণেশ্বর কালী মন্দির) is one of the most well-known spiritual landmarks near Kolkata, situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. This grand temple is located just 2 km from Howrah Railway Station, making it easily accessible to devotees and tourists. It is renowned for its religious and historical importance, drawing thousands of visitors daily.

According to Hindu mythology, the temple holds the status of a Shakti Peeth, a sacred site where it is believed that the tongue of Goddess Sati fell. The temple complex is home to the grand shrine of Maa Kali, along with 12 small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and a temple of Radha-Krishna. This makes it a hub of spiritual energy and devotion.

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple also holds historical significance due to its association with the revered spiritual leader Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who attained his divine vision here. This iconic temple was constructed by Rani Rashmoni in 1847, further enhancing its cultural and religious relevance. Every day, a massive crowd of devotees gathers to offer prayers, perform various types of poojas, and seek the blessings of Maa Kali.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Darshan Timings

Here are the Darshan timings of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, along with the pooja and aarti schedules. These timings ensure that devotees can plan their visit accordingly for a peaceful and fulfilling spiritual experience.

Note: Timings may change during festivals or special occasions. It is recommended to check for updates before planning a visit.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Timings (Day-Wise Schedule)

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of devotion, history, and spirituality. Devotees from all parts of the country visit to experience the divine energy of the temple and participate in the various rituals, poojas, and aartis. Whether it’s the soothing sound of the bells, the fragrance of incense, or the spiritual ambiance, every moment here is a step closer to divine bliss.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Aarti & Bhog Timings: Complete Guide

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most revered temples in India, where thousands of devotees gather daily to seek the blessings of Maa Kali. The temple offers devotees the chance to witness the divine Aarti and also participate in the Bhog offering ritual. These rituals are performed daily at specific times to ensure that devotees can plan their visit accordingly. Below is a detailed explanation of the Aarti Timings, Bhog Timings, and the procedure for booking the Bhog at the temple.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Aarti Timings

In most Hindu temples, the Aarti is conducted twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening. The same tradition is followed at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and the timing varies depending on the season. Here is the complete schedule for the Aarti timings at the temple:

Note: The timing of Aarti may be extended during special festivals and auspicious occasions.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Bhog Timings

At the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, devotees can offer Bhog to Maa Kali as a symbol of devotion and gratitude. The temple has specific times for Bhog offerings, which are followed daily. Here are the details of the Bhog timings:

The Bhog is prepared in the temple’s kitchen with great care and devotion, and it is later distributed among devotees. Visitors are encouraged to offer Bhog as a way of seeking Maa Kali’s blessings.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Bhog Coupon Price & Booking Process

If you wish to offer Bhog at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, you need to book it in advance. The process is simple and ensures that every devotee gets a chance to make an offering. Here are the key details regarding the Bhog booking, coupon price, and distribution process:

To book the Bhog, you need to collect a coupon from the designated counter at the temple. The distribution of Bhog begins at 11:00 AM, and devotees can receive it as prasadam (blessed food). The coupon price is kept affordable so that every devotee can participate in this sacred ritual.

History of Dakshineswar Kali Temple

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, situated on the eastern banks of the Ganges River in Kolkata, is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Kali. Its history is rooted in faith, devotion, and divine intervention, making it a significant site for spiritual seekers. The temple’s origin dates back to the early 1800s when the area was a small village surrounded by dense forests.

The visionary behind this iconic temple was Rani Rashmoni, a well-known philanthropist and a devoted worshipper of Goddess Kali. It is believed that before embarking on a pilgrimage to Varanasi, Rani Rashmoni had a dream where Goddess Kali instructed her to construct a temple near the banks of the Ganges instead of traveling to Varanasi. Inspired by this divine message, Rani Rashmoni set out to fulfill the Goddess’s wish.

After exploring multiple locations, she chose a 20-acre plot by the Ganges. This land had significant spiritual importance, as part of it was a former Muslim burial ground, and another part was owned by a European named John Hasty, locally known as “Saheban Bagicha.” The land’s natural shape resembled a tortoise hump, considered an ideal spot for Shakti worship according to Tantra traditions. The combination of lands from different faiths symbolized the unity of all religions, a message that resonates through the temple’s history.

The construction of this grand temple took 8 years (1847 to 1855), with a total cost of around ₹9 lakh, of which ₹2 lakh was spent on the inauguration ceremony. The temple was officially inaugurated on May 31, 1855, during the auspicious occasion of ‘Snana Yatra’, a day celebrated with great reverence in Hindu tradition. On this special day, the temple welcomed more than one lakh Brahmins from across the country, who were also served a grand feast as part of the celebrations. The temple was named Sri Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali Temple in honor of Goddess Kali.

Initially, Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, the elder brother of Sri Ramakrishna, was appointed as the head priest of the temple. However, after his untimely death a year later, his brother Sri Ramakrishna (then known as Gadadhar) took over the priestly duties with the assistance of his nephew Hriday. Over the next 30 years, Sri Ramakrishna’s deep devotion and spiritual practices brought immense fame to the temple, attracting pilgrims and devotees from all over India. His wife, Sarada Devi, also played a significant role, residing in a part of the temple complex known as the Nahabat (music room), which is now a shrine dedicated to her.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the temple, as envisioned by Rani Rashmoni, was its openness to all, regardless of caste, religion, or social background. Her progressive vision allowed people from different walks of life to enter the temple and seek the blessings of Goddess Kali — a practice that continues to this day.

Sadly, Rani Rashmoni passed away on February 18, 1861, just five years after the temple’s inauguration. Realizing that her end was near, she handed over her property in Dinajpur (now part of Bangladesh) to the temple trust to ensure its continued maintenance. Her legacy of inclusiveness, devotion, and service continues to live on through the temple, which remains a major spiritual destination for millions of devotees from all over the world.