Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata – The Temple Complex

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata – The Temple Complex

This temple is facing towards south and covers an area of about 25 acres. The temple was built in the navaratna (nine pinnacles) style of Bengal architecture. The navaratna style of temple architecture consists of two main levels, each with four pinnacles at the corner of the roof and the top level (second level) has a central pinnacle. The temple can be accessed through an arched gateway on all sides. The temple stands on a high platform with a flight of stairs.

It measures 46 feet (14 m) square and rises over 100 feet (30 m) high. The sanctum enshrines an image of goddess Kali, known as  Bhavatarini / Adi Shakti Kalika, standing on the chest of a supine Shiva, and the two idols are placed on a thousand-petaled lotus throne made of silver. The exterior walls of the temple is decorated with male & female figurines, animals, floral motifs and geometrical patterns. The huge spacious Natmandir situated on the northern side exactly opposite to the main shrine.

It is a rectangular structure with flat roof. It is an open hall supported by 16 pillars. It measures 50 feet in length and 75 feet width. This hall is used for religious discourses and bhajans. There are the row of twelve identical Shiva temples situated close to the main shrine. These temples are facing towards east and follows typical aatchala style of architecture. They are built on either side of the ghat on the Hooghly river. All these temples houses a Shiva Linga representing the Jyotirlingas.

The Radha Kanta temple is situated to the north east of the temple complex. The temple stands over a raised platform and can be reached via flight of steps. The temple consists of columned verandah and three shrines. It is a rectangular structure with flat roof. The main shrine houses an idol of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The left side shrine houses the damaged original idol of Krishna and photographs of Ramakrishna & his consort Sarada Devi.

The right side shrines houses an idol of Jagannath, Lord Shiva and photograph of Ramakrishna. There is a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni can be seen in the temple premises. The Nahabat (the chamber), where Ramakrishna and his consort Sharada spent a considerable part of his life can be seen in the north western corner of the temple complex. There is a bathing ghat on the river for the benefit of devotees.