Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata: Timings, History and How to Reach

Facts checked November 2026.

For many families, a visit to Kolkata is not complete without darshan of Maa Bhavatarini at Dakshineswar and a quiet moment in the room where Sri Ramakrishna lived. This guide covers the history, timings, how to reach by Metro, and how to combine Dakshineswar with Belur Math and Kalighat.

This page is part of our 51 Shakti Peeth List guide. Planning the yatra? See our Shakti Peeth yatra packages.

What is the history of Dakshineswar Kali Temple?

According to India’s official tourism portal, Rani Rashmoni built the temple after a dream in which the Goddess asked her to build it near the Ganga. She bought a 20-acre plot on the eastern bank, and construction took about eight years. The idols were installed on 31 May 1855, the day of Snana Yatra, and about one lakh Brahmins were fed. The temple was formally named Sri Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali temple.

Sri Ramakrishna spent 14 years in his room at the temple, and devotees still visit it. He did 12 years of intense spiritual practice at the Panchavati, and Sarada Maa bathed at the Bakul Tala Ghat. These spots are still visited by devotees today.

What is inside the temple complex?

What are the Dakshineswar temple timings?

India’s official tourism portal lists the temple as open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. The portal does not give a detailed schedule, such as aarti times or any midday break, and timings can change on Kali Puja night and other festivals. We could not find an official temple website to confirm detailed daily timings; a website using the temple’s name now shows unrelated content, so do not use it for bookings or donations. Confirm at the temple office on the day before you plan a tight day.

How to reach Dakshineswar from Kolkata?

Metro is the easiest way for most families, because it avoids road traffic in north Kolkata and the skywalk takes you almost to the temple gate. Check current Metro timings with Metro Railway Kolkata before you travel.

What rules should we follow at Dakshineswar?

• Dress modestly, as for any Kali temple; keep shoulders and knees covered.
• Leave footwear at the shoe stands before entering the courtyard.
• Follow the guards on photography, and do not take photos inside the sanctum unless staff allow it.
• Keep bags small. Buy flowers and offerings from shops near the gate, and agree the price first.

When is the best time to visit Dakshineswar?

• Season: India’s official tourism portal lists Kolkata at about 10.9–29.8 °C in January and 21.8–39.0 °C in May, so the winter months are easiest for elders. The monsoon months bring heavy rain.
• Time of day: early morning, soon after opening, has the shortest queues.
• Kali Puja: held on the new moon (Amavasya) of Ashwayuja or Kartika, usually October or November. Incredible India lists Dakshineswar and Kalighat as the main venues in Kolkata. Expect very large crowds that night.
• Snana Yatra day: the temple’s foundation day, when Maa was installed in 1855.

How do we combine Dakshineswar with Belur Math and Kalighat?

Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, is across the river. As per Belur Math, it is open from 6:30 to 11:30 am all year, and in the afternoon from 3:30 to 8:30 pm (April to September) or 4:00 to 9:00 pm (October to March). After the evening aratrikam bell, devotees may sit only in the Sri Ramakrishna temple.

Kalighat, a Shakti Peeth, is in south Kolkata, so give it a separate morning. See our Kalighat temple guide. For a wider list, read famous Kali temples in India and our Tarapith temple guide.

A simple plan: Dakshineswar at opening time, Belur Math before 11:30 am, lunch, and Kalighat the next morning. Our Kalighat Gangasagar Darshan Yatra covers Kalighat, Dakshineswar and Belur Math with Gangasagar. Planning for Makar Sankranti? Read the Gangasagar Mela guide.

Is Dakshineswar easy for senior citizens?

Yes. The temple is on flat ground by the river, and the Metro skywalk avoids crossing busy roads. The main strain is the queue in the courtyard, which can be long and hot by midday. Go early, carry water, and let elders rest in the Natamandir while one family member holds the place in the line.

Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687, or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Dakshineswar Kali Temple?

Rani Rashmoni built it on a 20-acre plot by the Ganga. The idols were installed on 31 May 1855, on Snana Yatra day.

What are the Dakshineswar temple timings?

India’s official tourism portal lists 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Timings can change on festivals such as Kali Puja, so confirm locally on the day.

Which Metro station is nearest to Dakshineswar temple?

Dakshineswar Metro station on the north-south line of Kolkata Metro, about 300 metres from the temple and linked to it by a skywalk.

Which goddess is worshipped at Dakshineswar?

Maa Bhavatarini, a form of Kali, shown standing on Shiva on a thousand-petalled silver lotus.

What is the link between Sri Ramakrishna and Dakshineswar?

Sri Ramakrishna spent 14 years in his room at the temple. His room and the Panchavati, where he did his sadhana, are part of the complex.

Is Dakshineswar a Shakti Peeth?

Dakshineswar is not usually counted among the Shakti Peeths. Kalighat in south Kolkata is the Shakti Peeth in the city.

Can we see Dakshineswar and Belur Math on the same day?

Yes. Belur Math is across the river and is open 6:30 to 11:30 am, then again in the afternoon and evening, so a morning at both is easy.