Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a holy place of Hindus. It is sited at Dakshineswar near Kolkata. The temple is worshipped and visited in the honour of Goddess Bhavatarini who is a facet of Goddess Kali. The temple has gained its solid structure by Rani Rashmoni who is a philanthropist and an aficionado of Kali. The most stunning temple of India is Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The temple’s compound is very well maintained and neat and clean. Its location is near to the Ganga river. Accompanied by this temple there exists 12 Shiv temples and Radha-Krishna shrines. It is stretched over wide area. Another name of Dakshineswar Kali Temple is Navaratna Temple.The name of Goddess Bhavatarini signifies that Devi liberates her devotees from the ocean of existence i.e. Sa?s?ra’. The temple of Dakshineswar Kali consists of so many memories devoted to Sri Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi (wife of Ramakrishna).
Getting There
One can reach Kolkatta by mean of three modes: road, rail and air. Regular bus services are provided by West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC), The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC) and Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) to connect Kolkatta to many other cities and states. Kokatta is also well equipped by good rail network and the trains like Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express connects Kokatta to many other cities and states. The airport which is nearest to the city is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport which carried out the journey through air. After reaching kokatta one can reach the shrine by hiring local bus or taxi.
Security And Some Tips
There are many security services at Kolkatta which are provided to people for safety and protection. These security services are Royal India Securitaus, Secura Security, 4 Star Security, Life Guard Management PVT LTD and Apex Services etc. Yatris should not carry cash and ornaments with them. They should keep their luggage at safe and secure place.
When To Visit
The best day to visit the temple is Wednesday or Thursday. Its timings are from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is opened all the days of the week. The duration of visiting the shrine is 2 to 3 hours. There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
What To See And Do
The temple is very big in area. There is a big ground at the entrance of the shrine. The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard. It’s boundary walls consists of rooms. It follows the Bengali architecture. It structure follows the format of ‘Nava-ratna’ or nine spires. This temple is placed on high platform having a series of steps. The presiding deity of Bhavataraini is placed in garbha griha, erected on the chest of Shiva. These two deities reside on thousand-petaled lotus which is made of silver. The presiding deity is made up of black stone. The head of the goddess is covered with a golden crown. The Devi is decorated with jewelry and garlands. It consists of a protruding red tongue. The aarti of devi takes place during the morning and evening time. Holy bhog (food) is distributed as Prasad.
Where To Stay
There are many dharamshalas at Dakshineswar Kali Temple which provide stay at economical price. These dharamshalas are Binani Dharamshala, Bisale Jone Kalyan, Satyanarayan Mandir, Digambar Jain Dharmashala, Binani Dharamshala and Kanoria Dharamshala etc.
Where Else To Stay
There are many hotels near this temple which provide stay along with luxury. These hotels are: The Peerless Inn – Kolkata, Hotel Heera, Neeranand, Dalhousie Hotel, The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata, Lytton Hotel, Hotel Diplomat and Sapphire Suites etc.
Festivals
The festival of Durga Puja is celebrated at Dakshineswar Kali Temple with pomp and vigor. People from distant places come here to enjoy the festival and get blessed from Devi. This is the best time to visit the shrine.
Side trips
There are many places to visit around Dakshineswar Kali Temple. These places are: Sri Ghanteswar Mahadev Mandir, Church Of Our Lady Of Dolours, Nakhoda Mosque, Hind Palace Cinema, St Mark’s Church, Osmond Memorial Church and Raja Ram Mohan Roy Memorial etc.
Travel Tips
Yatris should take video camera with them in order to trap each and every activity of the whole trip. They should also take a personal diary for having the written record of the whole trip along with the feelings and emotions at that period of time. They should also hire a tourist guide for having the complete knowledge of the shrine including its history. They should also take first aid for curing frequent injury.
Hence, the only way to gain spiritual and divine strength and power is Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
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