Dakshineswar Kali Temple in West Bengal Legend behind Kali Temple Dakshineswar

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Dakshineswar Temple

Mahakail in Rani's Dreams

The majestic Dakshineswar temple is dedicated to mother Goddess Kali. It is one of the largest temples of Kolkata. It is a world famous place of pilgrimage and it was here that the famous religious thinker and the guru of Swami Vivekananda, Rama Krishna Paramahamsa achieved his spiritual vision and preached the unity of all religions.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Calcutta, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh. This temple was built by Rani Rasmani in 1855. It is believed that she was instructed by Goddess Kali in her dream to construct this temple.

THE LEGEND
Rasmani was born in a poor family. From a very young age she was devoted to Goddess kali. She grew up into a beautiful young woman. A rich landlord from Kolkata observed her beauty and decided to marry her. And so Rasmani became the wife of Rajchandra Das and a rich woman overnight. For years they lived happily and had four daughters. After her husband’s death, the management of the estate fell on Rasmani’s shoulders. She managed everything with patience, intelligence and love. Her courage and fearlessness came from her devotion to Kali.

In the year 1847, Rani Rasmani decided to go upon a long pilgrimage to Benaras to express her devotions to the Divine Mother. Rani was to travel in twenty four boats, carrying relatives, servants and supplies. But the night before the pilgrimage began Goddess Kali appeared to Rani in a dream and said: " Why do you go all the way to Benaras to see me? There is no need. Install my image on the banks of the Ganga and I shall manifest myself in that image and accept your daily worship ".
Profoundly affected by the dream, Rani cancelled her pilgrimage and decided to construct the temple. She started hunting high and low for a suitable spot to build the temple. Her ordeal came to an end when she bought a sprawling 25 acres of land at Dakshineswar on the eastern bank of the Ganges.

The construction work was completed in 1855. It took eight years and a lot of expense for the temple to be finally completed. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is constructed along the lines of the Chura style, with a cluster of towers, a central dome and a two layered roof. A lovely black image of Kali was made of basalt and finally the installation of the image took place on 31st may, 1855. Rani decided to bring all people together regardless of caste, creed and religion. And so temple gates were open to all.

The first priest of Dakshineswar temple was Ramkumar. A year after the temple opening, Ramkumar died leaving the temple responsibility to his brother Ramakrishna Paramahansa. From then until his death 30 years later in 1886, Ramakrishna was responsible for bringing much in the way of both fame and pilgrims to the temple. He had worshipped Kali, the Divine Mother, and did his sadhana at the Panchavati Garden adjacent to the temple.

In 1861, Rasmani fell seriously ill. On February 18, she breathed her last. This pious woman was single-handedly responsible for building the most famous temple in West Bengal. Her devotion to Kali can be seen in the splendour and beauty of the temple.

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