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The Dakshineswar Kali Temple (Bengali: দক্ষিনেশ্বর কালী মন্দির Dokkhineshshôr Kali Mondir, Sanskrit: दक्षिणेश्वर काली मन्दिर) is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata. It is considered one of the one of the important pilgrimage centers of India. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, literally meaning, 'She who takes Her devotees across the ocean of existence'.

The temple compound has temples dedicated to three major Hindu faiths.... apart from the nine-spired main temple, contains a large courtyard surrounding the temple, with rooms along the boundary walls. There are twelve shrines dedicated to the aspects of Shiva, Kali's companion, along the riverfront, a temple to Radha-Krishna, a bathing ghat on the river, a shrine to Rani Rashmoni. The chamber in the northwestern corner just beyond the last of the Shiva temples, is where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa spent a considerable part of his life.

Dakshineswar temple complex
The Dakshineswar temple complex is located on the banks of the river Hoogly. The Temple complex includes a tall nin-turret temple of Kali, a temple for the Radha Krishna, and a string of twelve temples dedicated to Shiva. The temples dedicated three major Hindu cults is considered unique. The complex overlooks the Belur Math monastery across the river—the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Kali Temple
The main attraction in the temple complex is the Kali Temple. The temple is built in the traditional 'Nava-ratna' or nine spires style of Bengal architecture, the three-storeyed south-facing temple has nine spires distributed in upper two storeys, and stands on a high platform with a flight of stairs, over all it measures 46 feet square and rises over 100 feet high.

The garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) houses an idol of goddess Kali idol, known as Bhavataraini, standing on the chest of a lying Shiva, and the two idols are placed on a thousand-petaled lotus made of silver.

Bhavatarini
The presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali, literally meaning, 'She who takes Her devotees across the ocean of existence'.

Shiva's temples
The main temple has a spacious courtyard, and followed by a row of twelve identical Shiva temples located on the riverfront.

built facing the east in the typical ‘Aat Chala’ Bengal architecture, they are built on either side of the ghat on the Hoogly river. To the North east of the Temple Complex is the Vishnu Temple or the Radha Kanta’s Temple. A flight of steps lead to the columned verandah and into the temple where a silver throne rests with a 21 and half inches idol of Lord Krishna and 16 inches idol of Radha.

Ramakrishna's room
A full-length marble statue of Ramkrishna has been installed in the corner room facing the Ganga on the western side of the temple. Ramkrishna stayed in this room for more than 16 years.

Nahabat or musical towers


Sarada Devi stayed at one of the Nahabats.