Dakshineshwar Temple, Kolkata
For me….. Dakshineshwar Temple is one the most beautiful temple in the world. Not because it is a vital part of my childhood but also because it is for me the beginnings of my belief in the Almighty. My childhood memories of going to meet my family and grandparents at my native place in Kolkata has always included a trip to the temple.
My family is a strong believer of Kali to whom the temple is dedicated. In fact she is our family Goddess and this temple is the epitome of the belief. Going to the temple is actually homecoming for me. All my holidays in Kolkata or for that matter even all trips to the city of Kolkata have never been complete without a visit to Ma.
Dakshineshwar temple is dedicated to Ma Bhavatarini. It was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni the then Zamindar of Dakshineshwar. The temple is built in the nav-ratna architecture, a Bengal form of architecture. You can see many forms of this architecture in the terracotta temples in Bishnupur and Bankura districts of West Bengal.
In Hinduism any Kali or Devi temple cannot be complete without a Shiva temple. Dakshineshwar too is flanked by the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva Temples and the best part is….. it opens up to the Ganga (or the river Ganges). There is something really peaceful about the Ganga. I am not wildly spiritual but the mere dipping of feet in the Ganga calms you. The bathing ghat at Dakshineshwar is where numerous people take a dip at the Ganga before offering their prayers at the Kali temple.
You cant really talk of Dakshineshwar and Ma Kali without mentioning Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda. They are almost synonymous. Dakshineshwar was the grounds which helped to Gadai (Ramakrishna) reach heights of spirituality.
For me this temple is most peaceful, most cleanest and the most spiritual of all temples. Too many superlatives ehh :D……… but its just the way I feel.
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| The main temple built in 1855 |
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| These are 6 of the total 12 Shiva Jyotirlinga temples. |
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| People taking a dip in the Ganga ghat…… across the Ganga is Belur. |
What a delightful place!<br /><br />I'd love to visit here someday!<br /><br />Thanks for letting me visit through your link to the letter D.<br /><br />A+
what a gorgeous place!
Really very divine place….
What magnificent pictures. They're very beautiful.
Beautiful photo that is perfect for today. I visited India on a Fulbright in 1986 and have never forgotten the experience and the people!
Great pics indeed..Thanks for sharing!<br /><br />Murthy.ABCW Team
Amazing temple! Simply amazing! I wish I could visit it one day…
Beautiful!
Amazing details! It looks like a lot of effort went into building this temple.
Very lovely Temple.
Magnificent and beautiful temple!<br /><br /><a href="http://maremag.blogspot.com.es/2014/05/t-is-for-tea-time.html" rel="nofollow">T is for…</a>
Very beautiful!
Place often has an impact on one's spiritual journey; has with mine. And yours is lovely.<br />ROG, ABCW
Your religion is so colourful and rich, which is recognizable in your temples. They are built with so much love and care that each of your gods and goddesses cannot but love you for it.<br />Thank you for sharing!<br />Wil, ABCW Team
Terrific…it looks fairly new.<br /><br />Leslie<br />abcw team
Great shots, I wanted to feature the first shot but it said not to copy.
Such beautiful architecture, so ornate and intricate. I agree with Jane, great composition in the first shot!
A most impressive temple. Fine photograph looking up.
Magnificent architecture. Thanks for linking up.<br /><br />Mersad<br /><a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Mersad Donko Photography</a>
Nice perspective..I have never been to Kolkatta..should rectify that soon..
very nice indeed! I could look at it for hours at all the details.
Wow – stunning!
Very beautiful! I love the warm colors, the architecture style and the way you composed the main temple under the arch.
What a marvellous temple!!!
Wow, simply a place where I can get all the peace of mind is the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple. Did not get the chance to visit from so many years. Hope will reach there soon.