Dakshineswar was a small settlement in the early 1800s, surrounded by the deep forest around the location where the current temple stands. In the early 1800s, Dakshineswar was a small village surrounded by dense forest on the site of the existing temple. The night before she was to leave for Varanasi, she had a dream about the Goddess telling her that instead of going all the way to Varanasi, she should build a temple along the Ganges and erect a statue.

Rani immediately began making plans to construct a temple. She zeroed down on a 20-acre tract of land near the eastern banks of the Ganges, part of which had a Muslim burial cemetery that also resembled a tortoise hump, which Tantra traditions thought suited for worshipping Shakti. Another section of the land belonged to a European named John Hasty, and it was dubbed Saheban Bagicha by the locals. The erection of a Hindu temple on land that once belonged to people of various religions symbolizes the oneness of all faiths.

During the next thirty years of his service to the almighty mother Goddess, Ramakrishna was a major factor in bringing tremendous fame and pilgrims to the temple. He became a devout follower of Kali and was responsible for several changes in Bengal's socio-religious climate.

The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is constructed in the Nava-Ratna (nine spires) style, which is highly common in traditional Bengali architecture. The main Kali temple is a three-story south-facing structure with nine spires on the upper two levels. The main temple is around 46 square feet in size and stands on a high platform with a set of stairs, giving it a height of almost 100 feet (30m). There is an audience chamber with a thinly covered verandah. In addition, a large Natmandir has been constructed just in front of the temple.

The deity's idol is kept in the Garbha Griha. The Kali at Dakshineswar is known as Bhavatarini, and she stands on Shiva's chest while he is recumbent. The two statues are supported by a thousand-petaled lotus fashioned entirely of pure silver. The main temple's courtyard is flanked by 12 similar tiny Shiva temples that stand in a row, facing east, with black and white stone interiors. A Shivalinga constructed of black stone can be found at each temple. The temples were built in the traditional Bengal architectural style of 'Aat- Chala' (eight eaves). 

The 12 Shiva temples were built in the shape of 12 jyotirlingas. Sri Ramakrishnan Paramhansa is supposed to have attained enlightenment while meditating at these Shiva temples. At the northeast end of the main temple is a Vishnu shrine with Radha and Krishna idols. This temple, also known as Radha Kanta's temple, is situated on a high platform with a flight of stairs leading to the interior. The Lord Krishna idol in the Vishnu temple is 21 and a half inches tall, while Radha's idol is 16 inches tall.

• If you are a worshiper, then you can go and always pray to the Goddess.
• The view of the entire place is very beautiful and calming to the eyes. 
• You can also take a bath in the Holy Ganges.

• Visit the temple before 12 noon as the crowd gets higher and higher after that.
• Don't forget to purchase some offerings (coconut and flowers) from the flower market opposite the temple for about 20 rupees. The police directions will help you get there.
• Before entering the shrine, you must remove your shoes. Leave them at the next-door police station. If you leave your shoes outdoors with the crowds, they are very likely to go missing.

The best time to visit is from 6 am to 8 pm. It is best during the summers, as in winters, the weather can be very problematic, especially for the kids. You can visit throughout the year as the weather is not a problem in Kolkata.

• Gaji Tala
• Kuthi Bhari
• Nahabat Khana
• Belur Math
• Adyapith

• The massive temple structure was constructed for eight years, from 1845 to 1855, for INR 9 lakhs, including INR 2 lakhs invested on the day of inauguration. 
• The idols of the Gods and Goddesses were to be installed on May 31, 1855, the snana-yatra' day, which is considered auspicious by Hindus.
• Over a hundred thousand Brahmins from all over the country were invited to attend the festivities and were fed. 
• Sri Jagadishwari Mahakali temple was the official name of the temple.