DAKSHINESHWAR KALI TEMPLE

Located on the banks of the Hooghly, it is the other important temple of the city dedicated to the goddess Kâlî. It is better to take the train or the metro to Dum Dum station and then catch a bus or a cab to get there. The site is worth the trip: the temple is much larger and cleaner than the Kali temple of Kalighat, even if it does not have as much authenticity.

Built in 1855, this temple is recognizable by its roof decorated with 9 spires. Inside the complex are 12 shrines dedicated to Shiva, the companion of Kâli. The ^19th century Indian sage Sri Ramakrishna officiated at the temple, and you can visit his bedroom. He founded a mission whose international headquarters, the amazing Belur Math, can be visited every day. This monastery contains a temple dedicated to Ramakrishna, a mausoleum dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who was cremated here in 1902, another dedicated to Sarada Devi, who was Ramakrishna's wife and spiritual companion, but also a museum and study facilities. To get there, go to the ghat behind the temple of Dakshineswar and take a small boat. The crossing takes 5 minutes but be careful, it is only open from 8am to 11am and from 4:30pm to 7pm. You can also walk on the quay until this immense tree where monkeys are fed by the faithful while beggars and untouchables will certainly ask you a coin. It is one of the paradoxes of India...