Kolkata, Oct. 12 (ANI): Hundreds of devotees gathered at the historical Dakshineshwar Temple near Kolkata to observe ‘Kali Puja.’

Kali Puja is celebrated in October.

“All over India when people celebrate Diwali, lighting the lamps, for Bengalis the main thing is Kali Puja. What we do is we do Puja of Maa Kali and Dakshineshwar is one of the most famous temples where we perform the Puja,” said Debolina Roy, a devotee.

Devotees from across the country visit the temple every day to perform Kali Puja.

Unlike many other temples, animals are not sacrificed at the Dakshineshwar Temple.

“Our Puja’s basic thing is we are duty bound to pray our mother for the welfare, not only for the human beings but also for the animals. Here there is no animal sacrifice in the name of religion,” said Kushal Chowdhury, one of the trustees and secretary of Dakshineswar Temple.

The Dakshineshwar Temple was made famous through its association with Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the spiritual Guru of Swami Vivekananda.

The construction of the temple started in 1847. Queen Rasmani, the renowned queen of Janbazar, founded this temple. It is believed that she was instructed by the Goddess Kali in her dream to construct this temple.

The construction of the temple was completed in 1855. (ANI)