Every time I visit Kolkata, I try to visit the Kali Temple in Dakshineshwar near Kolkata. I have been doing so since I was in college (i.e. since 1986). During my college days, whenever I used to feel like, I used to catch a bus from Esplanade and get down at Dakshineshwar Station. From there, I used to walk to the Temple.
A lot has changed over these last 30+ years. However, the visit to the Temple still brings peace to my mind. The security around the temple has been beefed up. Now, one cannot enter with Mobile Phones, etc. Though there are 2 car parkings inside the Temple premises, the access road being under construction make them inaccessible at the moment. The traditional shops along the road to the temple have been removed. Now, there is a building housing all the shops. The premises are lot more cleaner now.
I still follow the same routine I used to follow back in 1980s. I go to the temple early in the morning. I usually start from my house at around 6 AM after taking bath and without having anything to eat. I reach the temple by around 7:30 AM. I finish visiting the temple and going around all the Siva Lingas by around 9:00 AM. Then, I fill a bottle with water from the Ganges. Then I come out of the temple. I straight to the food shops. I have the same Chachori and Dal and some sweets along with Tea. Then I head back home.
