Annapurna Temple (Rani Rashmoni Temple)

Hours: Summer: 5:30am-12:30pm & 4-8pm; Winter: 6am-1pm& 3:30-8pm
Entry: Free
One of Barrackpore's most beautiful religious sites, the Annapurna Temple was commissioned by Jagadamba Devi, youngest daughter of Rani Rashmoni (the legendary philanthropist who built the Dakshineswar Temple in Kolkata). Construction began around 1870 and took five years; the temple was inaugurated on 12th April 1875, and the occasion was graced by the presence of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa himself, who was not only present at the inauguration but had participated in the selection of the building site. The temple's architecture, inspired by the Dakshineswar complex, is of the nabaratna (nine-spired) style: four ratnas on the first floor and five on the second, creating a cascading silhouette that is especially photogenic in the golden light of morning or evening. The deity worshipped here is Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment. Devotees receive anna bhog (a full meal offering of rice, vegetables, dal and sweets). Visit during the morning or evening aarti, at 5:30am and 7pm respectively, for the full sensory experience.