--- product_id: 9799410 title: "Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar" price: "R1180" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9799410-kali-the-black-goddess-of-dakshineswar store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Highly rated & beloved In-depth cultural insight Authentic spiritual rituals Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar **Price:** R1180 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 📖 Unlock the divine mysteries of Kali—where devotion meets storytelling brilliance! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar - **How much does it cost?** R1180 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9799410-kali-the-black-goddess-of-dakshineswar) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Accessible & Engaging Read:** No prior knowledge required—crafted to welcome curious minds and deepen devotion with poetic reflections and emotional depth. - • **Immersive Cultural Journey:** Step inside Kolkata’s iconic Dakshineswar temple and experience the living tradition of Kali worship like never before. - • **Timeless Spiritual Classic:** First published in 1993, this book remains a definitive guide and a must-have for anyone drawn to Hindu mysticism. - • **Expertly Balanced Storytelling:** A perfect blend of scholarly knowledge and vivid personal travel narratives that captivate both novices and enthusiasts. - • **Rich Ritual & Festival Details:** Discover the vibrant daily pujas and grand festivals that bring the goddess Kali’s presence to life. ## Overview Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar by Elizabeth U. Harding is a richly detailed exploration of the worship of Goddess Kali at Kolkata’s Dakshineswar temple. Combining historical facts, vivid descriptions of rituals and festivals, and inspiring stories of saints, this book offers an accessible yet profound introduction to Kali worship. Praised for its immersive narrative and balanced scholarship, it remains a top-rated essential for spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike. ## Description Kali, The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar by Elizabeth U. Harding provides a wealth of information about the worship of the Goddess Kali. This book gives an intimate and detailed description of Kolkata's famous Dakshineswar temple and Ma Bhavatarini, the form of Kali worshipped there. Learn about the temple's festivals & daily rituals, and discover inspiring accounts of some of this traditions ecstatic saints. A great introduction to Kali worship. Review: A MUST READ - I envy those of you who haven’t read this book yet. I’ve seen it being recommended zillion times by different people, but got my hands (eyes) on it only now. This is a magnificent book. It is very experiential and atmospheric, with such storytelling of a good binge worthy TV series. Doesn’t require prior knowledge of Hindu culture at all. It will walk you through the abode of the Kali Ma in Dakshineswar, narrate you the life of Ramakrishna and other saints and mystics, whose lifes were devoted to Devi; it will immerse you in different lilas and multiple layers of devotion. It has history, facts, stories, immense attention to detail, but also - poetry, reflections, emotions and ‘juice’. It is something of a ‘starter-pack’ in situation, where you definitely feel ‘the pull’ but don’t know where to look next. For me, personally, it was like continuation of the same thread. Many years ago the first time I heard about Ramakrishna from Krisha Das. Then reading “The gospel of Shri Ramakrishna”. Then finding the refuge for the soul in Ramakrishna’s temple in Delhi and witnessing Kali puja for the first time. I’ve read many (many) books in this field, but this one really stands out. First published in 1993, today it is still one of a kind. What an offering to Devī, what a book. Om Shri Matre Namah ! Review: Halfway through the book and can't put it down! - While I haven't completed the book yet, I'm so happy I bought this! I was a religious studies major in school, so am utterly fascinated by the subject. It's a very easy and pleasant read. You don't have to have my major to understand it. It's written with tons of knowledge but balanced by simplicity and creativity. My favorite aspect is the hybrid nature of it. It goes over the mythology and practical knowledge you need on the goddess, yet it also incorporates the author's travel and experiences so well that I could see it appealing to travel enthusiasts, as well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the book, but my thanks to the author and I encourage you to pick up a copy! Oh, there's also just the right amount of pictures to help enrich your experience but not bog down the power of the written word! ## Features - Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #194,234 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #168 in New Age Reference (Books) #754 in Hinduism (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 166 Reviews | ## Images ![Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmojVx+FL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A MUST READ *by L***S on January 4, 2026* I envy those of you who haven’t read this book yet. I’ve seen it being recommended zillion times by different people, but got my hands (eyes) on it only now. This is a magnificent book. It is very experiential and atmospheric, with such storytelling of a good binge worthy TV series. Doesn’t require prior knowledge of Hindu culture at all. It will walk you through the abode of the Kali Ma in Dakshineswar, narrate you the life of Ramakrishna and other saints and mystics, whose lifes were devoted to Devi; it will immerse you in different lilas and multiple layers of devotion. It has history, facts, stories, immense attention to detail, but also - poetry, reflections, emotions and ‘juice’. It is something of a ‘starter-pack’ in situation, where you definitely feel ‘the pull’ but don’t know where to look next. For me, personally, it was like continuation of the same thread. Many years ago the first time I heard about Ramakrishna from Krisha Das. Then reading “The gospel of Shri Ramakrishna”. Then finding the refuge for the soul in Ramakrishna’s temple in Delhi and witnessing Kali puja for the first time. I’ve read many (many) books in this field, but this one really stands out. First published in 1993, today it is still one of a kind. What an offering to Devī, what a book. Om Shri Matre Namah ! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Halfway through the book and can't put it down! *by J***N on January 30, 2019* While I haven't completed the book yet, I'm so happy I bought this! I was a religious studies major in school, so am utterly fascinated by the subject. It's a very easy and pleasant read. You don't have to have my major to understand it. It's written with tons of knowledge but balanced by simplicity and creativity. My favorite aspect is the hybrid nature of it. It goes over the mythology and practical knowledge you need on the goddess, yet it also incorporates the author's travel and experiences so well that I could see it appealing to travel enthusiasts, as well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the book, but my thanks to the author and I encourage you to pick up a copy! Oh, there's also just the right amount of pictures to help enrich your experience but not bog down the power of the written word! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very well written *by M***I on March 31, 2000* This book is extremely well written. Her descriptions are excellent. I wish I had read the book before going to the temple. This is not an easily read book. It's more like an academic course, only one penned by a professor that can really write. By the time you finish this book you feel like you have really learned something- not just about Kali but about India and about mythology and religion as well. Because of the subject matter and stark cover photo, this is the kind of book that will have strangers come up to you and ask what you're reading. Because of it's well written and well researched content- you are actualyy going to be able to tell them. Take it Starbuck's and you'll meet someone gauranteed. ## Frequently Bought Together - Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar - Tantric Kali: Secret Practices and Rituals - Simple Kali Puja: Instructions for Ritualistic Worship of Dakshina Kali --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9799410-kali-the-black-goddess-of-dakshineswar](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9799410-kali-the-black-goddess-of-dakshineswar) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-09-27*