Of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India – the utmost variety of temples devoted to Adi Shakti (Mom Goddess) are within the state of West Bengal – from Kalighat temple within the coronary heart of bustling Kolkata metropolis to distant villages and mofussil townships like Kogram and Nalhati. The 13 Shaktipeeths in West Bengal are simply accessible by highway, and for all true seekers who want to go to these sacred locations, it’s a joyous journey of immeasurable blessings. Curiously, it’s not solely a journey by highway throughout tons of of kilometers, crisscrossing the state, however units off a far deeper, longer, and thrilling journey throughout the core of our being.
For these unaware, all of the 51 Shaktipeeths are temples that enshrine the completely different components of Adi Shakti’s (Maa Sati’s) physique, manifested as highly effective religious centres for these seekers who need to join with the primordial power of the divine female.
Bargabhima Shaktipeeth
My journey started with Bargabhima, popularly referred to as Vibhash Shaktipeeth in Tamluk area, about 85 kms from Kolkata in Purba Medinipur district. A brief flight of steps results in the temple advanced the place the terribly stunning idol of Maa Kali leaves one transfixed. It’s believed to be one of many oldest temples in West Bengal, established greater than a 1000 years in the past. The left ankle of Maa Sati had fallen right here. The temple advanced consists of many surrounding shrines. Taking centrestage within the huge courtyard is a sacred tree and on the opposite aspect is the holy tank.
There are various fascinating tales and legends related to the temple, down the ages – from the occasions of the Pandavas to India’s Freedom wrestle. It was initially imagined to have been constructed by Bhima, the mightiest of all Pandava brothers. Following the Islamic invasion in Bengal, the construction that we see now was constructed later. It’s stated that the well-known Indian revolutionary, Khudiram Bose, used to return and search blessings of Maa Kali right here.
After having darshan of the resplendent type of Maa Kali on the predominant temple, do make it a degree to go to the Bhairav and Hanuman temple on the entrance. Maa Sati can be referred to as Kapalini on this shaktipeeth, whereas her Bhairav right here is named Sarvanand.
Ratnavali Shaktipeeth
At a distance of about 86 kms from Kolkata, in Hoogly district of West Bengal, is Ratnavali Shaktipeeth, the place Maa Sati’s proper shoulder is enshrined. Her Bhairav right here is named Ghanteshwar and his temple itself attracts giant crowds from close by areas.
We reached right here early afternoon, however by that point the temple had closed. our predicament and understanding that we must wait for a lot of hours or return again with out having darshan of the Goddess, the priest kindly opened a small aspect window in order that we might see her idol. Perched precariously on damaged bricks I peered contained in the darkened sanctum sanctorum. It took a while for the eyes to regulate to the darkness, however sure I might clearly see the majestic type of Maa Kali. The power was electrifying and I nonetheless get goosebumps after I consider the second my eyes held her type – darker than the encompassing darkness. It was maybe her want that that is how we should always see her all encompassing darkish countenance, from which every part has emerged and at last merges.
I used to be knowledgeable that Maa Kali’s idol at Ratnavali is within the type during which the dacoits of Bengal used to worship her within the days of yore. Curiously, painted on the partitions of the temple are the names of all 51 Shaktipeeths with every corresponding physique a part of Maa Sati.
Shrinkhala Devi Shaktipeeth
Additionally situated in Hoogly district is the Shrinkhala Devi Shaktipeeth, the place the abdomen of Maa Sati had fallen. That is among the many 18 Maha Shaktipeeths. It’s now sadly a disputed web site as an Islamic minaret is constructed on the positioning of the temple, and no person is allowed to enter the precincts.
Standing exterior the partitions, as my eyes gazed wistfully on the surrounding ruins and the minaret constructed atop the temple, my coronary heart ached that I used to be unable to enter the sacred floor which housed the temple of Adi Shakti.
Nevertheless, as I took off my slippers and touched the partitions in reverence, I knew that my coronary heart had touched her presence.
Kalighat Shaktipeeth
Within the coronary heart of Kolkata metropolis is Dakshina Kalika, one of many 4 strongest Adi Shaktipeeths, the opposite three being Kamakhya in Guwahati, Bimala in Puri and Tara Tarini in Ganjam district of Odisha. I had first visited Kalighat in my childhood however have little reminiscence of the temple. Nevertheless my this go to’s reminiscence, I do know would by no means go away me until the day I go away this world. I’ll attempt to clarify the rationale if phrases can truly convey – the affect of Maa Kali’s eyes.
Even earlier than my very own eyes might absorb her stunning flower-decked visage, I might really feel the ability of her eyes virtually tangibly knocking me down. The eyes weren’t simply taking a look at me, however wanting by me, stripping away all of the falsities of my little self and my world, as I stood earlier than her empty of every part, other than the sunshine of my soul.
Amidst all of the pushing, jostling of the throng of devotees, at that electrifying second, I used to be alone together with her, wrapped in her timeless time. I’m nonetheless there, the place she had held me. The place else can I am going?
Essential data:
The right way to attain: All of the above Shaktipeeths are a brief drive from Kolkata metropolis.
Lodging: There are assorted lodging choices throughout Kolkata metropolis, for all finances classes. I used to be proud of my keep at Vacation Inn Airport, within the Rajarhat space.
Shaktipeeth guided excursions are organised throughout West Bengal by India Beacons Sojourn. WhatsApp contact: Anubha (8585007393) / Sandeep (9903295920).
(Sudipta is an power healer and mystical storyteller. Her assortment of brief tales ‘Invoking Our Interior Goddess’, ‘Mystical Tales Of Sacred Earth’, ‘The Blue God’s Love’ and ‘Enchanted Waters: The Magical Move Of Life’ can be found worldwide on Amazon Kindle.)
