Lower than a 100 kms from Kolkata is town of Burdwan, which isn’t solely well-known for its wealthy multi-cultural heritage but additionally the hanging Bengali architectural legacy. This quintessential architectural heritage is seen within the temples. One of many sacred landmarks within the metropolis is the 108 Shiva Mandir constructed within the yr 1809 by Maharaja Tej Chandra Bahadur. The complicated of 108 Shiva temples is frequented by each locals and vacationers. I felt blessed and lucky to stroll round all of the 108 temples, reciting Óm Namah Shivaya. The mantra appeared to resonate within the peaceable environs of the temple complicated, the attractive lake, and the encircling bushes and vegetation.
Whereas this temple complicated is close to town, the Shaktipeeths are a distant away in distant villages in Burdwan district. So Shaktipeeth darshan throughout West Bengal isn’t solely a pilgrimage to reconnect with our essence of the divine female, but additionally soak within the pure great thing about rural Bengal. As nature is a manifestation of the Goddess herself, it’s not stunning that many of the shrines devoted to her are positioned close to water our bodies and inexperienced areas.
Shri Mangal Chandi Shaktipeeth
Positioned in a sleepy little village of Kogram is the Shri Mangal Chandi temple (Ujaani Shaktipeeth), the place the left elbow of the Goddess is discovered. Right here she is worshipped as Mahishasur Mardini (Goddess Durga). This can be a small temple, managed privately by the Roy household for a lot of generations. With the twenty second era taking good care of the temple now. Curiously, her Bhairav known as Kapilambar is in the identical sanctum sanctorum.
After we reached there, we have been the one devotees, and I realised that not too many individuals can be frequenting on common days. I used to be nevertheless knowledgeable that in occasions of festivities, large crowds collect right here to smooth the blessings of the Goddess. As with all different Shaktipeeths, right here too was a outstanding water physique, the river Ajay, flowing proper behind the temple.
Shri Jogadya Shaktipeeth
About 45 minutes drive away is the Jogdaya Shaktipeeth in Kshirgram, location of the Goddess’ proper toe. Earlier than visiting the temple we went to pay our respects at Maa-er Baari (the Mom’s Home). Right here there was no statue of the Goddess, however a blocked tunnel, from the place it’s believed she had emerged. The story goes that Hanuman had gone to Pataal Lok (realm positioned underneath the earth) to rescue Shri Ram and Lakshman from the demon king Mahiravan, who dominated the nether world. Mahiravan had mastered occult arts and was an incredible devotee of Goddess Kali. After defeating him, when Hanuman emerged from this tunnel, he introduced the idol of the Goddess and she or he adopted him from Pataal Lok. Later she was named as Jogadya and has been worshipped right here since ages.
A neighborhood woman knowledgeable us that there are snakes guarding the tunnel’s entrance and as it’s a sacred portal from which the Goddess got here, the house is revered. As there is no such thing as a idol, I attempted to take a pic of the Goddess’s {photograph} within the adjoining room, however I used to be instantly warned not to take action. The locals stated that the {photograph} is so highly effective that we can not preserve it with us at house. However sure, they did permit me to take a pic of the room with the mattress the place they are saying the Goddess got here and slept each evening (for each morning they proceed to discover a crumpled sheet).
A brief distance away is a white marble temple, the place the unique idol of the Goddess is underneath water. As this idol was discovered within the pond, it’s believed that that is the place she desires to be, so annually (for twenty-four hours) within the month of Might, the idol is taken out, worshipped with all rituals and once more submerged. Because the temple is partially underneath water, no one is ready to entry it. Nevertheless, subsequent to the unique shrine, is a brand new construction, which homes one other lovely statue of the Goddess as Mahishasur Mardini (slayer of the demon Mahishasur) and worshipped by throngs of devotees who come right here day by day.
Like all different Shaktipeeths, there’s a cremation floor close by, and the Bhairav temple is a brief stroll away via slim bylanes. Her Bhairav is called as Khireswar and his temple is at an elevation. One has to take a brief flight of steps to succeed in the sanctum sanctorum, however it’s well worth the effort as together with in search of blessings within the historic temple, one can soak within the peaceable environs and benefit from the surrounding village view from the situation.
Bahula Shaktipeeth
From Kshirgram, it took us about an hour to succeed in Bahula Shaktipeeth in Ketugram, which is roughly 32 kms away. The left arm of Maa Sati is enshrined on this shaktipeeth, and the Goddess right here is thought to fulfil the needs of all those that come in search of blessings. Within the sanctum sanctorum, the fantastically decked idol of the Goddess is flanked by her sons Ganesh and Kartikeya, and Bhairav, her divine consort, is called Bhiruk.
Although the doorway is thru a slim lane, the temple complicated could be very peaceable. I didn’t keep right here for lengthy, however the deep sense of peace and groundedness I felt right here has stayed with me for a very long time. And each time I consider Bahula Shaktipeeth, I relive these moments once more.
Kiriteswari Shaktipeeth
At a distance of about 82 kms from Bahula Shaktipeeth is one other vital temple – Kiriteswari Shaktipeeth, in Kiriteswari village of Murshidabad district. That is the place the entrance a part of Maa Sati’s cranium had fallen. The phrase Kirit really means “crown”, therefore the identify Kiriteswari. A lot as I might have wished to, I didn’t get a possibility to discover the village, which had gained in 2023 the ‘Greatest Tourism Village of India’ award by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Kiriteswari Shaktipeeth is the focus of all cultural and non secular actions on this village.
The priest knowledgeable that the previous temple was destroyed in an earthquake, and the construction constructed as a replacement has an attention-grabbing mixture of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural fashion. Within the sanctum sanctorum too this mix is seen. Curiously, the idol of the Goddess isn’t saved within the temple, and an intricately crafted stone representing the crown is worshipped. Her eyes on the stone radiate an unexplicable power whenever you have a look at them. The idol is saved elsewhere all via the yr and is introduced out and worshipped for 4 days within the winter months when an enormous honest can be organised attracting 1000’s of individuals.
I observed renovation exercise within the temple complicated, which has many surrounding small shrines, together with in fact the Bhairav temple. A brand new essential temple can be arising quickly, rather than the stays of the unique construction that has been mendacity in ruins.
Necessary information:
The right way to attain: All of the above Shaktipeeths are simply approachable from Burdwan. Town is a significant railway junction and is nicely related by highway from Kolkata.
Lodging: Lodge RJ is a superb 4 Star property in Burdwan, and one of the best place to remain for a couple of days and discover the world.
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 quick tales ‘Invoking Our Internal Goddess’, ‘Mystical Tales Of Sacred Earth’, ‘The Blue God’s Love’ and ‘Enchanted Waters: The Magical Movement Of Life’ can be found worldwide on Amazon Kindle.)
