Nandikeshwari Shaktipeeth Temple, also known as Nndipur Shaktipeeth, is a holy shrine dedicated to Goddess Sati in the form of Nandini. One of fifty-one revered Shakti Peeth temples located in Santhya, Birbhum district of West Bengal; it is believed that Devi’s necklace fell here and two idols are present – Devi as Nandini and Shiva as Nandikishore.
The name Sainthia is rooted in ‘Sain’, a term of Bengali origin that pays homage to an Islamic priest. Likewise, the area is known as Nandipur due to its close proximity to the revered Nandikeshwari Temple.
The sacred Nandikeshwari temple was established in 1320 (as per the Bengali calendar). This mystical site sits upon an elevated platform, and boasts of containing several miniature shrines to a plethora of Hindu gods and goddesses. Furthermore, sculptures depicting Dasa Mahavidya grace each wall that overlooks the primary edifice. The name ‘Nandi’ is derived from Lord Shiva’s faithful companion – a bull – together with Ishwari as ‘one who is worshiped by said divine creature’. There are 51 Shakti Peetas across India; 4 being deemed Adi Shaktipeetha while 18 constitute to be called Maha Sakthi Peethas.
Every afternoon, ‘anna-bhog’ is offered to the Goddess in a ritualistic manner. On special days like Kali Puja and Amavasya (new moon day), there are customs that must be followed by worshippers who choose to fast on Durga Puja and Navratri as an act of devotion. During festival days, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights – creating an aura of spirituality that radiates peace for all believers.
Visiting the temple is most magical during its peak season, from August to March. During this time you will be able to partake in all of the grand celebrations and festivities that the temple has to offer!
The Shakti Peethas are shrines of the Mother Goddess, where Lord Brahma performed a yajna to please Shakti and Shiva. When Goddess Shakti emerged from this ritual, she separated from Shiva and helped Brahma in creating the universe. However, Brahma decided that he needed to give Shakti back to Shiva eventually. Therefore, his son Daksha performed several yajnas to obtain Shakti as his daughter in the form of Sati. Unfortunately, Daksha was not content with Sati’s marriage to Lord Shiva and refused to invite him to the next yagna he was performing. Relenting only becauseSat i wanted so badlyto visit her father,Shiva allowed his wife t o attendthe event . Daksha’s disrespect towards Shiva enraged Sati, who immolated herself in response. In his wrathful form of Veerabhadra, Shiva destroyed Daksha and the yagna. Mourning her death, Shiva carried Sati throughout Aryavartha with sorrow-filled steps that manifested as a celestial dance of destruction—the Tandav. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas .
By Rail
Sainthia Junction railway station is only 700 m away from the temple. So, the best way to reach the temple is considered via railways.
By Air
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport. It is 193 km away from the temple.
By Road
Regular Buses are available from the various metropolitan cities to reach Sainthia Bus stand.
