The Bargabhima Temple, also known as Vibhash Shakti Peeth and Bhimakali Mandir, is devoted to the goddess Sati. This particular shrine of one of the 51 Shaktipeeth Temples stands by River Roopnarayana in Tamluk village, Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal. Devi’s left ankle fell on this sacred site and is depicted through idols representing Devi as Bhimarupa and Shiva as Sarvananda. With a long history rich with tales of spiritual devotion, the Bargabhima Temple has been celebrated for centuries!
The presence of Lord Krishna’s lotus feet is believed to have sanctified Tamluk, a place strongly revered by both Shaktas and Shaivas due to the fact that it contains the renowned Vibhasa Shakti Peeth. Kashidas Mahabharata and Jaimini Mahabharata also support this claim as they state that Sri Krishna Himself came here to give away a horse for an Ashwameda Yagna ceremony.
The temple is graced by a courtyard with an expansive arena, and at the center of the sanctum lies Kali Ma’s idol set side-by-side to a mammoth Shiva Linga composed of black touchstone. The sanctuary is enclosed in white marble partitions which form into a circle around it. Worshipers come to this temple mainly for Goddess Kali who appears as Mahisasurmardini – vanquisher of evil forces. With four hands clad around her body, she holds aloft both Trishul and human skull while cradling severed demon heads beneath them. The architecture of the shakti-peeth resembles Kalinga temple tombs as well as quintessential Bangla aatchhala styled Natmandir.
Durga Puja is a renowned festival here, but it’s not the only one! During Sharad Purnima, Deepawali, Somvati Amavasya and Ram Navami you can feel the joyous atmosphere around as everyone celebrates with great enthusiasm.
Barunir Mela is a vibrant celebration that takes place during Makara Sankranti in January. For the devout, Bhima Mela commences on Magha Shuddha Ekadashi (11th day of Magha masa- Jan- Feb). Rajarampur celebrates Bhim Mela every year within the Bengali month of Chaitra to honor their dearest gods and goddesses. In addition, Rath Jatra occurs annually at Harir Hat during Ashar (ashada), with Charak Mela also being celebrated with great fervor.
The best time to visit the Vibhash Shakti Peetha, West Bengal, is winters i.e., from October to March as the weather is pleasing, relaxing, and refreshing. Summers are searing and sweltering due to high temperatures. It is best to avoid the summers to visit West Bengal as in winter, and One can enjoy the weather and natural surroundings & comfortably visit the other monuments.
Lord Brahma conducted a yajna to invoke Goddess Shakti, who had separated from Lord Shiva. She enabled the creation of the universe and in turn, Brahma decided to return her back to Shiva. As such, Daksha – son of Brahma – performed multiple yajnas with the intent of obtaining Sati as his daughter. Unfortunately, he was discontented when she married Lord Shiva and neglected to invite him into his upcoming ceremony. Despite this quarrelsome behavior towards her husband’s presence, Sati pleaded for permission on visit her father at the event; therefore allowing it under protestation by Shiva himself. Daksha’s insult towards Shiva enraged Sati, so she burned herself alive in fury. This provoked an even more powerful rage within Shiva and he transformed into Veerabhadra who then destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha. Even after Sati had passed away, Lord Shiva still couldn’t find solace as his grief manifested into a catastrophic celestial dance of destruction known as Tandav. He carried her body with him throughout Aryavartha while mourning for his beloved wife. 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 Road
Tamluk is well connected to different cities via road as it is a junction. Six bus routes originate from Tamluk from various towns.
By Rail
Direct trains are also available from Howrah to Tamluk. Tamluk Junction railway station is located at Tamluk station Road, Tamluk, West Bengal. You can hire public transport to the temple from the railway station.
By Air
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Calcutta is the closest airport that services both national and international flights.
