Hindus revere Nalhati Shakti Peeth, located in Rampurhat of Birbhum district in West Bengal’s Kolkata. Also known as Nalateshwari, this spiritual temple is surrounded by lush hills and forests that serve to enhance the sacred atmosphere.
This temple is among the 51 holy Shaktipeeths of Mother. Here, Shakti is revered as ‘Kalika’ and Bhairava worshiped as ‘Yogesh’. Puranas state that wherever parts of Sati’s body – her clothes or jewels – have fallen are sanctuaries known to be sacred. These shrines are distributed across India-subcontinent in its entirety.
According to myth, Goddess Sati tragically sacrificed her life by leaping into the sacrificial flames at a Havan hosted by her father King Daksheshwara. When Lord Shiva was running around the earth with his beloved’s remains, Lord Vishnu split it up with his Sudarshan chakra into fifty-one pieces. Of these fragments, Sati’s throat or ‘nala’ fell upon this very spot.
In the 252nd Bengali year, or ‘Bongapto’, according to legend it is believed that Hindu deity Kamdev had a dream of Shakti Peeth existing in Nalhati forest. It is said an original idol was there and beneath it laid Mother Sati’s throat – no matter how much water poured down it would never overflow or dry up.
As you approach the majestic temple of Maa Nalateswari, its beauty is captivating. Once inside, you’ll be awestruck by the breathtaking entrance gateway architecture. And as soon as you step through this doorway into the “Garb Griha,” a divine sensation washes over you. You will then notice an awe-inspiring and colorful idol of Lord Ganesh that’s surrounded by eight snakes—the perfect way to welcome all who enter!
Nalhati Shakti Peeth is renowned for its grand and spiritual festivals, particularly Durga Puja and Navaratri. Throughout such festivities, some individuals abstain from consuming food as a sign of respect to the divine powers within. The temple itself is adorned in flowers and lights, creating an atmosphere of peace that allows devotees to find solace during their time at the holy shrine.
By Air
Netaji Subhas Chandra Airport at a distance of nearly 237 kilometres from Nalhati Shaktipeeth.
By Rail
Nalhati Junction at a distance of nearly 1.8 kilometres from Nalhati Shaktipeeth.
By Road
The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Nalhati Bus Stand.
