Sugandha Shaktipeeth Temple is an esteemed temple dedicated to the worship of Goddess Sunanda, one of 51 Shaktipeeth temples. Devi Sugandha is also known as Ekjata and located in Shikarpur which lies 20 km north from Barisal district in Bangladesh. It’s said that Sati’s nose fell here and she took on the form of “Sunanda or Devi Tara or Ekjata and Tryambak” appearing as airabh. The temple witnesses grand festivities during Shiv Ratri or Shiv Chaturdasi mela each year, making it renowned far beyond its vicinity.
The sublime Sugandha shakti peeth is built from stone, with captivating images and statues of the gods exquisitely etched into them. The marble glimmering off its walls reflecting on the river below makes for a breathtaking sight – one that no visitor should miss out on! Of all 51 Shakti Peetas scattered across the world, four are considered Adi Shaktipeeths while eighteen form part of the prestigious Maha Shakti Peethas.
No historical documents exist near the temple, but its ancient structure and intricate designs suggest it’s been standing for centuries. Passersby can admire magnificent carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses on the walls as they explore this age-old site.
The renowned Shri Tryambak temple draws thousands of devotees every year particularly on Shiva Chaturdasi which typically takes place in March. To be part of this holy event, visitors must first arrive at Jalkati Station and then travel for five miles to the sacred sanctuary perched beside the Sunanda River. Here among its breathtaking surroundings, worshippers come together to offer their respects to Lord Tryambak.
Lord Brahma conducted a yajna to invoke Shakti and Shiva, resulting in the manifestation of Goddess Shakti who then helped him create the universe. Subsequently, Brahma gave Her back to Shiva. Daksha’s son was determined to get her as his daughter so he did many holy rituals until she eventually took form as Sati whom he later married off -albeit reluctantly- to Lord Shiva. Despite this animosity towards Him, when Sati requested permission from Shiva for visiting her father during one of his yagnas, He kindly granted it even though knowing that His presence would not be welcomed there. Daksha’s disrespect towards Shiva was unbearable for Sati, and she tragically immolated herself in response. In his fit of rage, Shiva took on the destructive form of Veerabhadra to obliterate Daksha’s sacrificial offerings. Overcome with sorrow as he carried Sati away from her father’s kingdom throughout Aryavartha, Lord Shiva expressed his grief and anger through a celestial dance of destruction which we now know as 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 Road
The Sugandha Shaktipeeth can be easily accessed from Barisal via local transportation. The journey takes around five hours to reach temple grounds, and devotees frequently arrive here in large numbers; the closest entry point being West Bengal.
By Rail
Jhalakati Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
By Air
Barisal city is home to an International Airport, providing convenient access for both domestic and international travelers alike.
