The Kankalitala Shaktipeeth Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Kali, is one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas located in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal. According to ancient legend, this temple marks where Parvati’s waist (or kankal in Bengali) fell onto earth and has remained ever since as a home for her divine spirit. Visitors have reported a powerful energy emanating from this holy site that fills them with solace and peace while experiencing the presence of their beloved deity firsthand.
When Sati’s waist fell to the ground at Kankalitala, an indentation was made. This depression eventually filled with water and formed a sacred kund, it is said that her body part lies beneath this very pond.
Kankalitala Shaktipeeth Temple in Bolpur West Bengal boasts a spectacular garbhagriha, featuring an ornately decorated metal spire atop its pyramidal roof and a natmandir to the side. Of all of India’s 51 Shakti Peetas, Kankalitala is revered as one of the four Adi Shaktipeeths and 18 Maha Shakti Peethas! If you’re looking for an unforgettable pilgrimage experience, book your trip package today to visit this remarkable temple.
The Shakti Peethas are sacred sites dedicated to the Mother Goddess. To initiate her presence, Lord Brahma conducted a yajna and called upon both Shiva and Shakti; feeling compassion for Brahma’s plight, Shivaa released his companion Shakti who then assisted in creating the universe. In appreciation of this action, Brahma chose to gift her back to Shiva by having Daksha perform several successful yajnas as an offering so Sati could become his daughter – thus uniting her with Shiva at last. Unfortunately though, after their marriage was consummated, Daksha neglected to invite them both when he held another ceremony; enraged yet again Shiva had no choice but be absent from it all together. To honor Sati’s request to see her father, Shiva allowed his wife to go the yagna. However, Daksha proceeded to disrespect her husband during their visit – an insult that was too much for Sati. In response, she immolated herself in sorrow and outrage. This uncurbed anger provoked Shiva into a wrathful form; Veerabhadra unleashed destruction upon the yagna and killed Daksha with no hesitation. Distraught by this tragedy, Lord Shiva took Sati’s body on a journey throughout Aryavartha as he channeled his grief through Tandav-the celestial dance of devastation. 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 .
You can pay homage to Kankalitala temple any time of the year, but especially during Dussehra and Navratri when many devotees gather. Moreover, October through March provide ideal weather conditions for a visit as you will be blessed with pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery.
By Road
The temple is about 10 km away from the Shantiniketan bus station, which lies on the Bolpur-Labhpur route.
By Rail
Bolpur Shantiniketan railway station is the nearest railway station, from where taxis and buses are readily available to reach the temple.
By Air
The nearest airport from the temple is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, which is 153 km away from the temple. The airport is connected with other major cities of the country such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and other metropolitan cities.
