Bahula
Shakti Peeth, Ketugram,
West Bengal
Bahula Shakti Peeth is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Goddess Sati located in Ketugram village in Katwa
subdivision of Purba Bardhaman District in
the state of West Bengal, India. The
Temple is situated on the banks of the Ajay River. This temple is
considered as one of the 51 Shakti
Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. Being one of the Shakti
Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest
sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
It is claimed that Ketugram was
the birthplace of 14th century lyric poet Chandidas of Vaishnava Padavali fame. It is said
that the people of Ketugram were furious with Chandidas for marrying a
low-caste widow. He went away to Nanoor in
adjoining Birbhum district, along with the idol of Bisalakshi that he used to
worship. Later, when hostilities subsided, Chandidas was even accepted back in
Ketugram as the priest of Bahulakshi temple.
The place in the northern part
of Ketugram, which is believed to be the birth-place of Chandidas, is even
today referred to by the locals as “Chandibhita”. It is said that Ketugram was
named after Chandraketu, son of king Bhopal. The earlier name of Ketugram was
Bahula. The stone image of Bahula, along with those
of Kartikeya and Ganesha, was established by Raja Chandraketu.
The Temple
The temple has a large courtyard
right in the front of the garbhagriha and the flooring has been done in red
stone. Presiding Deity is called as Bahula and associated Bhairava is called as
Bhiruk / Sarvasiddhidayak. The Sanctum houses the stone image of Bahula. The
stone image of Bahula, along with those of Kartikeya
and Ganesha,
was established by Raja Chandraketu.
Festivals
The most important festivals
observed in Bahula Shakti Peeth are Durga Puja (around October), Kali Puja (in
Ashwin), Navratri and Mahashivaratri. Two fairs called the Navratri fair (in
Chaitra) and the Shivrathri fair are also celebrated amidst great pomp and
splendour. Devotees fast on Shivrathri and make an offering of fruits, milk and
Bilwa leaves to Lord Shiva.
Prayers
It is said that the Bahula
Shakti Peetha is one from where devotees have never left empty-handed. She is
said to grant the wishes of all those who approach her with genuine longing in
their hearts. Instances of miracles are rampant here. Bahula Devi is seen
accompanied by her sons Karthikeya and Ganesha. Karthik is the god of fertility
and war whereas Ganesh is the one who brings a note of auspicious elements into
the world.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
500 meters from Ketugram Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Pachandi Railway Station, 8 Kms
from Ambalgram Railway Station, 15 Kms from Katwa Junction Railway Station, 16
Kms from Katwa, 68 Kms from Bardhaman, 159 Kms from Kolkata and 159 Kms from Kolkata
Airport. The State Highway 6, running from
Rajnagar (in Birbhum district) to Alampur (in (Howrah district), passes through
Ketugram.
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