Saturday, January 18, 2020

Bahula Shakti Peeth, Ketugram, West Bengal

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 BengalIndia. 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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