India is a very spiritual land where past myths commingle with contemporary worshippers. The Shakti Peeth in West Bengal are considered one of the most sacred spiritual places in Hinduism; they are shrines of Goddess Shakti, who is the divinity of female power. Among the 51 accepted Shakti Peethas distributed across South Asia, West Bengal holds a major position enshrining some of the most popular and strong Shakti Peethas in India.
In this article, you can read and learn about the history of the Shakti Peeth in West Bengal, the myth of the Shakti, the religion, and the religious significance of the temples and the Shakti Peeth, and how you can make your pilgrimage or spiritual journey to these divine temples in West Bengal.
What Are Shakti Peeths?
Shakti Peeth in West Bengal is the term that means the places of Shakti or divine power. As legends tell, Lord Vishnu employed his Sudarshan Chakra to terminate the cosmic dance of destruction (Tandava) initiated by Lord Shiva on the occasion of the death of his consort Goddess Sati, and her body parts fell on various places of the Indian subcontinent. Anywhere the body part of Sati was, it became a holy shrine that was an extremely spiritually rich place.
The 51 Shakti Peeths are thus the centres of worship for devotees of the sect of Shaktism, which is one of the most important sects of the Hindu religion.
How Many Shakti Peeths Are in West Bengal?
It has at least 7 to 9 Shakti Peethas, which are well known in West Bengal with a lot of mythological and religious significance. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims visit these sites annually, notably during the Navratri and Durga Puja festivals.
Some of the most notable and fiercest Shakti Peeths in West Bengal are as below:
1. Kalighat Temple (Kolkata)
Body Part: Right Toe of Sati
Shakti Name: Kali
Bhairava (Shiva): Nakuleshwar
This is considered to be one of the most popular Shakti Peeths in India, and its name is Kalighat Temple in South Kolkata. It is considered that the right toe of the goddess Sati fell there. It is the temple dedicated to Kali Maa, a fierce manifestation of Shakti, one of the 51 sacred Peethas. Each year, millions of pilgrims go there, and it is particularly congested during Kali Puja.
2. Kankalitala Temple (Birbhum District)
Body Part: Waist (Kankal)
Shakti Name: Devgarbha
Bhairava: Ruru
In Birbhum district near Bolpur, Kankalitala is a serene and pious spot where Sati is believed to have dropped her waist. The temple is situated very near the town of Santiniketan, and hence a calm spot, and so for travelers who look for knowledge and spiritual relaxation.
3. Tarapith (Birbhum District)
Body Part: Third Eye
Shakti Name: Tara
Bhairava: Sambhur
Tarapith is where the beauty of Shakti Peeths goes extreme in terms of spirituality. In this case, the third eye of Sati is said to have struck down. It is a temple of Goddess Tara, an incarnation of Kali. It is also famous for its Tantric rituals and the burning ghat next to it, where sadhus do their sadhana.
4. Attahas Temple (Labpur, Birbhum)
Body Part: Lips
Shakti Name: Phullara
Bhairava: Vishvesh
Attahas is an Indian term for loud laughter, and the temple site is supposed to be where the lips of Sati dropped. The temple is situated in Labpur of Birbhum, and the village has a quiet surrounding atmosphere. There are fewer people there, so it is the right place to find a peaceful experience.
5. Bahula Temple (Bardhaman District)
Body Part: Left Arm
Shakti Name: Bahula
Bhairava: Bhiruk
It is a Shakti Peeth in West Bengal that is located near Katwa in Burdwan (Bardhaman) district of West Bengal in honor of the Bahula Devi. It is supposed to be where the left arm of Sati fell. The temple has other historic and mythological places around it and hence is a wonderful pilgrimage Center.
6. Sainthia Nandikeshwari Temple (Birbhum)
Body Part: Necklace (Mundamala)
Shakti Name: Nandini
Bhairava: Nandikeshwar
This temple lies in Sainthia and is devoted to Nandikeshwari, who is a form of Shakti. People believe that it is where the necklace ornaments of Sati fell. The idol is also dressed differently, and the temple is a tourist attraction centre in the town.
7. Yogadya Temple (Khirdah, North 24 Parganas)
Body Part: Great Toe
Shakti Name: Yogadya
Bhairava: Kshirodhan
Yogadya Temple is not very well known and is a highly spiritual Shakti peeth where one of the toes of Sati is said to have fallen. In this case, the goddess is worshiped in the shape of Yogadya, and the temple turns lively when local festivals are going on.
Spiritual Significance of Visiting Shakti Peeths
Pilgrimage to Shakti Peeths is believed to:
- Wash away sins and karma
- Fulfill wishes and life goals.
- Grant inner peace and energy
- Offer protection from evil forces.
- Bring one closer to spiritual liberation (moksha)
Best Time to Visit Shakti Peeth in West Bengal
The ideal time to visit these temples is during:
- Navratri (March-April & September-October)
- Durga Puja (October)
- Kali Puja (November)
- Winter season (October to February) for comfortable travel
Tips for Pilgrims and Tourists
- Dress modestly and respectfully.
- Visit during early morning hours to avoid the rush.
- Maintain cleanliness and follow temple customs.
- Hire local guides for deeper mythological insights.
- Avoid carrying leather products or alcohol into the temple premises.
How to Plan a Shakti Peeth Tour in West Bengal?
A spiritual circuit may be arranged in the following way, beginning with Kolkata (Kalighat), then coming to the district of Birbhum (Tarapith, Kankalitala, Attahas, Nandikeshwari), and then Bardhaman (Bahula) and finishing at Sainthia or Khirdah.
There are a lot of travel operators who provide Shakti Peeth in West Bengal Darshan Tours to these places within 3 to 5 days, inclusive of accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
Final Thoughts
Not only are the Shakti Peeth in West Bengal the symbols of religion, but they are the spiritual superchargers that touch the worshipers with the religious power of feminine energy. Be it religious pilgrimage or spiritual tourism, or cultural tourism, you are travelling to these holy places is a life-transforming experience and a load full of faith, devotion, and peace within.
Include them in your travel wishlist and once again meet the divine power of Maa Shakti in the spiritual centre of Bengal.
