परिचय:
बहुला शक्तिपीठ बंगाल में स्थित एक पवित्र मंदिर है, जो माता बहुला को समर्पित है। माना जाता है कि माता सती का हाथ यहीं गिरा था। यह मंदिर भक्तों के लिए दैवीय शक्ति, सुरक्षा, आध्यात्मिक आशीर्वाद और समृद्धि प्राप्त करने का प्रमुख स्थल है। माता बहुला को साहस, पोषण और मातृ प्रेम का प्रतीक माना जाता है।
इतिहास और पौराणिक कथा:
हिंदू पुराणों के अनुसार, सती माता के आत्मदाह के बाद भगवान शिव ने उनका शव उठाकर तांडव किया। ब्रह्मांड में संतुलन स्थापित करने के लिए भगवान विष्णु ने सुदर्शन चक्र से उनका शरीर काटा। सती का हाथ बंगाल में गिरा, जिससे बहुला शक्तिपीठ स्थापित हुआ। भक्तों का विश्वास है कि यहाँ पूजा करने से साहस, सुरक्षा, आध्यात्मिक ऊर्जा और इच्छाओं की पूर्ति होती है।
मंदिर वास्तुकला:
बहुला मंदिर में परंपरागत बंगाली मंदिर वास्तुकला देखने को मिलती है। गर्भगृह में माता बहुला की मूर्ति है, जो आभूषणों से सजी और दिव्य शक्ति से प्रकाशित है। मंदिर परिसर में छोटे मंदिर, पवित्र तालाब और पूजा व ध्यान की सुविधाएँ उपलब्ध हैं।
महत्व:
-
बहुला शक्तिपीठ बंगाल में शक्ति पूजा का प्रमुख केंद्र है।
-
भक्त यहाँ शक्ति, साहस, आध्यात्मिक ऊर्जा, सुरक्षा और समृद्धि प्राप्त करने के लिए आते हैं।
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प्रमुख त्योहारों में नवरात्रि और बहुला जयंती शामिल हैं।
पूजा और अनुष्ठान:
-
अर्पण में शामिल हैं: लाल फूल, फल, मिठाई और नारियल।
-
पुजारी प्रतिदिन आरती, अभिषेक और विशेष पूजा करते हैं।
-
भक्त बहुला मंत्रों का जाप और ध्यान करते हैं।
यात्रा सुझाव:
-
यात्रा का सर्वोत्तम समय: अक्टूबर से मार्च, विशेषकर नवरात्रि के दौरान।
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नजदीकी रेलवे स्टेशन: बंगाल में स्थानीय रेलवे स्टेशन।
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आसपास के दर्शनीय स्थल: बंगाल के अन्य शक्तिपीठ और ऐतिहासिक स्थल।
Overview & Significance
Location of Bahula Shaktipeeth
Bahula Shaktipeeth is located in Ketugram village, near Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It lies on the banks of the Ajay River, making it a spiritually and geographically serene site.
Meaning of “Bahula” and “Bahu”
The word ‘Bahu’ in Sanskrit means arm. ‘Bahula’ implies lavishness or abundance. The name underscores both the body part (arm) that fell here and the prosperity devotees believe the goddess brings.
Part of the Shakti Peeth Tradition
Bahula is one of the sacred 51 Shakti Peethas, where parts of Goddess Sati’s body are said to have fallen. This site imbues faith with mythic heritage and is deeply respected among Shakta devotees.
Deity Names & Associated Divinities
Here the goddess is worshipped as Devi Bahula; Lord Shiva is known here as Bhiruk or Bhirukeshwar. Other deities present with her include her sons Kartikeya and Ganesha, creating a familial divine tableau.
Why Devotees Visit
Devotees believe that no one comes empty-handed from Bahula Peeth. They come seeking blessings for prosperity, relief from adversities, and fulfilment of sincere wishes.
Mythology & History
Legend of Sati & Daksha Yagna
According to myth, Sati self-immolated after being insulted by her father Daksha. Lord Shiva, grief-stricken, carried her body, and Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember it. The left arm portion fell at Ketugram, becoming Bahula Shaktipeeth.
Scriptural References & Local Lore
The Puranas and local Bengali lore mention Bahula Peeth among the Shakti Peethas. Folklore contributes many stories of miracles, fulfillment, and special powers of the goddess here.
Historical Construction & Patronage
The temple architecture and inscriptions suggest antiquity. Local rulers and communities have maintained and renovated the temple over centuries, preserving its traditional structure.
Origin of Deity Forms & Names
Devi Bahula’s name arises from ‘Bahu’ (arm) and also from the embodiment of abundance. The Bhairav associated here is Bhiruk or Bhirukeshwar, considered a form of Shiva with special powers.
Stories of Miracles & Devotee Experiences
Many devotees testify that prayers, vows, or petitions made at Bahula Devi bring results. Testimonials often include healing, removal of obstacles, and spiritual peace.
Rituals & Festivals
Daily Worship & Pujas
Regular pujas are offered to Devi Bahula, with priests performing morning and evening aarti. Devotees participate by offering flowers, sweets, and other traditional items.
Major Festivals & Celebrations
Navratri, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with great fervour at Bahula Shaktipeeth. During these times, special rituals, processions, and fairs draw large numbers of devotees.
Special Yajnas & Homas
On auspicious days, yajnas (fire sacrifices) and homas are performed, invoking Devi’s blessings, seeking prosperity, and warding off evil influences.
Offerings & Prasad Traditions
Offerings often include yellow garments or cloths, flowers, sweets, fruit, and other items dear to the goddess. After puja, prasad is distributed among devotees.
Importance of Devotee Rituals
Devotional practices like chanting, circumambulation, meditation in mandap, fasting etc. are part of seeking grace at Bahula Shaktipeeth.
Architecture & Landscape
Temple Design & Structure
The temple has a large courtyard in front of the garbhagriha. Its flooring uses red stone, which stays cool and complements the traditional style. The structure reflects regional West Bengal temple architecture.
Sanctum and Idol Description
Inside the sanctum, the stone idol of Bahula Devi stands accompanied by idols of Kartikeya and Ganesha; Shiva (Bhiruk) is worshipped as the associated Bhairav.
Courtyard & Surroundings
The temple is set in a peaceful environment near the Ajay river. A spacious courtyard permits devotional gathering; the setting adds to spiritual calm and meditative atmosphere.
Decorative Elements & Symbolism
Stone carvings, traditional ornamentation, and use of symbolic colours (especially yellow or saffron) reflect deep mythological symbolism—prosperity, spiritual energy, and divine arms of the goddess.
Temple Timings & Daily Flow
The temple is open early morning till late evening (around 6 AM to 10 PM as reported by sources). Morning and evening darshan times are popular; festival days draw more crowd.
Travel & Visitor Tips
How to Reach Bahula Peeth
You can reach Ketugram by road from Katwa. The nearest railway station is Katwa; from there local transport such as auto or taxi will take you to the temple. Nearest airport is Kolkata / Howrah for long-distance travellers.
Best Season to Visit
Winter months (October to March) are ideal for visiting Bahula Shaktipeeth when the weather is cool and comfortable and festivals like Durga Puja enhance the experience.
Where to Stay Nearby
Katwa, Ketugram, and towns in Purba Bardhaman offer guest houses and small hotels. It’s wise to book ahead during festival times.
Visitor Etiquette & Dress Code
Devotees are encouraged to wear modest traditional clothes; follow temple customs, maintain silence, remove footwear; offerings and purity are emphasized.
Other Points of Interest Around
Near the temple are other sites such as Kokaleshwari Kali Mandir, Shiva Temple, plus natural features like the bank of the Ajay River and scenic rural landscapes which enhance the pilgrim’s journey.
Bahula Shaktipeeth is located in Ketugram village, near Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It lies on the banks of the Ajay River, making it a spiritually and geographically serene site.
The word ‘Bahu’ in Sanskrit means arm. ‘Bahula’ implies lavishness or abundance. The name underscores both the body part (arm) that fell here and the prosperity devotees believe the goddess brings.
Bahula is one of the sacred 51 Shakti Peethas, where parts of Goddess Sati’s body are said to have fallen. This site imbues faith with mythic heritage and is deeply respected among Shakta devotees.
Here the goddess is worshipped as Devi Bahula; Lord Shiva is known here as Bhiruk or Bhirukeshwar. Other deities present with her include her sons Kartikeya and Ganesha, creating a familial divine tableau.
Devotees believe that no one comes empty-handed from Bahula Peeth. They come seeking blessings for prosperity, relief from adversities, and fulfilment of sincere wishes.
According to myth, Sati self-immolated after being insulted by her father Daksha. Lord Shiva, grief-stricken, carried her body, and Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember it. The left arm portion fell at Ketugram, becoming Bahula Shaktipeeth.
The Puranas and local Bengali lore mention Bahula Peeth among the Shakti Peethas. Folklore contributes many stories of miracles, fulfillment, and special powers of the goddess here.
The temple architecture and inscriptions suggest antiquity. Local rulers and communities have maintained and renovated the temple over centuries, preserving its traditional structure.
Devi Bahula’s name arises from ‘Bahu’ (arm) and also from the embodiment of abundance. The Bhairav associated here is Bhiruk or Bhirukeshwar, considered a form of Shiva with special powers.
Many devotees testify that prayers, vows, or petitions made at Bahula Devi bring results. Testimonials often include healing, removal of obstacles, and spiritual peace.
Regular pujas are offered to Devi Bahula, with priests performing morning and evening aarti. Devotees participate by offering flowers, sweets, and other traditional items.
Navratri, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with great fervour at Bahula Shaktipeeth. During these times, special rituals, processions, and fairs draw large numbers of devotees.
On auspicious days, yajnas (fire sacrifices) and homas are performed, invoking Devi’s blessings, seeking prosperity, and warding off evil influences.
Offerings often include yellow garments or cloths, flowers, sweets, fruit, and other items dear to the goddess. After puja, prasad is distributed among devotees.
Devotional practices like chanting, circumambulation, meditation in mandap, fasting etc. are part of seeking grace at Bahula Shaktipeeth.
The temple has a large courtyard in front of the garbhagriha. Its flooring uses red stone, which stays cool and complements the traditional style. The structure reflects regional West Bengal temple architecture.
Inside the sanctum, the stone idol of Bahula Devi stands accompanied by idols of Kartikeya and Ganesha; Shiva (Bhiruk) is worshipped as the associated Bhairav.
The temple is set in a peaceful environment near the Ajay river. A spacious courtyard permits devotional gathering; the setting adds to spiritual calm and meditative atmosphere.
Stone carvings, traditional ornamentation, and use of symbolic colours (especially yellow or saffron) reflect deep mythological symbolism—prosperity, spiritual energy, and divine arms of the goddess.
The temple is open early morning till late evening (around 6 AM to 10 PM as reported by sources). Morning and evening darshan times are popular; festival days draw more crowd.
You can reach Ketugram by road from Katwa. The nearest railway station is Katwa; from there local transport such as auto or taxi will take you to the temple. Nearest airport is Kolkata / Howrah for long-distance travellers.
Winter months (October to March) are ideal for visiting Bahula Shaktipeeth when the weather is cool and comfortable and festivals like Durga Puja enhance the experience.
Katwa, Ketugram, and towns in Purba Bardhaman offer guest houses and small hotels. It’s wise to book ahead during festival times.
Devotees are encouraged to wear modest traditional clothes; follow temple customs, maintain silence, remove footwear; offerings and purity are emphasized.
Near the temple are other sites such as Kokaleshwari Kali Mandir, Shiva Temple, plus natural features like the bank of the Ajay River and scenic rural landscapes which enhance the pilgrim’s journey.
