Maa Bargovima In Tamluk

According to Hindu mythology Devi Sati laid down  her life when her father, King Daksha insulted her husband, Lord Shiva. Enraged, Lord Shiva came and took away the dead body of his wife and started his Tandava Dance. Afraid that this might Hamper the civilisation, Lord  Vishnu cut off the dead body into 108 parts with his Sudarshan Chackra. There are several doubts over the veracity of the claims regarding the places where the parts fell. We come to know of 51 places where different body parts of Goddess Sati fell. Each of these places developed into a holy, religious place of worship for the devout Hindus.

Location

It is in Tamluk in present East  Medinipur in West Bengal.It  was once a famous port during the Indus Valley Period. It is now a major station in South-Western Railway in West Bengal in India.

MAA BARGOVIMA

Background

According to a legend, a fisherman was asked to deliver fresh fish to the house of King Garurdhwaj or Tamradhwaj. One day, he could not find any fish and was punished. When he was shedding tears, Goddess Bargovima appeared and asked the fisher man to sprinkle water of a holy well to dead fish to make them alive. And when they were sprinkled, the fish were rejuvenated. The king become curious and tried to see the holy well. The well disappeared before him and Devi Bargovima appeared before him. She instructed the King to build the Holy Temple.

There is also popular legend that a trader got the temple constructed when all his objects were turned to gold by magic religious water of the well. It was even said that Kalapahar, the infamous destroyer of Hindu Temples, was made to go away by the prowess of the Goddess. Even the Bargis paid their holy offerings to her. 

Structure

It is said that Devi Bargovima  had the left ankle of Devi Sati. The goddess is called Kripalini, and Bhairav is called Sarbananda, according to Tantric Cult. The eastern part of Lying-in room (GarvoGhriha) has an elevated structure that houses Devi along, with Shiva to the right. She has four hands – right hands bear the trishul and sword left hand bear the human skull and scimitar. Devi provides the blessings in all four planes – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Her holy Consort Shiva is called Kapali Bhutnath.

The temple is built in Orissa Art of Temple Construction pattern. It bears the inflence of Buddhism. This religious place was visited by Chinese pilgrims, Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang. Bodhidrum started his journey towards Sri Lanka from here.

Adjoining Structures

There are nearly 22 steps to reach the temple-floor, signifying penance one has to undergo to reach the Goddess. There are a number of Devi’s idols located around the holy altar.. There are Natmandir Jogmohan and place for Sacrificial Offerings (Yagna). There is also a Kunda (a deep well) in which people has to go to touch the holy waterto purify themselves.

Offerings

Devotees offer flowers, clothes special sweets to the Goddess. Devi is offered sumptuous meal of rice, fried vegetables, fish, payas and other items. Even the devotees can have a share of this food by paying a token amount.

TEMPLE AREA

Special Occasions

Bengali New Year Day, Annual Special Puja in the month of December (Poush), Kali Puja in the Month of October-November are all celebrated  in this holy place with great enthusiasm.

Ways To Go

One can visit this by taking Satabdi Express from Howrah, Padatik Express from Howrah and getting down at Tamluk. Otherwise, one can travel to Mecheda by local Emu Train (from Howrah, West Bengal) and reach Tamluk by bus. From Tamluk in west Bengal, India, one can reach the site by Toto, Rickshaw etc.

Other Sites To Visit

A visitor can also visit Shahid Matangini Hazra’s martyrdom site, Radhha Krishna Temple etc.

Though there are controversies regarding the authenticity of Tamluk being a Devi Pith, noted historian Dinesh Chandra Sarkar certifies it to be an authentic Devi Pitha. The Real significance lies in the mind of devotees who pray fervently and get their prayers answered.

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Golden Temple In Amritswar

Guru Nanak, one of the chief protagonists of the Bhakti Movement started Sikhism. an offshoot of Hinduism. The chief temple of this community is the Golden Temple, situated in Amritswar in Punjab. It is such a melting pot of religions that it attracts visitors of all religions round the globe. Its former name was Harmandir Sahib (the temple of God). It is also called Darbar Sahib. It is called Golden Temple due to its golden peak and doors.

GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSWAR

Historical Background

Shri Harmandir Sahib has been the target of numerous Afgan and other Muslim invaders. However due to efforts of Guru Arjun Dev and Hazrat Mian Mir, the Mushlim Saint. Emperor Akbar Granted them land to build this sanctified structure. Guru Arjun Dev was backed by Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahlo and other Sikh personalities. The construction work started in 1584 and continued till 1604. Guru Arjun Dev put Adi Grantha inside. The present structure was repaired by Jassu Singh Ahluwalia in 1764. Maharaja Ranjit Singh ornamented the upper floor of Gurudwara with the yellow metal, gold that made it unique and gave it its English name. it was also renovated after infamous operation Blue Star.

Structure

The Gurudwara has doorways on all sides, symbolising it as universal place of worship irrespective of caste, creed, religion and sex. There is an arch, Darshani Deori (10 feet high 6 feet breadth) that leads to the main shrine, after crossing the bridge. The Pradakshina or the Bridge is a circulatory path that surrounds the main shrine. The reading of Guru Grantha Sahib continues for 24 hours. There are arches and a dome with lotus petals at its base. The petals support the Golden Pot (kalash) that’s ends in chaatri. An important aspect of this structure is the Amrit Sarovar (pool of Nectar ). There is also a free community kitchen and Langar (meal) served regardless of any distinctions, a hallmark of Sikh religion. There are three holy trees, each signifying a historical or Sikh Saint. There is also the presence of Akal Takht. The Harmandir Sahib Symbolise God’s spiritual Abode and Akal Takht God’s temporal authority. The Temple has various Symbols that are indicative of forbearance and approval, the hallmark of Sikh religion.

Way To Reach

Visitors should reach Amritswar by train which is well connected from Chandigarah, Kolkata Delhi and other important nodal points. It is also boasts of an international airport from which visitors can arrive. Regular buses, tongas, taxis take passengers to Golden Temple.

NIGHT VIEW OF GOLDEN TEMPLE

Festivals Celebrated

Baishakhi which is celebrated in the second week of April mark the most important festival in the Gurudwara. On this day Sikhs celebrate the founding of Khalsa. Besides, the birth of Guru Ram Das, Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the birthday of Guru Nanak are all celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm. This Gurudwara is illuminated by Diyas during Diwali and fireworks are being discharged.

There is hi-tech visitor centre that illustrate the important events in Sikh history and ethos of Sikh religion using 3D technology.

Best Time To Visit

The place experiences extreme climate and hence the best time to visit the temple is from October- March.

  Restriction on Visitors

This place is open to all visitors irrespective of all class, creed, religion etc. However there are certain restrictions

• 1    One should leave one’s shoe and wash ones feet while entering temple.
• 2    Visitor should abstain from taking meat, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or     taking drugs.
• 3    One should cover one’s body fully- no miniskirts.
• 4    Visitors should cover their head with head scarves.

One must listen on the ground while listening to Guru Grantha Sahib.

Sites To See Around

Durgiana Temple, Akal Takht, Harike Bird Sanctuary, Partition Museum, Jallianwala Bagh, Dukh Bhanjani Tree, Ranjit Singh Museum –are  sites around in Amritsar. There is also Wagah Border where one can notice the Retreat. Besides, Amritsar is the best place to taste the authentic Punjab Cuisine.

This Gurudwara is a unique architectural specimen. Its spiritual significance is even greater. It shows the values of tolerance, humility, co-operation, equality, inclusiveness and oneness of all religions. Every Sikh aspires to visit this shrine at least once in lifetime, especially after birth of child, marriage etc. Visitors of all religious have visited this site and have been enamoured by its sanctity and calmness.

   

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