Speaker 1:
Today, on behalf of Rajpur Shantikunj, we are traveling with Gupta Sadhak Sheva Khabar toward Bargabhima in Tamluk. As you may know, Bargabhima is one of the most prominent Shakti Peethas. Among the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, Bargabhima is one of the most significant.
Speaker 1:
Pradeep, as we are heading toward Bargabhima, I would like to know your thoughts on this.
Speaker 2:
Ma Bargabhima is a part of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped here in the form of Ugra Tara. There is also a "Jibantakunda" (Life Pond) here. It is said that if a cut fish is thrown into this pond, it comes back to life. A similar "Jibantakunda" exists in Tarapith as well. According to the Puranas, deceased humans were also brought back to life in that pond. There is a terrifying similarity between the two. Ma is worshipped here as Bargabhima or Bhimabarga—both names refer to the same deity. She is essentially Ugra Tara, who is Durga herself. There is no doubt about that. Wherever a part of Goddess Sati's body fell, Kali is worshipped. While Durga Puja is rare in these specific spots, you will find Kali temples everywhere.
Speaker 2:
Ma Bhimabarga, as you may have seen, is a form of Kali. However, she is primarily worshipped as Ugra Tara. It is a Shakti Peeth, and it is believed that visiting this shrine cleanses one of all sins and curses. This is a deep-seated belief among the people. That is why so many people come to visit her. We are also on our way to see her. We have been there before, and we are going again. We started our journey toward Ma Bargabhima and expect to reach by 1:30 PM. We will have the opportunity to see her and receive her prasad.
Speaker 1:
Finally, we have arrived at the Bargabhima Temple. We started our journey this morning. As I mentioned, Bargabhima is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas and is a very powerful center of spiritual energy. Let's go inside and explore the temple.
Speaker 1:
We are now standing in front of the temple office. We are joined by the Vice President of the temple management. We would like to talk to him for a moment. Sir, we would like to hear from you about this Shakti Peeth.
Temple Official:
This is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas. It is where Sati's left heel fell. While there is no specific date for its establishment, its history traces back to the era of the Mahabharata. After the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas performed the Ashvamedha Yajna and released the sacrificial horse. King Tamradhwaj of the Mayura dynasty, who ruled Tamluk (then Tamralipta) at the time, captured the horse. When Krishna and Arjuna came to request the release of the horse, King Tamradhwaj set a condition: he would only release it if he could see both of them every morning. They agreed, and he established a temple for Krishna and Arjuna next to his palace. He also established this temple even before that.
Temple Official:
There are many local legends. One involves a fisherwoman who used to bring fresh "Shol" fish every day. When asked how she always found fresh fish, she initially refused to say. When threatened with punishment by the king, she revealed that she got them from a pond where the water had life-giving properties. The Goddess had instructed her to dip the fish in the pond to bring them back to life. When the king went to see the pond the next morning, he found the Goddess seated on a stone pedestal where the pond used to be. He then established the temple and the "Kunda" (sacred pond) there. There are historical accounts from Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and mentions of Chand Sadagar. The Rupnarayan River used to flow right behind the temple, but it has since shifted further away.
Speaker 1:
I have heard that Kalapahar also had a connection with this temple.
Temple Official:
Yes, it is said that Kalapahar came here to destroy the temple but was unable to do so. He eventually paid his respects and left. We even have a "Panja" (handprint/relic) of Kalapahar preserved by one of our ancestral priests.
Speaker 1:
Is Ma worshipped here as Ugra Tara?
Temple Official:
Yes, that is correct. Her meditation mantra describes her as "Krishna-varna" (dark-complexioned) and "Chaturbhuja" (four-armed), adorned with a garland of severed heads. In her two right hands, she holds a sword and a trident, and in her two left hands, she holds a skull-bowl and a severed head. She wears a tiger skin and stands upon Lord Shiva.
Speaker 1:
I see. And she is worshipped in different forms?
Temple Official:
Since this is a major Shakti Peeth, she is worshipped in various forms of the Divine Mother on specific festival days—such as Jagaddhatri, Ratanti Kali, Phalaharini Kali, Durga, and Annapurna. On those days, she is worshipped with full rituals and special food offerings (bhog).
Speaker 1:
It is clear that Ma is very much alive in the hearts of the devotees here.
Temple Official:
There is another interesting tradition in Tamluk. Because Ma Bargabhima is the presiding deity of the region, no other Shakti puja (like Kali or Durga Puja) was historically allowed in the surrounding areas. People feared it might displease her. Later, scholars and priests decided that if others wanted to perform such pujas, they must first offer worship and seek permission from Ma Bargabhima. This tradition continues today. Before any major Kali or Durga Puja in the area, a procession is brought here to seek her blessings.
Speaker 1:
I would also like to know about the architecture of this temple.
Temple Official:
The temple is built on a high mound, which was once the high bank of the river. Some, including Xuanzang, have suggested it might have originally been a Buddhist temple because of the way the evening bells sounded, but it has always been a site of Hindu worship in local memory.
Speaker 1:
Is there a secret or hidden spot in the temple?
Temple Official:
No, the worship is open. However, as I mentioned, the temple is built over the original "Kunda" (pond). When the king went to find the pond, he found the Goddess seated on a stone pedestal over it. That original stone remains the center of the shrine.
Temple Official:
Another special event is the "Katyayani Chaturdashi" Yajna. It is a massive fire ritual involving quintals of wood and ghee, with many scholars and priests participating. The fire is ignited using a magnifying glass and sunlight, a tradition that has continued for decades.
Temple Official:
During Durga Puja, King Tamradhwaj's sword is brought to the temple. It stays here from "Shashti" to "Dashami" and is worshipped alongside the Goddess before being returned to the royal palace.
Speaker 1:
I also heard that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had a connection here.
Temple Official:
Yes, Netaji visited this temple on April 11, 1938. He performed a "Pradakshina" (circumambulation) of the temple and prayed to Ma Bargabhima before starting his political programs in Tamluk. Every major leader who came to Tamluk always sought her blessings first.
Speaker 1:
You have heard directly from the temple authorities about the rich history and spiritual significance of Bargabhima. We often find information in various books, but hearing it from those who manage the temple adds a layer of authenticity. We will continue to explore different parts of the temple. Stay with us as we show you more of this great Shakti Peeth.