Bheemakali Temple, Tamluk

Bheemakali Temple or Vibhasha Shakti Peeth is located on the banks of the River Roopnarayana at Tamluk village, Purab Medinipur in West Bengal, India. It is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. Here Devi is worshipped as Kapalini or Bhimarupa and Lord Shiva as Sarvanand.

History

The chief legend of Bheemakali relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was married to the god Shiva despite his wishes. Daksha arranged a great yajna but did not invite Sati and Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the yajna site, where Daksha ignored Sati as well as Shiva.

Sati was not able to withstand this insult. So, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organized by her father King Daksh. When Lord Shiva was running around the planet carrying her body Lord Vishnu divided the body into 51 parts utilizing his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, from which the ‘Left Ankle’ of Sati fell to this place.

Tamluk, earlier called Tamralipta is among the most important Vaishnav temples. It is strongly believed that the place has been blessed with the existence of the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. According to Kashidas Mahabharata and Jaimini Mahabharata, Sri Krishna Himself came to Tamluk and released the Horse for the Ashwamedha Yagna. The existence of the Shakti Peeth of Vibhas has also made the place spiritual for the Shaktas and the Shaivas.

Importance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

• Salvation
• Wealth
• Relief from diseases
• Purchase of vehicles
• Gain Knowledge

Architecture

The architecture of the Shaktipeeth resembles that of Kalinga temple tombs and also the quintessential Bangla aatchhala-styled Natmandir. The old temple was damaged during the Islamic invasion. The present temple is a structure constructed on the remains of the historical temple.

Today Bhimakali Temple is a new one, constructed in 1927. The old temple nearby has a fascinating story to it. It got tilted slightly in the 1905 earthquake and after that unbelievably straightened back with a subsequent tremor. It is said that the structures of this temple are really deep and also that there is a disused tunnel that connects this to the village of Ranwin, a kilometer away. Priests would go into and also leave the temple through this secret passage.

Idol

The idol of Kali maa is situated beside the huge Shiva Linga made of black stone and is surrounded by a circular partition made of white marble.

Festivals

Barunir Mela is celebrated during Makara Sankranti in January. Bhima Mela is Celebrated on Magha Shuddha Ekadashi from the 11th day of Magha masa in January to– February. Ratha Jatra at Harir Hat is celebrated in the Bengali month of Ashar (ashada), besides Charak Mela also be enjoyed. The other important events are Makar Sankranti, Sharad Purnima, Deepawali, Somvati Amavasya, Ram Navami, and Navratri.

Nearby Attractions

• Barghobhima Mandir: An ancient temple believed to be 1150 years old and considered as a Shakthi Peeth. It is believed that the little finger on the left foot of the Devi Sati fell here.
• Jishnu- Hari Mandir
• Radhamadhav and Radharaman Mandir
• Hariharar Mandir and Mahaprabhur Dalan
• Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram
• Tamralipta Archeological Museum: The museum contains the artifacts of copper or Tamra.

How to Reach

• By Air: The Nearby AirPort is Kolkata International Airport.
• By Train: The Nearest Railway Station is Kolkata Railway Station. Tamluk is a junction, it is well connected by both road and rail. There are also direct trains from Howrah to Tamluk.
• By Road: There are public and private vehicles available to reach Vibhash Shakti Peeth Temple. There are six bus routes starting from Tamluk.

Temple Timings

6 AM To 10 PM

Temple Video

FAQ