Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple - Shakti Aradhana Sthal near Barakar
A powerful center for Shakti Sadhana
It has been some time since I visited Kalyaneshwari Temple, but I remember the last time quite vividly. Usually, we used to go to the Temple with family, followed by a short trip to Maithon Dam and then having a sumptuous evening snack session while returning home. The entire area around the Temple is covered in lush greenery, with the Barakar River flowing close by it.
This newsletter edition will share all the relevant details about the Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple. You can also learn about a few lesser-known facts and legends/myths about the Temple.
(Image courtesy: Wikipedia)
Origin and legends
Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple is established as a devotion to the Lady of Fulfillment. The original Temple's origins remain unknown, but the Raja of Panchkot constructed the current structure in the 3rd century BC.
Hindu Raja Hari Gupta of Kashipur restored and renovated the modern Temple of Devi Maa. According to the legend, the Hindu Raja received Ma Kalyaneshwari as a dowry gift. Accompanied by his wife, Devi Maa was brought to Salanpur in a palanquin. Initially, Hari Gupta constructed a temple for Devi Maa in Salanpur. However, later, the Temple was relocated to its current position. Maharaja had a dream where Devi Maa expressed her distress caused by the noise and commotion of the husking pedal and milling wheat and rice in the village. To ensure her contentment, Maharaja moved her Temple to the Kalyaneswari forest. Nonetheless, some remnants of the original Temple can still be found in Salanpur.
Among other legends, it is believed that the Temple is located where a body part of Goddess Parvati fell when Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra severed her into pieces while Lord Shiva was carrying her.
According to another legend, a devoted priest once faithfully worshipped and performed rituals in the Temple. One day, while making arrangements to offer the goddess food, he left his daughter behind to attend to some unfinished rituals at the Temple. To his dismay, upon his return, he discovered that the Goddess had taken his daughter's life and accepted her as a sacrifice. The priest was deeply shaken by this tragic incident and criticized the deity for what he perceived as her disregard for his unwavering devotion. Realizing her mistake and feeling remorseful, the Goddess apologized to the priest. In an act of kindness, she blessed the priest with another child, bringing solace to his grieving heart. Maa also promised to bestow her blessings upon all the women who visited this place of worship, especially those struggling with infertility, as long as they approached with profound devotion and a pure heart.
Legends also recount that this Temple once was the abode for a notorious group of bandits in the dense forest. In ancient times, these bandits would ruthlessly kill humans and present them as sacrificial offerings to the Goddess. Even today, the custom of animal sacrifice continues to be practiced in this place.
About the Temple
The Maa Kalyaneswari Temple, an important location for Shakti worship, is approximately 20 km from Asansol and just 5 km from the renowned Maithon Dam, which the Damodar Valley Corporation manages. The Temple is about 7 km from Barakar on the Grand Trunk Road and is only 1 km from the recently constructed NH 2 bypass road. It is situated on the banks of the Barakar River, which marks the border between Bengal and Jharkhand. If you visit the Kalyaneshwari temple, you can also take a 10-minute journey to the Maithon Dam.
Devi Maa is depicted wearing a red cloth and holding a baby in the Temple. Kalyaneshwari Maa is located in a small cave within the Temple, while a small Ashtadhatu Kali Maa idol outside the cave is worshipped as Kalyaneswari Devi. The Temple's backside features a serene stream flowing through granite terrain and surrounded by lush greenery. Typically, Maa Kali Temples perform arati twice daily, but this Temple only performs morning arati.
The "Sondhya Arati" ritual is not conducted in this Temple, as it wasn't performed in the original Salanpur Temple either, as the temple priests used to close it before dusk. However, the real reason for discontinuing the Sondhya Arati tradition was disturbances caused by wild animals in the surrounding forest areas.
Being in Asansol, you can visit the Temple throughout the year. The most language spoken here is Bengali and Hindi. While tourists can click photographs around the Temple area, photography is strictly prohibited inside the premises. You can buy Puja essentials from numerous shops strewn across the landscape.
Interesting facts
The Temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women.
Timing
The Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM.
How to visit
Maa Kalyaneshwari Temple can be reached via air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport at Andal (55 km), and one can get a cab to the Temple from the airport. Another mode of travel is by road via Asansol or Barakar near the Jharkhand border.
People visiting Kalyaneshwari Temple can stay in the City of Asansol, where they can hire private cabs, autorickshaws, and taxis while visiting the Temple. The City of Asansol serves both veg and non-veg options.
Conclusion
One of the most revered centers for Shakti worship, Maa Kalyaneshwari is considered to listen to all her devotee's prayers and fulfill them. Further, Maa is believed to bless those women who couldn't conceive due to some reason to bear children, making it one of the most visited places of worship for the common people. Do visit the Temple next time you are in the area.