Yogdaya Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that, the thumb of her right leg of maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of thumb of her right leg, this temple was constructed. Yogdaya Shakti Peeth is situated in Khirgam Village, Burdwan district, West Bengal, India. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as ‘Yogadhya’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Khirakantha’.
The temple is having a metal dome, which is having golden color. Temple is situated under the shades of big tree. There are various entrances to this temple and the crowd is kept in systematic manner, by metal railings. Around this temple there are other temples too, and they are dedicated to different gods. People tie Maa Chunri on the tree that is located just near to this temple. Tying Chunri is considered very auspicious and it has lot of religious importance. In the festive seasons like Durga puja, the number of pilgrims flocking to this part increases to several folds.
History of Chitrakoot Yogdaya Peeth
History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the thumb of her right leg of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can be taken from with local people. Religious books, Purans etc are worth trying to find out the history about the Shakti Peeth.
Festivals in Yogdaya temple
- Makar Sankranti, Sharad Purnima, Deepawali, Somvati Amavasya, Ram Navami are some of the other important festivals being celebrated here.
- Durga Puja and Kali Puja are quite famous in this part of country. Durga Puja is among the most celebrated festival here and there is a 5 day holiday in this part of country. Although the Durga Puja is celebrated in other states also, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnatakaand Kerala, but Durga Puja is best celebrated in West Bengal. The day of celebration is decided by the Hindu calendar.
- People (Almost every day) offer their offering to the god in form of fruit, milk, homemade sweets etc.
Where to stay
If you are looking for either cheap or expensive type of accommodation, then both are available here. Here the rent of each room may vary from Rs 400 to Rs 4000. Also there are several non payable guest houses or dharmsalas that are run by the various nonprofit organizations. Beware of the touts who promises to give hi-fi deals with cheap rates.
Shopping around Yogdaya temple
- Religious Paraphernalia can be bought from the shops that are located just outside the temple.
- Traditional Clothes like white and red cotton Sari can be bought from here, at local market.
- Local delicacies like Shondish and White Rasgullas, is really something that needs to be tasted.
- Rice and Daal is quite famous here and common appetite in the menu of hotels.
- Bargaining for the items is really necessary here as shopkeepers tend to ask higher price for the good that you want to purchase.
Other places that can be visited nearby
Following are some of the places that you might want to visit:
- Mandarmani, Kolkata, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, Sagar Island, Bishnupur, Shantiniketan, Murshidabad & Berhampore, Gaur & Pandua, Siliguri & New Jalpaiguri, Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Mirik, Darjeeling are some of the star attractions nearby this Shakti Peeth.
How to reach the Yogdaya temple
- Direct trains are available to Nigam station Railway station and various trains ply directly from Delhi, , Ahmedabad, Patna to Kolkata and from Kolkata, you need to board other local trains.
- Several deluxe bus services are available to Khirgham Village ply to this part.
- Nearest airport is in the the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and national as well as international flights are available till here.
- But it is advisable to have taxi or your own mode of transportation when you are coming to Burdwan from airport.
- Rickshaw, Auto Rickshaw and Bus are common mode of transportation inside the city.
- Take necessary steps to protect yourself from sunburn etc, because in the summer season, temperature shoots up to 40+ degrees in this part of the country.