Chattal Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that, the right arm 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 right arm, this small temple was constructed. Chattal Shakti Peeth is situated in Sitakunda station of Chittagong District, Bangladesh. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Bhawani’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Chandra Shekhar’.
Chattal Shakti Peeth has some of the best art and architecture, and looks adorable in terms of design. The reflection of sun light and glow of white marble presents views of being in heaven and picturesque views are impeccable. At the front of the temple, there is a large courtyard, and it has marble flooring over it. After there are steps and above them is the dome type of opening. The huge pillars of the temples represents it like as massive fort and gives a strong feeling to the viewers. This temple has numbers of floors and they can be accessed from inside. In morning and evening colossal scale ‘Aarti’ are performed by the priest of the temple.
History of Chattal Shakti Peeth
History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Right arm of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can mingle with local people.
Festivals in Chattal temple
- Navratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the major festival here. Navratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days.
- Person (Almost every day) offers their offering to the god in form of fruit, milk, homemade sweets etc.
- Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’ and during this day, people keep fast, pour milk on the Shiv Lingam and offers ‘Bail’ (A type of fruit) to the god idol.
Where to stay
Chattal Shakti Peeth is among the famous pilgrim destination and this is why there is an ample arrangement of accommodation. 2 or 3 star hotels are readily available in the vicinity of the Shakti Peeth, but for 5 star accommodations you have to move to Chittagong district.
Local accommodations like shared rooms or dormitory are also available at reasonable rates. In some special occasions, there are various types of ‘shivir’ organized by the various non government organizations.
Shopping around Chattal temple
- Bangladesh is quite good in terms of jute products, so shopping for items made from same is regular routine of travelers.
- Items related religious activity can be obtained from outside the temple itself.
- Bargaining for the items is really necessary here as shopkeepers tend to ask higher price for the good that you want to purchase. A little knowledge about the prices of the basic things in this country will help travelers a lot.
Other places that can be visited nearby
Chandranath Temple is the nearby location that is visited by people in large numbers. Chittagong is itself a tourist hub and number place to go for.
How to reach the Chattal temple
- Road transportation is the most common means in this country. Although there is no direct train to this part, so pilgrims need to change train from Chittagong to reach here.
- Road, Private busses play to this part of the country and there are several good transport agencies like Skyline, Greenline etc. You will be able to board the buses from GEC circle in Chittagong,
- Air, From India there are couple of domestic airlines play to this part of the country. Nearest airport to this Shakti Peeth is the Shah Amanat International Airport.
- Indian pilgrims need to apply for the visa to visit this Shakti Peeth.
- Pilgrims are advised to have insurances of their luggage, as misplace of cargo is common phenomenon these days.