Attahas Temple - What is the belief here & Temple timings
Attahas Shakti Peeth is one of the significant religious places for Hindus. This temple is located in a faraway village called Dakshindihi in Birbhum, West Bengal. The Shrine is a prominent place for worshiping Adi Shakti (Goddess worshiped) in Hinduism. According to the mythology, Goddess Sati sacrificed her life in the sacrificial fire performed by her father, King Daksha, when Lord Shankar was circling the entire universe with the dead body of Goddess Sati, after which Sati's 'bottom lip' fell at this place. According to the Puranas, wherever the pieces of Sati's limbs, worn clothes, or ornaments fell, Shaktipeeth came into existence there. They are called the most sacred shrines. These shrines are spread throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Also Read: Kedarnath Temple
Origin of the Attahas Shakti Peeth
'Atta' is a Sanskrit word, which means 'excessive' where 'hasa' means laughter. The main deity worshipped in the temple is 'Mata Phullora,' and Baba Bhairav dwelled as 'Vishvesh'. Also, Lord Vishvesh is said to be guarding Mata Phullora.
An inscription (Shila Lippi) of terracotta is also found in Attahas. Research is still going on the script of this inscription. It is hoped that if this inscription is properly read, correct information can be obtained
about atheism.
There was a big pond alongside the temple, from where Lord Hanuman collected 108 blue lotuses as Lord Ram expected those lotuses for the worship of Goddess Durga.
Also Read: Importance and Significance of celebrating Radha Ashtami
Fairs and Festivals
All the festivals are celebrated in Attahas Shakti Peeth. Especially on the festival of Shivaratri, Durga Puja, and Navratri, special poojas are organized. During these festivals, some people observe 'vrat' or fast (not eating food) as respect and dedication to the deity. The temple is glorified with adorable flowers and shining lights during festival days. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple brings peace to the hearts and minds of the devotees.
Although devotees worship in this temple throughout the year, the temple has special significance in Navratri. It is said that any devotee, who asks for a vow truly in this temple, the mother fulfills it soon. People outside of West Bengal also visit the temple in Navratri.
Holi is also celebrated here with colors and joy. A fair is also organized to enjoy the festival of Holi.
A unique and famous festival, named as Phullora Mela, is organized here with great enthusiasm and cheer. It is a ten-days fair that attracts the onlookers from various places across the country. This Mela is held during the Magh Purnima at the end of winter.
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About Temple and its Ideal Location
The temple is situated in the midst of dense forest near Nirol Gram Panchayat in Katwa subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It is located about 5 km from Nirol Bus Stand and on the banks of the Ishani River (locally known as Kandor River). Attahas Shakti Peeth is unique in nature, this place could also have been an ideal weekend getaway for nature lovers. The temple is dwelled on the banks of the Ishani River, situated in the middle of a forest with birds and trees of various species.
It is believed that the idol of the temple was there till 1915. After that, the original idol was kept in the 'Bangiya Sahitya Parishad' museum. This murti was made of metal. After the reinstallation of the statue, the statue was looted.
Temple Deity
The proper idol of Goddess Fullara is not sanctified. There is around 15 feet stone situated in the temple symbolizes the lower lip of Shakti. Goddess Fullara and Lord Bhairava are the divine energies in the temple who are worshiped by the devotees. The meaning of Fullara is Blooming. A lotus is designed adjacent to the temple complex on which the Idol of Lord Mahadeva is sitting. The place is said to be divine, spiritual, sacred, and tranquil, which seeks the attention of tourists & devotees to experience the temple's grandeur along with its religious value.
Worship and Rituals
Attahas opens at 5:30 am and 1:00 pm, and in the afternoon begins from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Flowers, oil lamps, incense, and anna bhog are granted in front of deity by her followers every day.
Devotees visit the temple to pray and sing God's hymns & phrases with immense dedication. They follow the ritual of daily morning pooja & evening Aarti to present their devotion and love. Along with pooja and Aarti, people offer Rice or Anna to Lord Bhairav Vishwesh and Goddess.
Best Time to Visit
August to March is the best time to visit the temple. One can visit the temple during Durga Puja and Navratri festival to enjoy and get the blessings of the deity.
Attahas Temple is famous because this attractive place is home to various beautiful wild birds. From December to January, the environment's beauty is on its peak, and birds add charm in its grace. Nature lovers and birdwatchers ideally visit the Attahas temple during Dec-January.
How to Reach
By Airway
The nearest airports are as follows:
Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport - Domsti Airport
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport - International Airport.
By Railway
Labhpur railway station is the nearest railway station to reach the temple. The railway station is almost 29.7 km away from Attahas Shakti Peeth. Taxis and Buses are quite available to reach the temple.
By Road
Attahas Shakti Peeth temple is connected with all the main cities by road. One can easily avail of taxis and buses from their respective cities. Even the Nirol bus stand is about 5 km away from the temple.
Places to see around the temple
- Junction Mall
- 108 Shiv Mandir
- Lord Curzon Gate
- Durgapur Barrage
- Hanseswari Temple
- Tomb of Sher Afghan
- Meghnad Saha Planetarium
- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary
- Christ Church, Bardhaman
- Damodar River