Nandikeshwari Temple | Nandipur Shakti Peeth, Sainthia

Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia is a revered Hindu temple located in Sainthia town, Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Nandikeshwari, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The temple is situated on the banks of the Mayurakshi River and holds significant religious importance for devotees.

This Temple is known for its unique architectural style and serene surroundings. The presiding deity, Goddess Nandikeshwari, is worshipped with great devotion and rituals. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, particularly during festivals and special occasions.

According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built at the spot where the necklace of Sati, the consort of Shiva, fell after she immolated herself in protest against her father’s disrespect for her husband. The temple is dedicated to Nandini, a form of Shakti, and Nandikeshwar, a form of Shiva.

The temple is a two-tiered structure with a pyramidal roof. The main shrine houses the idol of Nandini, which is a black stone that is said to have been created from Sati’s necklace. The idol is decorated with red sindoor, a vermilion powder that is used as a symbol of fertility and auspiciousness.

The temple is also home to a number of other shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga. There is also a large pond located in front of the temple, which is believed to have healing powers.

This Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India. It is especially crowded during the annual Durga Puja festival, which is celebrated in October or November.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Nandikeshwari Temple:

• The temple was built in the 14th century by the Raja of Nandipur.
• The temple is located on the banks of the Mayurakshi River.
• The temple is a protected monument under the West Bengal Heritage Commission.
• The temple is open to the public from 6am to 8pm daily.

Read More>> Shri Parvat Shakti Peeth Ladakh

Miracles:

Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees believe that worshipping and seeking the blessings of Goddess Nandikeshwari at the temple can help fulfill their desires. They offer prayers and perform rituals with the hope of receiving divine intervention in their lives and overcoming challenges.

Healing and Protection: It is believed that the presence of Goddess at the temple provides protection from evil forces and brings healing to devotees. Many people visit the temple seeking spiritual solace and physical well-being.

Removal of Obstacles: Goddess is revered as the remover of obstacles and hurdles. Devotees often pray for the removal of difficulties and seek divine guidance at the Nandikeshwari Temple.

Blessings and Grace: Devotees consider the this Temple as a place where they can receive the blessings and grace of the goddess. They believe that seeking her blessings brings them strength, courage, and protection in their daily lives.

Spiritual Awakening: Many devotees experience a sense of spiritual awakening and connection with the divine when visiting the Temple. The peaceful atmosphere, devotional ambiance, and energy associated with the temple are believed to facilitate spiritual growth and enlightenment.

It’s important to note that miracles are subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals, and their faith and devotion play a significant role in perceiving and attributing such occurrences. The true essence of visiting the Temple lies in seeking spiritual solace, inner transformation, and devotion to the divine.

Read More>> Jwala Ji Temple Jwalamukhi Kangra

Temple Timing:

The Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia, West Bengal, India is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. The temple is closed on Tuesdays.

Morning: The temple opens at 6:00 AM and the first puja is performed at 6:30 AM. The main puja is performed at 8:00 AM.

Afternoon: The temple closes for lunch at 1:00 PM and reopens at 3:00 PM. The evening aarti is performed at 6:00 PM.

Night: The temple closes at 10:00 PM.

Please note that these timings may vary during special festivals or events. It is always best to check with the temple authorities before visiting.

Tourist places near Nandikeshwari Temple:

Sainthia, being located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, offers several tourist attractions in its vicinity. Here are some notable places you can visit near the Temple in Sainthia:

Nalhati:

Located around 15 kilometers from Sainthia, Nalhati is a small town known for its historical and religious significance. You can explore the Nalateswari Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali and attracts a large number of devotees. The Nalhati Rajbari (royal palace) is also worth visiting for its architectural charm.

Tarapith:

Tarapith, situated approximately 40 kilometers from Sainthia, is a famous pilgrimage destination known for the Tarapith Temple dedicated to Goddess Tara. The temple is considered a Shakti Peetha and is believed to have great spiritual significance. The tranquil ambiance and religious fervor of Tarapith attract devotees from far and wide.

Bakreshwar:

Bakreshwar, located around 45 kilometers from Sainthia, is another significant pilgrimage site known for its hot springs and ancient temples. The Bakreshwar Temple complex houses several temples dedicated to different deities. The hot springs of Bakreshwar are believed to have healing properties and are visited by devotees seeking physical and spiritual wellness.

Siuri:

Siuri, the district headquarters of Birbhum, is situated approximately 30 kilometers from Sainthia. The town offers a glimpse into the local culture and heritage. You can visit the Siuri Rajbari, which was the palace of the local rulers, and explore the bustling markets and local bazaars.

Joydev-Kenduli:

Joydev-Kenduli, situated around 65 kilometers from Sainthia, is famous for its association with the renowned poet-saint Jayadeva, author of the Gita Govinda. The Kenduli Mela, held annually in January, attracts numerous Baul singers and devotees who gather to celebrate the birth anniversary of Jayadeva.

These are just a few examples of the nearby tourist attractions in the vicinity of Sainthia. Exploring the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region can add depth to your visit to the Nandikeshwari Temple and make your trip more fulfilling.

Read More>> Sugandha Shaktipeeth Shikarpur

FAQ:

What is the significance of Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia?

The Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti. It is believed that the necklace of Sati, the consort of Shiva, fell here after she was beheaded by her father, Daksha Prajapati. The goddess is worshipped here as Nandikeshwari, which means “she who is worshipped by Nandi”.

What is the history of Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia?

The history of the Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia is closely linked to the legend of Sati. According to the legend, Sati was married to Shiva, the god of destruction. Her father, Daksha Prajapati, was a devout follower of Vishnu, the god of preservation. He was offended by Shiva’s appearance and lifestyle, and he decided to hold a yagna (fire sacrifice) to which he invited all the gods and goddesses, except Shiva and Sati.

Sati was heartbroken when she learned that she had not been invited to the yagna. She disguised herself as a brahmin boy and attended the yagna. When Daksha saw Sati, he was furious and insulted her in front of everyone. Sati was so humiliated that she immolated herself in the yagna fire.

Shiva was enraged by Sati’s death. He carried her body on his shoulders and danced a wild dance of destruction. The gods were afraid that Shiva would destroy the world, so they intervened and persuaded him to lay down Sati’s body.

As Shiva danced, Sati’s body was dismembered into 51 pieces, which fell to earth at different places. These places became known as Shakti Peethas.

The Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia is believed to be the place where the necklace of Sati fell.

What are the rituals performed at Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia?

The most important ritual performed at the Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia is the daily puja (worship) of the goddess. The puja is performed by the priests of the temple and involves chanting mantras and offering prayers to the goddess.

Another important ritual performed at the temple is the Nandikeshwari Utsav, which is a 10-day festival that takes place every year in October-November. During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. Devotees from all over India come to the temple to participate in the festival.

What are the benefits of visiting Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia?

It is believed that those who visit the Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia will be blessed with the following:

• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death
• Dharma: Righteousness
• Artha: Wealth
• Kama: Pleasure
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death

What are the dos and don’ts for visiting Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia?

Here are some dos and don’ts for visiting the Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia:

Dos:

• Dress modestly.
• Take a bath before entering the temple.
• Offer prayers to the goddess.
• Seek the blessings of the priest.

Don’ts:

• Do not speak loudly or laugh inside the temple.
• Do not eat or drink inside the temple.
• Do not touch the idols or the temple premises.
• Do not take photographs inside the temple.

How to reach Temple:

To reach the Nandikeshwari Temple in Sainthia, you can follow these general directions:

By Air:

The nearest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is approximately 225 kilometers away from Sainthia. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Sainthia. The travel time from Kolkata to Sainthia by road is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.

By Train:

Sainthia Junction Railway Station is well-connected to major cities and towns in West Bengal. You can take a train to Sainthia Junction from Kolkata or other nearby cities. The temple is located within a short distance from the railway station, and you can hire a local taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Road:

Sainthia is well-connected by roadways, and you can reach the town by bus or private car from nearby cities like Kolkata or Asansol. The town is situated on National Highway 114 and is easily accessible by road.

Once you reach Sainthia, you can easily locate the Nandikeshwari Temple as it is a well-known landmark in the town.

Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the local weather conditions, temple visiting hours, and any specific guidelines or rituals observed at the temple before planning your visit.