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Home , Bhramari, Mainaguri, Malbazar, Nagrakata

Religious Tourism

1) Trisrota Mahapeeth

The Trisrota Mahapeeth situated in Nowtary Devottar Mouza at Sauth Berubari G.P. under Sadar Block of District. Distance of the Trisrota Mahapeeth from Jalpaiguri town is nearabout 40Km. and 12km. from Haldibari Railway Station.

Trisrota Mahapeeth is one of the famous 51 Shaktipeeth of and only one Shaktipeeth of , according to the description of various shastra, puran, tantra, reference books and history, geography of North Bengal with present situation. Some of the description is as follows –

“TRISROTAY BAMA PADA BHUPATITA HOY BHAIRAB AMBAR BHRAMARI VISCHAY.” (Left leg fell to the ground of Trisrota ancient by Bhairab Ambar Goddess Bhramari assured by.) - BRIHAT SHIB MAHA PURAN

“TRISROTAYANG BAMOPADA BHRAMARI BHAIRABESWAR” (Left leg in Trisrota bed Bhairabeswar, Goddess Bhramari Led.) - PRANTOSINI TANTRA

The fetures of the Trisrota Mahapeeth according to the descriptions are – Place – TRISROTA; Limb of – LEFT LEG; Bhairab - ISWAR and Goddess – BHRAMARI. The short descriptions of the features are as follows –

TRISROTA:- The name is ‘SADANEER’ and Mythological name is ‘TRISROTA’ of the ancient Teesta, main river of North Bengal. The ancient Teesta flowed over plane in three courses after descending from hill. The names of three courses are ‘PANGA’, ‘JAMUNA’ and ‘KAROTOWA’. The ancient Teesta flowed towards western side of present Jalpaiguri and Haldibari town after Sevak Rail Bridge. Panga and Jamuna connected with each other at Kirtaniya para, southern side of South Berubari G.P. The name of the united course is ‘GHORAMARA’. The Ghoramara connected with ‘Karotowa’ at Shaldanga (Now Bangladesh) after flowed 12miles. The ancient Teesta took different names in different places and joined with ‘GANGA’ and then Sea. These courses of ancient Teesta was unresisted up in the year 1787. The significant location of ‘TRISROTA’ is situated in South Berubari G.P. The ‘TRISROTA MAHAPEETH’ has been established at Nowtari Devottar Mouza near the trysting place of Panga – Jamuna in ancient time.

LEFT LEG, LIMB OF SATI:- According to the description of ‘BRIHAT DHARMA PURAN’ – Those places established as famous 51Shakti Peeths and 26 Upa-peeths where roped the scattered Limbs of Goddess ‘SATI’ by Bishnu’s ‘SUDARSHAN CHAKRA’. The Limbs of the body of ‘Goddess SATI’ were popularly accepted and graciously transformed into rocks in the moment they fell on the earth. These places are regarded as holy places in the world, where the limbs were droped. The Goddess prevailed on those places daily.

The natural rock of toeless left leg was well protected in the bed of the temple of ‘BHRAMARI’ popularly was acquainted with “GARTESWARI”.

BHAIRAB ISWAR:- Mahadev hold himself in different figures for 11 times, s per the opinion of ‘SHATRA’. Exactly that reasons he is called ‘AKADASH TANU’. A figure or a name of Mahadev is ‘ISWAR’. The situation of Bhairab in Shaktipeeths described in ‘KALIKA PURANAM’. As per the description – those places were the limbs dropped along with legs of ‘SATI’ Mahadev established himself as symbol of ‘LINGA’ by loving ‘SATI’ AS ignorant.

‘BHAIRAB ISWAR’ situated in ‘TRISROTA MAHAPEETH’ Infront of the Temple of Goddess ‘BHAMARI’ under a rare tree.

GODDESS BHRAMARI:- As per opinion of ‘SHASTRA’ dwelling in the hole of inferno demon Arun obtained the blessing from due to his own religious austerity that, two footed or four footed male or female animals even with any weapons should not be killed and then he started oppression to the deities. By the order of divine revelation the deities started religious austerity to ‘BHUBANESWARI’ after being impatient from the oppression of demon Arun. After austere penance of the deities at last the benevolent of the world, ‘JAGATMATA’ appeared infront of them and gave the assurance.

Descriptions regarding the figure of the Goddess ‘JAGATMATA’, who prevailed infront of the deities described in the 11th chapter of 10th article: (Page no. 1025) in ‘DEVI BHAGBATAM’. The short descriptions are as – “She is shining as a crore sum and beautiful as a crore Kandarpa, Variegated with ornaments in her body, existing as blessing in one hand and assurance in other hand; full of kindness like ocean, peaceful in appearance, joined with bumble and garland were shining even in that BHAGA BATI’S MELT.”

To this effect here is explanation as narrated in 11th chapter of “PADYA CHANDI” – “I shall be numerous bumble bee, To kill demon Arun dance in the battle field. My name will be Goddess’ ‘BHRAMARI’, to destroy all the passions of the world.”

Goddess Bhramari killed the dwellers of the hole (BIBAR) of inferno demon Arun. The lexicographical meaning of hole (BIBAR) in Bengali is ‘GARTA’, Destroying the dwellers in ‘GARTA’ of inferno demon Arun Goddess Bhramari popularly was acquitted with ‘GARTESWARI’.

The exact figure of Goddess Bhramari engraved in Touch Stone established in ‘TRISROTA MAHA PEETH. In the year 2006, 2007 & 2009 JAGAT GURU SHANKARACHARJA of JOSHI MATH and in 2012 & 2013 JAGATGURU SANKARACHARJA of PRAYAG PEETH has visited the ‘TRISROTA MAHA PEETH and consented as one of the famous 51 Peeth of India. Govt. of India and Govt. of Bangladesh has consented the ‘TRISROTA MAHA PEETH’ as one of the famous 51 Shaktipeeth of Indian Sub Continent in Land Boundary Agreement, 2011.

2) Bhabani Pathaks’ Temple Sikarpur, Jalpaiguri, WestBengal Idols of Devi Choudhurani and Bhabani Pathak are worshipped in a temple amid the Sikarpur Tea Garden, believed to have been the worship place of Bhabani Pathak, a devotee of MaKali. The temple, according to local residents, has been there for ages and so has the river whose gurgling waters still flow behind the temple. The river is known as the Trisrota. According to legend, Devi Choudhurani, originally known as Prafulla, was the queen of Manthani estate of Rangpur district. After being abandoned by her husband, she was given shelter by Pathak, who also led a band of dacoits. Devi later became a part of their gang. Bhabani Pathak was also known to have led the Sanyasi revolution in Rangpur and Estern Himalayan Foothills. Legend has it that the Bajraof Devi Choudhurani used to sail on the waters of this river, moving between Rangpur (At present a district in Bangladesh) and Baikunthapur. Several idols of Devi Choudhurani and Bhabani Pathak are still found in this area. The temple, which resembles a pagoda, has a steady stream of worshippers from the nearby areas who throng the place during the puja of Devi and Pathak. puja is celebrated in a big way in this abode of the goddess, continuing a tradition that the local priest says was started by Bhabani Pathak. bhabaniphathaks temple. The idols of Devi Choudhurani and her associates, carved out of wood, have a medieval look about them. The resemblance that the wooden idols share with the people of the area can only be explained by the fact that the artist seems to have drawn on the natural features of local residents while working on his creation.

3) Devi Chaudhurani Temple Goshala More, Jalpaiguri, WestBengal devi choudhurani 2 Legend has it that the bandit queen Devi chaudhurani and her Guru and mentor Bhabani Pathak used to offer puja at this Kali temple before taking the Trisrota river on their bajra( a big sail boat). Devi Chaudhurani was abandoned by her husband when Bhabani pathak, Kali Sadhak and Sardar of a gang of dacoits, gave her shelter. She then actively joined the group. It is surprising why a gang of bandits should be looked upon with such reverence. The idols of Devi Chaudhurani and Bhabani Pathak are worshipped till date.The answer probably lies in the belief that they were associated with the famous Sanyasi movement in Bengal. Their target were those people, both of the East India company and local zamindars, who tured the poor natives for tax and other benefits. For the British these sanyasis of the 'sanyasi revolution' were simply looters who looted their 'rightful wealth'. Devi Chaudhurani was also made famous by Bankim Chattopadhyay's novel - 'Devi Chaudhurani'. There are people who would like to believe that Devi and Pathak were just characters of this novel. But for the people of this region they were real people of flesh and blood. They believe that the temple existed ages before the novel was penned. According to the local people there are also a few other Temples in this region where Devi Chaudhurani used to Visit like the Bandurga in . Festival at Devi Choudhurani Temple Some legend has that Devi Choudhurani the bandit queen of the famous ‘Sanyasi Movement’ period in the 19th century had established the Kali Temple near Gosala More. The Kali Puja is now organized by a committee formed for the Kali puja at Devi Choudhurani Kali mondir of Jalpaiguri. The puja is a mojor attraction for all in the region and hundreds flok to worship the goddess at this temple. As themuth goes, Devi Choudhurani used to distribute goods looted from the rich among the poor irrespective of caste or community. In keeping with the spirit, people cutting across all community attend the Kali Puja here to pay their respect and seek blessings.

4) Jalpesh Temple This place is around 25 km away from Jalpaiguri town and 8 km from Maynaguri. Taxi is available from Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri to reach this place. One can also hire van rickshaw from Maynaguri to reach this place. The Jalpesh Temple is approximately 3 kilometres from away .Maynaguri is a census town in in the Indian state of . It is known as the "Gate way of " and is a regionally significant tourist destination for its temple to , and is dedicated to Lord Jalpeswara (Siva). The temple was built in a style akin to Islamic architecture. Inside, there is a Shivling called 'Anadi'. Mahashivaratri is the main festival celebrated in this temple, which is 126 feet high and 120 feet wide. Pilgrims come during Sravani Melain July–August and during the fair of Jalpesh Mela in February–March to offer special puja to Siva. Millions of pilgrims gather during ‘Sivratri & Sravani Mela before Independence of India, elephants were sold during mela in the spring people come from Nepal, , Bangladesh and all adjacent states, collect water from River Teesta and walk barefoot 15 kilometres to the temple.Jalpesh is a temple dedicated to Lord Siva, now is also known as Jalpeshwara.Pilgrims come during Sravani Mela in the month of July – August and during February – March for offering special Puja to God Siva (There is daity but ananta Siva Lingha) is placed inside temple. The history of Maynaguri dates back to antiquity. According to present historical researches carried out by Sailen Debnath, an eminent scholar of the region, Mainaguri was the second capital of the medieval Kamata kingdom.Kamatapur or Kamata Kingdom emerged as a sovereign state right from the middle of the seventh century.Most probably, Nalrajar Garh in Chilapata Forest was the earliest capital of Kamatapur; and subsequently through different ups and downs, the capital was shifted to Mainaguri or Maynaguri. Sailen Debnath, narrating the history of the extant early temples in and around Mainaguri, has indicated that Mainaguri even might have been a big city in the period of Bhaskar Varman of Kamrupa. Biswa Singha was the founder of Jalpesh temple in the year 1524. From the time back it has been there since. Biswa Singha was the father of Maharaja Nara Narayan of ‘Kamta Behar’ () and he also later rebuild the temple in 1563. Again after a period of 100 years Pran Narayan a king in succession rebuilds this temple in the year 1663 A.D. Then after refusing to hold the Royal Umbrella at the coronation of the then King Luxminarayan of Cooch Bihar, in 1621 Mahi Deb Raikut, signified his independence and refused to pay tribute. From then onwards the temple of Jalpesh was looked after by the Raikut’s of Baikunthopur. Again in the year 1897, the temple was almost destroyed by an earthquake.It was reconstructed by Rani Jagedeswari Devi, the wife of Raja Jogendra Deb Raikut on Jan 30 1899.

5) Jatileswar Temple Jatileswar Temple was built in the time of Gupta Dynesty. Built with stone and clay bricks, still remain unexplored areas by archiology experts. This temple was mainly dedicated to Hindu suprime god Lord Shiva. and many other gods are also present in sculptures.

This place is around 30 km away from Jalpaiguri town and 13 km from Maynaguri. Taxi is available from Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri to reach this place.

6) Bharamori Temple Bhramri Devi Mandir is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas belonging to Devi Sati/ where the left leg of Devi Sati fell at Trisotra, Salbari village, Bodaganj, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. It is a famous Shakti Peethas in West Bengal. Lord Brahma performed a yajna (Vedic ritual of fire sacrifice) to please Shakti and Shiva. Goddess Shakti emerged, separating from Shiva and helped Brahma in the creation of the universe. Brahma decided to give Shakti back to Shiva. Therefore his son Daksha performed several yajnas to obtain Shakti as his daughter in the form of Sati. It was then decided that Sati was brought into this world with the motive of getting married to Shiva. However, due to Lord Shiva's curse to lord Brahma that he would not be worshiped and also his fifth head was cut off due to his lie in front of lord Shiva, Daksha started hating lord Shiva and decided not to let lord Shiva and Sati get married. However, Sati got attracted to Shiva and finally one day lord Shiva and Sati got married. This marriage only increased Daksha's hatred towards lord Shiva. Daksha performed a yajna with a desire to take revenge on lord Shiva. Daksha invited all the deities to the yajna except Lord Shiva and Sati. The fact that she was not invited did not deter Sati from attending the yajna. She expressed her desire to attend the yajna to Shiva, who tried his best to dissuade her from going. Lord Shiva eventually relented and Sati went to the yajna. Sati, being an uninvited guest, was not given any respect at the yajna. Furthermore, Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati was unable to bear her father's insults toward her husband, so she immolated herself. Enraged at the insult and the injury, Shiva destroyed Daksha's yajna, cut off Daksha's head, and later replaced it with that of a male goat as he restored him to life. Still immersed in grief, Shiva picked up the remains of Sati's body, and performed the Tandava, the celestial dance of destruction, across all creation. The other Gods requested to intervene to stop this destruction, towards which Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati's immortal remains. The various parts of the body fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and formed sites which are known as Shakti Peethas today. At all the Shakti Peethas, the Goddess Shakti is accompanied by her consort, Lord Bhairava (a manifestation of Lord Shiva).

7) Kalu Saheabs’ Mazar: (700 Miters from Kadamtala More) KALU SAHEBS MAZAR is another great historical and religious place of this ancient town JALPAIGURI. This place is also said as true Indian place. Not only Muslims but people belong to whatever religions come here with lots of hope every day with a great faith and respect that there wishes will be fulfilled if they prey before here.

8) Baikunthapur Palace, Gate, Temple & Dighi: (2Km. from Kadamtala More) The Baikunthapur Rajbari Dighi is another famous attraction of this sector. This place is just opposite of the Rajbari. This Baikunthapur Rajbari Dighi is one of the large pond of West Bengal. The Baikunthapur Rajbarir Dighi is bounded by sum temples. Among those the Shiva temple is the most famous one. Thousands of devotees come here every year to pay their regards. In the month of Sravana the famous Rajbari Mela helds here every year.

9) St.Michael and All Angels Church: (1.5 Km. from Kadamtala More) Sion still has dreams of pretty memsaabs and smart gentlemen trooping into church in their Sunday best. The perfect notes of the grand piano and the soulful hymns still echo in her ears while she is asleep. But reality hits her every time she opens her eyes and they come to rest on the St Michael's and All Angels Church, it's plum-red roof and golden walls glowing in the sun.

The well-done-up exteriors belie the structure's age ' 110-years and counting ' and hide its losing struggle to remain standing. A struggle that a hundred-odd Protestants are funding and Sion, now 66, has joined for her love for the house of worship with a glorious past.

'It was a good time then,' Sion says, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of a six-year-old, the time to which her memories date back. 'Saabs and Memsaabs from tea gardens, administrators, British, of the town and owners of British firms would arrive in shining cars, Fords and Austins, for Sunday Mass.' 'On Christmas, New Year and Good Friday, they would give away cakes and chocolates. What a wonderful time we would have,' she added remorsefully.

Tea planters built the church, which stands near the district collectorate, in 1868. They had appointed Nabakumar Mondal, Sion's father, as its caretaker in the early forties. 'Bishop Bryan from England, used to lead the prayer service then. There was a wonderful choir and nothing could keep me away from the church when the hymns were sung,' Sion recalled.

Her brother, Nitin, remembers more about the 'European routine' after Mass. 'The men would either head for European Club for a game of tennis or billiards or head for the racecourse for horse riding. Some, who would take their ladies along, would go to the dance room near the club,' he said.

The European Club, on the other side of the Karala on Club Road, a kilometre from the church is in a shambles now. The wooden floors have given away at places, the walls green with algae and doors and windows crumbling. The billiard board is coated with years of dust and the tennis courts a jumble of green that cows graze on. 'Only a handful of members go there nowadays,' Nitin rued. The dance room is no more, replaced by housing blocks of different government departments. 'Only the name Racecoursepara reminds people what it was some decades ago,' Nitin said. The area is now a maze of residences and markets where the fire brigade terminal and offices also housed.

'The fortunes of the church began dipping since the late fifties when the patrons began leaving the country,' said Budhan Sahu, who was appointed the gardener by Sion's father for Rs 10 a month in 1954. Nabakumar, he said, continued to serve the church despite rising financial odds. 'Something that Sion has continued.'

Then Bishop Bryan left 1962. He the last to leave the church premises. 'We struggled to maintain the church, but whatever little we did was undone by the flood in 1968. The piano that I had grown up listening to was also damage beyond repair,' Sion said.

'Then there was trouble in the tea industry and the funds, which had reduced to a trickle, dried up completely,' she added. 'I only wonder what will become of the church after I am gone.'

10) Jogomaya Kalibari: Jogomaya Kalibari is a famous and popular temple at Jalpaiguri dedicated to the Goddess Kali. This temple is situated on the Temple Street of Jalpaiguri. The deity is highly believed to be extremely powerful and divine. A shrine of Lord Shiva and Baba Loknath have also been constructed in the temple complex. Tourist coming to Jalpaiguri always visit this temple.

11) Christ Redeemer Cathedral: Mohitnagar, Post: Jalpaiguri, Dist: Jalpaiguri- 735101, West Bengal, India. Circumscription: Diocese of Jalpaiguri. Type: Cathedral Rite: Roman (Latin) Patron: JHS Redeemer.

12) Baptist Church: The Baptist Church is is one of the oldest among the Christian edifices in Jalpaiguri district as it was constructed some 127 years ago in the Nayabusti area in 1883. The walls of the building were made of bamboo poles that were covered with lime and ground bricks. The church is in a shape with the walls crumbling and the wooden windows falling off.

13) Banodurga Temple: The Bano Durga Temple situated at Dilhivita, Chaderkhal, Baikunthapur Forest in Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal. The Bano Durga Temple a historical temple, related to Devi Choudhurani & Bhabani Pathak. (“Sannyasi Revolt”).

14) Bateswar Temple:

This Temple was built in the time of Gupta Dynesty. This place is around 23 km away from Jalpaiguri town and 6 km from Maynaguri. Taxi is available from Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri to reach this place. One can also hire van rickshaw from Maynaguri to reach this place.

15) Damdim Buddhist Temple: This Temple was built on 1948 at Damdim, Dist: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India. 1.5km. distance from Damdim more.

16) Buddhist Temple: This Temple was built on 1950 at Malbazar, Dist: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India. 1 km. distance from Caltex more.

17) Buddhist Temple: This Temple was built on 1854 at Gumpha Line, Samsing, Dist: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India. 300miter distance from Samsing more. Oldest Buddhist Temple in Jalpaiguri District.

18) Limbu Temple: The Limbu Temple situated at Looksan, , Jalpaiguri District. This temple a single temple in Jalpaiguri District.