Kiriteswari Temple Murshidabad – History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Guide

 

Location

• Village: Kiritkona (also called Kiriteswar)
• District: Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
• Nearest City: Murshidabad town
• Accessibility: Well connected by road from Berhampore and Lalbagh; nearest railway station is Murshidabad.

Deities

• Presiding Goddess: Devi Vimala (a manifestation of Shakti, worshipped as pure energy)
• Presiding Bhairava: Lord Shiva as Samvarta (Sangbart)

Temple Significance

• Shakti Peetha Status: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is considered an Upa Peetha because no body part of Sati fell here, but her crown (kirit) did. This makes it unique among the Peethas.
• Age: Believed to be over 1000 years old, making it the oldest and holiest temple in Murshidabad district.
• Cultural Recognition: In September 2023, the temple’s surrounding area was recognized as the Best Tourism Village of India, highlighting its spiritual and cultural importance.
• Rituals: Daily worship of Devi Vimala and Bhairab Samvarta; special pujas during Navaratri and other Shakti festivals.
• Photography: Not allowed inside the temple premises, preserving sanctity.

History

• Shakti Peetha Tradition: It is recognized as one of the Shakti Peethas, sacred sites where parts of Goddess Sati’s body or ornaments fell during Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance of grief.
• Reconstruction: The original temple structure was damaged over centuries. The current temple was rebuilt in the late 19th century, reflecting Bengal’s regional style of temple architecture.

Legends

• Fall of the Crown: According to mythology, when Lord Shiva carried Goddess Sati’s body across the universe, her crown (kirit) fell at this site. Hence, the temple is called Kiriteswari or Mukuteshwari.
• Spiritual Belief: Devotees believe that worshipping here grants blessings of purity, protection, and liberation.

Architecture

• Material & Style: Unlike stone temples of central India, Kiriteswari Temple reflects Bengal’s affinity for brick and terracotta construction.
• Design: The temple features a terracotta-red spire (shikhara) rising against the rural Bengal landscape.
• Rebuilt Structure: The current form dates back to the 19th century reconstruction, blending traditional Shakti temple design with local craftsmanship.
• Sanctum: The sanctum houses the deity in a simple yet powerful form, emphasizing devotion over grandeur.

Daily Rituals

• Morning & Evening Pujas: Regular offerings to Goddess Vimala and Bhairab Samvarta.
• Red Stone Worship: Instead of an idol, a sacred red stone symbolizing Devi Vimala is worshipped.
• Purification Rites: Traditional Shakti Peetha rituals including aarti, bhog, and chanting of mantras.

Major Festivals

• Durga Puja & Navaratri: The temple becomes a hub of devotion during these nine nights, with special pujas and cultural programs.
• Durga Ashtami: The crown (kirit) of Goddess Sati, preserved at Rani Bhabani’s Guptamath, is ceremonially bathed and worshipped. This is the most distinctive ritual linked to Kiriteswari.
• Kali Puja: Devotees also celebrate Kali Puja with offerings and night-long prayers.
• Other Shakti Festivals: Observances include Maghi Purnima, Chaitra Navaratri, and local Shakti traditions.

Beliefs & Significance

• Shakti Peetha Faith: As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, devotees believe Goddess Sati’s crown fell here, consecrating the site with divine energy.
• Blessings of Purity & Liberation: Worshippers seek protection from evil, spiritual cleansing, and liberation from worldly suffering.
• Oldest Temple in Murshidabad: Its antiquity adds to the aura of sanctity,

Temple Hours

• Opening Time: 6:00 AM
• Closing Time: 10:00 PM
• Best Visiting Hours: Morning puja (6:00–8:00 AM) and evening aarti (6:00–8:00 PM).
• Festivals: Extended hours during Durga Puja, Navaratri, and Kali Puja.

Getting Here

• Nearest Towns: Murshidabad (10 km), Berhampore (20 km).
• By Road: Accessible via NH34; local buses, autos, and taxis available from Murshidabad and Berhampore.
• By Rail: Nearest railway station – Murshidabad Railway Station (10 km). Berhampore Court station is another option.
• By Air: Nearest airport – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (~200 km). From Kolkata, trains and buses connect to Murshidabad.

Tips

• Plan Ahead: Visit during daylight for easier travel in rural roads.
• Festivals: Durga Puja and Navaratri are the most spiritually charged times, but also crowded—arrive early.
• Photography: Strictly prohibited inside the sanctum; respect temple rules.
• Accommodation: Stay at Murshidabad or Berhampore; both towns have hotels and lodges.
• Local Transport: Hire autos or taxis from Murshidabad town for convenience.
• Unique Ritual: On Durga Ashtami, Sati’s crown (kirit) is bathed at Rani Bhabani’s Guptamath—worth witnessing.
• Food & Essentials: Carry water and light snacks; temple surroundings are rural with limited facilities.
• Language: Bengali is widely spoken; Hindi and English understood in tourist areas.