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West Bengal Hangseshwari Temple Bansberia
Bansberia is a municipality in Hooghly district in the state of West Bengal. It is under Mogra Chinsurah police stations in Chinsurah subdivision. It is at the western end of the Kalyani Bridge. Bansberia is 4km from Bandel on the Bandel-Katwa branch line.
Bansberia presently an industrial town positioned in between Bandel and Tribeni. Bansberia was one of the main villages of ancient Saptagram, once the main port and commercial complex in the area.
History
The history of Bansberia dates back to the days of Shah Jahan. In 1656, the Mughal emperor appointed Raghab Dattaroy of Patuli as the zamindar of an area that includes the present-day Bansberia. Legend has it that Raghab’s son Rameshwar cleared a bamboo grove to build a fort, inspiring the name Bansberia.
The temple was constructed in 1814 by the wife of Nrisinghadeb, the grandson of Rameshwar. Nrisinghadeb was a follower of a Tantric cult and had spent his last seven years (1792-99) in Varanasi practicing its rites. Next to the temple are the remains of the Dattaroy palace. Fragments of arches and broken walls are all that can be seen today.
Architecture
The 21-metre high, five-storeyed Hangseshwari temple has 13 towers shaped like lotus buds. The peak of each tower is shaped as a lotus flower. Built according to Tantric principles, this five-storey shrine follows the structure of a human body - Ira, Pingala, Bajraksha, Sushumna and Chitrini. An arched gateway leads to its sanctum sanctorum, wherethe main deity of the blue neem-wood idol of the four-armed goddess Hangseshwari, a manifestation of Goddess Kali, is placed on a lotus. Metallic idol of rising Sun God with his thousand bright rays has been inscribed on the top of the central Minar. Even the Deity has been designed and installed following the concept of Yoga and Pranayam.
On the top of thousand petals blue lotus, lies the eight petals blood-red lotus. Image of white “Shiva” is found to be lying on six triangular marbles. From the heart center of “Mahadeva”, a lotus stem has come out carrying twelve petals blood-red lotus. On this four- handed “Mother Shakti” is found to be standing on her right leg-resting the left leg on her right thigh.
The inner chamber is connected to the towers through narrow passageways, said to represent the nerves in a human body.The architecture of the temples is the representation of "TantrikSatchakrabhed".
How to Reach
Bansberia, 48km from Howrah, is an hour’s journey along the Howrah-Katwa rail line. Take a morning train for a comfortable journey.
A short bumpy rickshaw ride from the station will take you to the temple complex, which houses two unique pieces of Bengal architecture.
Tourists can board Howrah-Katwa local or Sealdah-Katwa local in early morning. Cycle-rickshaws are the only transport option in Bansberia.
Important Shrines
- The Vasudeva temple is constructed in the traditionalekaratna style
- Swanbhaba Kali Temple
Significance of the Temple
King Nrisingha Dev Rai learnt in depth about “Kundalini” and “Six cyclic centers (Six Chakras)” in the human system. The word “Hong” is pronounced at the time of breathing out whereas the word “S-a-a” is uttered at the time of breathing in. “Hong” manifests “Shiva” and “S-a-a” represents “Mother Shakti”. The temple has both the Deities of Shiva and Shakti.
Attractions
The main attractions in this village are temples with intricate terracotta works that inspired Rabindranath Tagore. After a tour of the temple compound, take a stroll along the Hooghly to admire the Ishwar Gupta Bridge.
Timings and Other Important Information
Bansberia is ideal for spending a Sunday away from home but not too far away.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Kolkata has a tropic wet and dry climate and the best time to visit Bansberia is from October to March.
Accomodation
As Bansberia is ideal for spending a Sunday so accommodation can be easily arranged at Kolkata.
Tips for Devotees
- Eateries near the temple complex serve lunch at a reasonable price. There are evening trains back to the city.
- Entry to the passageways is restricted for tourists.
Photo Gallery