Unveiling the 108 Shiva Mandir: A Spiritual Gem in Burdwan

Explore this architectural marvel and immerse yourself in Hindu history

Mar 5, 2024 - 11:18
Mar 7, 2024 - 10:06

108 Shiva Mandir in Burdwan: A Hallowed and Historic Location

Visit the 108 Shiva Mandir in Burdwan, West Bengal, if you're searching for a spiritual and cultural site. One of the most remarkable and distinctive examples of Hindu architecture in India is this temple complex, sometimes referred to as the Nava Kailash Temple or the Ambika-Kalna Shiv Mandir. Here are a few fascinating details regarding this holy location:

- In 1809, Maharaja Tej Chandra Bahadur, the owner of the Bishnupur domain, constructed the temple complex. He built the temple to honor Lord Shiva, the universe's guardian, and to commemorate the passing of his power.
- The temple complex is made up of 108 little temples that are situated around a courtyard in two concentric rings. There are 34 temples in the inner circle and 74 in the outside. Every temple features an inside Shiva linga and a dome-shaped ceiling. Shiva lingas are completely white in the inner circle and alternate between black and white in the outer circle.
- Hinduism regards the number 108 as sacred because it symbolizes many facets of the universe, including the 108 names of God, the 108 beads on a rosary, the 108 holy locations in India, and so forth. Since each of the 12 temple groups depicts one of Shiva's forms, the temple complex is also known as Nava Kailash, which translates to "nine forms of Shiva."
- The town of Ambika Kalna, which is in West Bengal's Purba Burdwan district, is home to the temple complex. The goddess Ambika, a manifestation of Maa Kali, is the patroness of the town and is revered in a local temple. The town saw several Pathan and Mughal conflicts during its time as a border city of the Tamralipta Kingdom in the seventh century AD. The temple complex draws a large number of visitors and devotees all year round and is recognized as an Archeological Survey of India (ASI) monument. Shivratri, when the temples are decked up in lights and flowers and Lord Shiva is performed special pujas, is the ideal time to visit. Hours of operation for the temple complex are 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.

You may go from Kolkata or other neighboring places to the 108 Shiva Mandir in Burdwan by bus, rail, or vehicle if you'd want to enjoy its beauty and devotion. You may also visit additional sights in Ambika Kalna, such the Gopalji Temple, the Lalji Temple, the Krishna Chandra Temple, and the Rajbari Palace.

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