Yugadya Temple, Kshirgram Shakti Peeth; Yogadaya Shakti Peeth Temple, Yogadhya Shakti Peeth,Darshan Information

Yogadhya Shakti peeth or the Yogadaya Temple is located in Khirgram Village in West Bengal. The idol of Goddess is known as Yogadaya. Here Lord Shiva is known as Khirakantha. Per history of this place, the original temple of Mata was demolished during the attack by Kalapahar. Later, under the endeavor of King Kirti Chandra, the southern facet of the temple was built during 1770-80.3

Location Yogadhya Shakti Peeth, Kshirgram, District-Bardhaman, West Bengal

Legend

According to mythology, the right toe of Sati Devi fell down at this particular Shakti peeth.

It is believed that the deity remains submerged under the Khirdighi, a nearby pond by the shrine. On every Baishakhi Sankranti She comes out of the water and stay overnight inside the temple garbha griha. After accepting the yajnas and the special puja, She again gets back to the water of the Khirdighi where She stays with Khirakantha, Her divine cornsort; an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The devotees here believe in this century old legend and the same practice is carried on for ages.

Architecture

It is said that an architect of Daihat known as Nabinchandra built the idol of main temple after the death of Ravana. Nabinchandra found that the original idol of Bhadrakali was missing from the temple who was worshipped by Hanu.

Many also believe that Nabinchandra built this present idol of devi ma when he didn't find the Buddhist idol Mahajan into the waters of Khirdighi. Even today the sanctum houses the idols he built.Pilgrims can also visit the nearby Khirdighi and Sagardighi were the Devi first wore Her sankha, the two white bangles made from conch. These are worn by the Bengali married women along with coral bangles as a mark of marriedhood.

Culture

Known to be the 'mini-India' for its diverse geographical as well as cultural variations, West Bengal is also popular for housing over 14 shakti peeths. Coming back to the culture of this eastern state of India, since prior and the post-partition times, Bengal is famous for its enriched culture. From Darjeeling to the Sundarbans, and from Puruliya to the 'Rarh' area of Birbhum- each of the provinces has a unique cultural approach. Starting from the Bengali music, dance, theater, literature, art, and notwithstanding the mouthwatering cuisine- West Bengal has successfully created a mark for its exclusive aesthetics in the world panorama.

Drasan Dresscode

No dress code is maintained though the devotees are expected to wear clean and conservative attire while visiting the Temple.

Darsan Info

The temple timing is from 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM. Devotees should focus to come during the Baishakhi festival when the Deity is believed to be coming out of the water for her innumerable bhaktas. The temple timing is from 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM

The special puja is organized for Devi Yogadhya on the Baishakhi Sankranti (the last day of the Bengali month of Baishak) when She comes out of the nearby Khirdighi. On this occassion a local fair is also organized. On the next day of worshipping, the Goddess again goes back to Her Home by submerging into the waters of Khirdighi. During this puja more than a lakh people gather here to worship the Goddess every year. Moreover, they offer animal sacrifice to the Goddess on the fulfilment of their wishes. Previously, human sacrifice was also in practice. The Pindi is considered to be Her footprints on Earth. The hymns that are uttered durig the special worshipping is said to be first revealed by the Devi Herself when She first appeared here.

Special Rituals

Regular puja is offered to Mata Yogadhya, who is worshipped in the form of Mahisasurmrdini along with Her Bhairav Khirakantha (Mahadev). There are certain phases of regular worshipping of the deities that are performed ritualistically over the centuries by the temple priests who are also worshipping here for generations as shebaits.