Shrinkhala Devi Temple, Pandua – The Forgotten Shakti Peeth of West Bengal

About Shrinkhala Devi Temple

Shrinkhala Devi Temple ranks among the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas and the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in Hindu tradition. Devotees believe that the stomach (Udara) of Goddess Sati fell at Pandua in Hooghly district, West Bengal, after Lord Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra to divide her body.

Today, visitors can see only the remains of the ancient shrine near the historic Bari Masjid minaret. The original temple has disappeared over time, making Shrinkhala Devi Temple one of the most mysterious and debated Shakti Peeths in India.

History and Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Sage Rishyasringa was a devoted worshipper of Goddess Shrinkhala Devi. Through his intense penance, he received the Goddess’s divine blessings. Later, according to some traditions, the Goddess instructed the sage to carry her divine presence to Sringeri in Karnataka. However, many Shakta devotees believe that Pandua in Hooghly, West Bengal, is the original site of the Shrinkhala Devi Shakti Peeth.

Furthermore, the name “Shrinkhala” means chain or bond. Spiritually, it represents the eternal bond between Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. Moreover, another interpretation describes Shrinkhala Devi as the divine form of a mother caring for her newborn child. Therefore, she symbolizes unconditional love, compassion, motherhood, and complete surrender to the Divine.

Present Status of the Temple

Although the original temple has disappeared over time, the site remains an important place of faith for devotees. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the historic monument standing at the location. Every year during Magha (February), the traditional Mela Taala Festival attracts thousands of Hindu and Muslim visitors, reflecting the area’s shared cultural heritage.

In recent years, several Hindu organizations and devotees have revived the worship of Maa Shrinkhala Devi through regular pujas and awareness campaigns to preserve the spiritual importance of this ancient Shakti Peeth.

How to Reach Shrinkhala Devi Temple

Shrinkhala Devi Temple is located in Pandua, approximately 2.5 km from Pandua Railway Station, 66 km from Howrah, and around 75 km from Kolkata. The site lies along the historic Grand Trunk Road, making it easily accessible by road and rail from Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.

Despite the absence of the original temple, Shrinkhala Devi Temple in Pandua continues to attract devotees, historians, and spiritual seekers. As one of the sacred Shakti Peethas of India, it remains an important destination for those interested in Hindu mythology, Bengal’s religious heritage, and the worship of the Divine Mother.