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Showing posts from May 15, 2012


Bahulara Temple near Bishnupur in Bankura District in West Bengal

Siddheshwara Temple, locally known as Behula Temple, is a 11 th century temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located at Bahulara near Bishnupur in Bankura District, West Bengal. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the temple as it is considered as a classic example of terracotta style of temples. It is also a rare surviving terracotta temple that was built before the invasion of the region by Muslim rulers. The temple is located on the western bank of Darakeshwar River and has murtis of Ganesha, Durga and Shiva. A highlight of the temple is the huge bells that hang from the roof. Shivratri is the most popular festival here. Another important date is the Bengali New Year. Bahulara is around 25 km from Bishnupur Town.

Goddess Nanda Devi

Goddess Nanda Devi is an incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Nanda Devi means the Goddess of Bliss. She resides in the Nanda Devi Mountain in the Himalayas. She is the source of life and She nourishes and replenishes the earth. There are numerous temples dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand. The most famous temple is located at Almora. Another important temple is the Naina Devi Temple at Nainital. In certain temples, She is worshipped along with Goddess Sunanda. Goddess Nanda is a kind, compassionate and caring for of Goddess Shakti. But the people in the region believe that she can take the fierce form of Durga to protect Dharma. A popular legend has that Saptarishis or seven sages reside on the Nanda Devi Mountain praying to the Goddess. Nanda Devi Fair held at Ranikhet is a popular mela in this region.