Adyapith Kali Temple is a Hindu unique pilgrimage site located near Dakshineswar, Kolkata, Bengal, which is associated with several miraculous tales.
The Story of Adyapeath
The story begins a century ago, in 1915. Annada Charan
Bhattacharya, a Brahmin by birth from Chittagong, was an accomplished name in
Ayurvedic medicine in Calcutta. Annada Charan invented seven patented medicines
through his study of Kaviraji (Ayurvedic practice). However, beyond science, he
harboured deep devotion for Goddess Kali and Sri Ramakrishna.
This Annada Charan later became known as Annada Thakur.
Despite being a successful physician, various supernatural
events began to occur in his life. At times, he would see four virgin maidens
carrying a deity's idol through the streets of Calcutta, which was invisible to
everyone else. At other times, he dreamt of a monk who ordered him to shave his
head and bathe in the Ganges, an order that initially angered him.
Subsequently, Sri Ramakrishna himself appeared in his dream
and instructed him to shave his head and take a dip in the Ganges. Annada
Thakur did not dare to ignore this command.
Finding Adyapith Kali Idol
Following Sri Ramakrishna's instructions, he once went to
the picturesque Eden Gardens built by the British. The command was to look for
a Kali idol beneath a pond where a coconut tree and a pakur (Pipal/Fig) tree
stood together.
As instructed, Annada Thakur, along with three companions,
searched the spot and discovered an exquisite 18-inch tall idol made of Kosti
Pathar (touchstone). That day was Ram Navami. The idol's two eyes were set with
glittering gems, and there was not the slightest crack anywhere.
Upon receiving the idol, Annada Thakur lovingly began its
worship. As the miraculous appearance of the Goddess spread, devotees flocked
to the place. Even people from the Calcutta Museum inspected the idol, declared
it to be from a very ancient, post-Buddha era, and offered a high price to
purchase it. Annada Thakur, however, refused the offer.
The Supreme Test - Original Murti Immersed In Ganga
Following this, a supreme test began. The Goddess herself
appeared in his dream and told him to immerse her idol in the Ganges! How could
he throw the Mother, whom he had so painstakingly retrieved, back into the
water? What kind of command was this!
For three consecutive nights, the Goddess came in his dream,
commanding, requesting, and even threatening him. The Goddess declared that her
true worship was not merely through following scriptures, but when someone
offered her devotion in simple, heartfelt language, saying 'Ma Khao, Ma Poro'
(Mother, eat; Mother, wear). She clearly stated that she did not wish to be
confined to one place but to be worshipped in the heart of every devotee.
When the Goddess stated her wish, giving sixteen reasons,
Annada Thakur did not disagree. He followed her command, and the next morning,
he took a photograph of the touchstone idol—which remains the main picture at
Adyapeath to this day. Following this, on the day of Vijaya Dashami, he
immersed the idol in the middle of the Ganges, where devotees believe it still
resides.
The Temple's Foundation
Later, the Goddess appeared in Annada Thakur's dream,
instructing him to be worshipped as 'Aadya Shakti' and 'Aadya Ma' (Primordial
Power/Mother) and gave him the composition of the Adyastotram (hymn).
Despite receiving Sanyas Diksha (initiation into monkhood)
from Sri Ramakrishna, Annada Thakur did not seek moksha (liberation). Seeing
the thousands of suffering people before his eyes, his resolve was: "I do
not want liberation. Instead, I will endure a hundred thousand hells to do good
for others: this is my religion."
Following this, Sri Ramakrishna gave him the responsibility
of establishing the temple of Adya Ma. A committee was formed in 1921, and the
foundation stone for the temple was laid in 1928 on approximately 14 acres of
land.
The main structure of Adyapeath centres around three
temples: Sri Ramakrishna at the bottom, Aadya Ma in the middle, and
Radha-Krishna at the top, all encircled by the sacred 'Om' syllable. Annada
Thakur's instruction was that the temple's funds should be used to establish ashrams,
schools, and hospitals for boys and girls. This instruction is still carried
out by the Brahmacharis and disciples.
Unique Offerings and Access
Even the Bhog (food offering) at this pilgrimage site is
unique: Bhog prepared with 22.5 seers of rice is offered to Aadya Ma 32.5 seers
for Radha-Krishna, and 12.5 seers for Sri Ramakrishna, all offered with Panchabyanjan
(five types of preparations). Only Paramanna (a sweet rice dish) is allowed
inside the main temple.
The temple doors open at dawn, noon, and evening.