Chandalkanya or Chandalitala is a powerful temple dedicated to Goddess Kali at Hooghly's Haripal's Ma Chandalitala. This is a place for the worship of Ma Kali (Goddess Kali) that is associated with a chilling folktale! This Goddess is, in fact, 'Chandal-Kanya Ma Bishalakshi' (Goddess Bishalakshi, the daughter of a Chandal - a person from an ostracized community). Her temple is located in Krishnapur, approximately 5 kilometers away from Haripal Railway Station.
Haripal Sri Chandalkanya Maa Vishalakshi Temple – Story
It is said that many years ago, the Mother (Goddess) became
angered and devoured a newlywed bride! Two stories are heard regarding this:
The first is: Disregarding a prohibition, the newlywed bride
and her husband presented themselves before the Mother's idol for blessings
during Sandhi Puja (a specific ritualistic worship during Durga Puja). It is
claimed that the Mother, angered by this, swallowed the bride whole. The next
day, the villagers found a piece of the bride's Benarasi sari (a type of silk
saree) in the Mother's mouth.
The second story is: A local Chandal leader came to offer
respects to the Mother for his son's wedding. However, he forgot to bring an
offering (pranami). It is said that the Mother was angered by this and devoured
the new couple (both the groom and the bride)! After this, the Chandal leader
received the Mother's command in a dream. Following that command, the Chandal
leader began the propagation of Ma Bishalakshi and eventually, by the Mother's
grace, got his son and daughter-in-law back.
It is further said that the Tantra practitioner, Gyananandatirtha
Maharaj, used to perform his spiritual sadhana (practice) of Ma Bishalakshi at
this temple.
Incidentally, the idol in this ancient temple, which has a
single-pinnacle atchala (eight-sloped roof) structure, is four-armed (Chaturbhuja)
and three-eyed (Trinayani). The expression on her face is simultaneously
terrifying and benevolent. The Mother's complexion is yellow.