Kshirgram Maa Jogadya Mandir – The Sacred Shakti Peeth of Divine Energy
Kshirgram at Mangalkot, Bardhaman, Bengal, is famous for Maa Jogadya Mandir and it is a Shakti Pettah.
Among the 51 revered Shakti Peeths that sanctify the Indian subcontinent, Kshirgram, located in the heart of Bengal, holds a divine place of prominence. The temple here is dedicated to Maa Jogadya, an embodiment of the Supreme Mother, the source of all strength and compassion. Ancient texts reveal that this sacred site has been revered since time immemorial as a place where the divine energy of Goddess Sati continues to radiate, blessing all who come with devotion.
According to the sacred narrative in Roygunakar Bharat Chandra’s “Ananda Mangal” (Chapter 47), Kshirgram is counted among these holy Shakti Peeths. It is believed that during the great sacrifice of Daksha, when the body of Devi Sati was dismembered by the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu, her right great toe fell at Kshirgram. Since then, the place has been sanctified as one of the principal centers of Shakti worship, and the Goddess here is worshipped as Maa Jogadya, while the accompanying Bhairava, or aspect of Lord Shiva, is known as Kshireswar.
Kshirgram in the Tantras: A Place of Supreme Sanctity
What sets Kshirgram apart from many other sacred sites is its repeated mention across several Tantric scriptures, affirming its spiritual potency. It is prominently cited in Kujjika Tantra, Brihanil Tantra, Gandharbha Tantra, Tantrasaar, Tantrachuramani, Annada Mangal, Mahapith Nirapanam, and Shiva Charita.
These scriptures mention four supreme Shakti Peeths—Kamrup, Nepal, Prayag, and Kshirgram (also referred to as Kshirika)—as centers where the energy of the Divine Mother manifests with unparalleled intensity. Thus, Kshirgram is not just a local shrine but a pillar of ancient Hindu spirituality, recognized in nearly every Tantric compilation as a seat of divine awakening.
Divine Connection with Lord Hanuman and Devi Bhadrakali
Kshirgram is also woven into the sacred tale of Lord Hanuman’s descent into Patal Lok, as described in the Ramayana. When the demon Mahi Ravan, a devotee of Devi Bhadrakali, kidnapped Lord Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman journeyed into the underworld to rescue them. After vanquishing Mahi Ravan, Hanuman brought with him the idol of Devi Bhadrakali, which he later established at Kshirgram. Over time, the Divine Mother here became worshipped as Maa Jogadya, symbolizing protection, courage, and victory of righteousness over evil.
The Ancient Temple: The House of the Mother
The original temple of Maa Jogadya, built in the 11th century, stands as a testimony to Bengal’s devotion and architectural grace. Located in the heart of the village, this brick temple is enclosed within a fortified wall and affectionately called “Maa-er Baari” (the Mother’s Home). The complex includes the Nat Mandir (hall of dance and music), Bhog Ghar (kitchen for offerings), and Bhandar Ghar (storehouse for divine objects).
However, in the 16th century, the invader Kalapahar attempted to destroy this sacred temple, though it was later restored in 1760 by King Kritichand. Uniquely, the sanctum here did not house a visible idol or image, emphasizing the formless and eternal nature of the Divine Feminine.
The New Temple and the Living Goddess
In 2005, a new white marble temple was constructed in the center of a large sacred pond known as Kshirdighi, which covers an area of 13 acres. The idol of Maa Jogadya here is kept underwater, symbolizing the unfathomable depth and mystery of divine power. During the re-excavation of this pond, an ancient idol of the Goddess was discovered, believed to be around 600 years old.
A new red stone temple was inaugurated on 31st December 2011, where this rediscovered idol was enshrined. This complex includes a Bhog Ghar, Bhandar Ghar, Nat Mandir, and a guesthouse for pilgrims. Both idols of the Goddess—one old and one new—are carved from Kashti stone, resembling the iconography of Maa Durga. The newer idol was sculpted about 180 years ago by the artist Nabin Bhaskar.
Kshireswar: The Guardian Lord
The Bhairava or consort aspect of this Shakti Peeth is Lord Kshireswar, another ancient shrine located nearby. This temple, standing about 30 feet high, follows a three-tier design, and like the main shrine, it too faced destruction during the attacks of Kalapahar. However, the spirit of the devotees ensured that the temple was rebuilt, continuing the worship of Lord Shiva as protector and witness to Maa Jogadya’s eternal energy.
Kshirdighi: The Sacred Pond of Peace
The Kshirdighi, sprawling over thirteen acres, adds serenity and beauty to the sacred landscape. The pond is home to large fishes that rise to the surface to accept food offerings from devotees, symbolizing nature’s harmony with the divine. The surrounding gardens and tranquil setting make it a perfect retreat for meditation and spiritual reflection.
Original Idol Kept Under Water In Pond
The ancient and revered idol of Maa Jogadya, believed to be over 1,200 years old, is the original ten-armed Mahishamardini Durga. This Dashabhuja Maheshwari Durga, seen slaying the buffalo demon was once lost and later recovered from a pond.
The tradition holds that the Goddess, also known as Patal Bhairavi and worshipped by Ravana, dwells under the water throughout the year. She is brought out for worship only on six special days, including Baishakh Sankranti and the fourth day of Jyeshtha, before being returned to her watery home.
Due to her association with the legend of Uma (Parvati) wearing conch bangles in the village, the Goddess is specially adorned with them during the Baishakh Festival.
This idol is only visible to devotees for worship during certain days of year like April 15 (Boishakh Sankranti)
Spiritual Significance and Essence
The teachings of Hinduism emphasize that the Divine Mother manifests wherever faith is pure and devotion unwavering. The Devi Bhagavata Purana (Book 7, Chapter 33) proclaims:
“Wherever the limbs of Sati have fallen, there the Divine Shakti resides eternally.”
Kshirgram stands as one such eternal abode, radiating divine energy and reminding devotees of the boundless compassion of the Mother Goddess. Pilgrims believe that a visit to this holy Shakti Peeth grants protection, fulfillment, and spiritual liberation.
Kshirgram Maa Jogadya Mandir remains a sacred confluence of history, faith, and divine energy. The temple’s evolution—from its ancient brick origins to its present-day marble and red stone sanctuaries—reflects the resilience of devotion and the eternal nature of Shakti. Whether as Devi Jogadya, Bhadrakali, or Sati herself, the Mother continues to bless her devotees, embodying the eternal truth that divinity never perishes—it only transforms.