Ratnavali Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that, the Right shoulder of Maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right Shoulder, this temple was constructed. Ratnavali Shakti Peeth is situated in Khanakul-Krishnanagar (on the banks of Ratnakar River); district Hooghly, West Bengal, India. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Kumari’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Bhairav’. Just near to the temple, flows the flamboyant Hooghly River, and a walk in the evening on the banks of this river is worth to go for.
History of Ratnavali Shakti Peeth
Meaning of Bhairav is without fear or terror. History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Right Shoulder of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can mingle with local people.
Festivals in Ratnavali temple
- Durga is much celebrated festival around this region and idols of Maa Durga are put in to the sea, after the festival is over. During Durga puja people also indulge themselves to dance that is dedicated to Maa Durga.
- Navaratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is the major festival here. Navaratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days.
- Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’.
Where to stay
People in million numbers flock to this part of the temple and they are ample of arrangements to cater the needs of these peoples. Guest houses, hotel, motel and restaurant are available for catering needs of pilgrims related to food and accommodation. The prices of rooms are not that high here and pilgrims can even find some 5 star hotels (Although they are not 5 star) at reasonable. Also visitors are advised not to go with the way of so called ‘Intelligent Auto rickshaw wala’ who promises to provide with the best accommodation deal.
Shopping around Ratnavali temple
- Shopping if it is in terms of cloths and sweets, then there whole lot of fun here.
- Religious related stuff can be obtained from the nearby vicinity of the temple.
- Local sweets shops and branded one too, offers some of the best sweets In India like white Rasgollas and Shaundish.
- Local traditional cloths like cotton Saree and Kurta Pjyama for male. Bargaining during the shopping is a must and must thing.
- Finally try to buy those things that are available here only, because other things can be bought at your native or living place also.
Other places that can be visited nearby
Banks of river Hooghly is an ideal place to spend your evening. On the other hand, the boat ride is surely a thing that pilgrims don’t want to miss.
How to reach the Ratnavali temple
- Rail Road transportation is the most common means of coming to this part of country. Although there is no direct train to this part, so pilgrims need to change the train to reach here.
- Road, there are couple of buses that ply from major cities of India towards this sacred site.
- Personal vehicles are also proffered by people and some hotel offers personal transportation services.
- Air, Dedicated airport is there in Kolkata (Capital of West Bengal), and provision of both national and international flight is there in this airport.