Tristrota Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the left leg fell 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 thumb of her left leg, this temple was constructed.
Tristrota Shakti Peeth is situated in Tista River in Shalbari village of Falakata in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, India. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as ‘Bhramari/Bumblebee’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Ishwar’. The picturesque view presented by the Tista river is something that everyone should look for, when coming to this temple for offering their prayers to Maa Bhramari.
History of Tristrota Peeth
History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the thumb of her left leg of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can be taken from with local people. Religious books, Purans etc are worth trying to find out the history about the Shakti Peeth.
There is a famous story behind this Shakti Peeth. It is said that once a very cruel demon called as Arun used to live in the world. His power grew so much that he started fighting devas in heaven and forced to leave the heaven. He did not even spared the families of the devas. After suffering from so much pain and agony, the wives of devas could bear more trauma, and in search of respite they came to Maa Bhramari. It is said that Maa Sati turned herself into numerous bees and protect the wives of devas, also the bees attached the Demon and killed him. From the day, the name of Maa Sati is named as ‘Maa Bhramari’.
Festivals in Tristrota temple
- Makar Sankranti, Sharad Purnima, Deepawali, Somvati Amavasya, Ram Navami are some of the other important festivals being celebrated here.
- Durga Puja and Kali Puja are quite famous in this part of country. Durga Puja is among the most celebrated festival here and there is a 5 day holiday in this part of country. Although the Durga Puja is celebrated in other states also, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala, but Durga Puja is best celebrated in West Bengal. The day of celebration is decided by the Hindu calendar.
- People (Almost every day) offer their offering to the god in form of fruit, milk, homemade sweets etc.
Where to stay
If you are looking for either cheap or expensive type of accommodation, then both are available here. Here the rent of each room may vary from Rs 400 to Rs 4000. Also there are several non payable guest houses or dharmsalas that are run by the various nonprofit organizations. Beware of the touts who promises to give hi-fi deals with cheap rates.
Shopping around Tristrota temple
- Religious Paraphernalia can be bought from the shops that are located just outside the temple.
- Traditional Clothes like white and red cotton Sari can be bought from here, at local market.
- Local delicacies like Shondish and White Rasgullas, is really something that needs to be tasted.
- Rice and Daal is quite famous here and common appetite in the menu of hotels.
- Bargaining for the items is really necessary here as shopkeepers tend to ask higher price for the good that you want to purchase.
Other places that can be visited nearby
Following are some of the places that you might want to visit:
- Mandarmani, Kolkata, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, Sagar Island, Bishnupur, Shantiniketan, Murshidabad & Berhampore, Gaur & Pandua, Siliguri & New Jalpaiguri, Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Mirik, Darjeeling are some of the star attractions nearby this Shakti Peeth.
How to reach the Tristrota temple
- Direct trains are available to Jalpaiguri station Railway station and various trains ply directly from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Patna to Kolkata and from Kolkata, you need to board other local trains to reach Jalpaiguri.
- Several deluxe bus services are available to Falakata Village ply to this part.
- Nearest airport is in the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and national as well as international flights are available till here.
- But it is advisable to have taxi or your own mode of transportation when you are coming to Falakata from airport.
- Rickshaw, Auto Rickshaw and Bus are common mode of transportation inside the city.
- Take necessary steps to protect yourself from sunburn etc, because in the summer season, temperature shoots up to 40+ degrees in this part of the country.