Karota Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the left Anklet 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 Left Anklet, this temple was constructed. Karota Shakti Peeth is located 28 km distance from interior Sherpur upazila, Bogra District of Bangladesh. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Aparna’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Vaman Bhairav’. Aparna is another form of goddesses Shakti.
It is a very ancient temple and therefore the importance of this temple among the people is immense. Around the vicinity of this holy site, there are many other temples too, but the most distinct among them is the Karota Temple only.
History of Karota Shakti Peeth
Over the years as time has passed, there is increase in number of folklore, and that signifies the power of this holy site. Initially, the place where the left ankle of Maa Sati fell, led to the making of this temple. One such history related with this temple is of Nator king. It is said that he was true follower of Maa and used to mediate in this temple. Later his own grandson named as Maharajah Ramakrishna used to mediate at this sacred place. So, the attachment of royal family, and in return offering their prayers marks the culture as well religious importance to this temple.
Festivals in Karota temple
Ram navami which marks the birth of Lord Rama, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, energy and devotion in the month of March or April as per the Bengali Calendar. Apart from this, there are other festivals like Navaratri that is celebrated with same energy and devotion. Navaratri is 9 day religious ceremony and dedicated to 9 idols of Maa Durga. Lot of people have fast on these days and any type of non-vegetarian foods is avoided in these auspicious days. On other hand, Shivaratri which is dedicated lord Shiva is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and several types of programs are conducted during this auspicious day.
Where to stay
Being a prominent location to go for, all sorts of arrangements like Villas, Guest houses and hotels etc. are available in ample quantity. Prices vary as per the way the quality increases. But, there are several independent organizations too, that are running free services related to food and accommodation in this part of country. Avoid getting lured by the hefty discounts offered by the travel agents.
Shopping around Karota temple
- Traditional cloths are huge attraction in this part of country, and mainly people belonging to other countries shop here more.
- Religious related stuff can be taken from the nearby vicinity of the temple.
- Local or handicrafts shops are the one that caters maximum people, so try one of them.
- Since this place caters so many people, prices asked by the shopkeepers may be higher than usual, so bargain is necessary.
Other places that can be visited nearby
Just in the vicinity of temple, there are couples of other temple also. Apart from this there are other places in Bangladesh to go for and having travel package that includes other places, is a nice deal.
How to reach the Karota temple
- First of all, for non resident of Bangladesh everybody needs to get visa for roaming and going for this sacred site.
- Road, there are couple of buses that ply from major cities of India towards this sacred site. Personal vehicles are not allowed.
- Railway is not available between two countries.
- Air, Dedicated airport is there in Dhaka (Capital of Bangladesh), and provision of both national and international flight is there in this airport.