Shakti Pith #19: Kalighat Kali Mandir
Early medieval accounts of the shakti piths (centers of power) cite Kalighat as the dwelling place of a particularly fierce manifestation of the goddess, known as Dakshina (“south-facing”) Kalika. Once surrounded by a dense jungle and accessed primarily by boat,...
Read MoreKali Yantra Variations
I have spent a great deal of time recently learning how to use vector image editing software for geometric design. This is both fun and frustrating since I am used to doing it the old fashioned way––working at an art...
Read MoreShakti Pith #47: The Mahishamardini Mandir of Bakreshwar
Although Bakreshwar, West Bengal is primarily renowned for its Shiva temple and therapeutic hot springs, these attractions tend to overshadow its parallel significance as a place of power for goddess devotees. As a shakti pith, the Mahishamardini Mandir draws worshipers...
Read MoreTarapith: Fire, Blood, Magic, and Sati’s Third Eye
Is Tarapith a Shakti Pith? While Tarapith is often not considered a “true” shakti pith due to its rather curious omission from the list of 51 sacred sites found in the Mahapithanirupana, it most certainly is regarded as such in...
Read MoreShakti Pith #28: Kankalitala
While at first glance appearing to be no more than a modest rural temple, a closer examination of the Kankalitala Mandir reveals a unique mythology coupled with a vibrant local...
Read MoreKali Puja: A Celebration of Light and Darkness
Kali Puja is celebrated on the New Moon day of the Hindu calendar month Ashvin. This is also the same day on which the famous festival of light, Diwali, is observed. Throughout this occasion, an intensely festive atmosphere pervades Kolkata:...
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