Where faith meets mystery, the Divine Mother continues to bless her devotees.
A little away from Nalhati town in Birbhum, West Bengal, amidst a quiet open field, stands the ancient Maa Guhya Kali Temple of Akalipur. It is believed that the temple was established in 1775 by Maharaja Nandakumar.
The temple has an aura of mystery and spirituality. According to local traditions, Maa Akali was once worshipped by dacoits before setting out on their expeditions. Even today, devotees come from far and wide with faith that sincere prayers before the Mother help fulfil their wishes.
One of the most intriguing traditions is that no special Kali Puja is performed here on the night of Kali Puja. After the regular worship and evening arati, the Mother is ceremonially put to rest. Local belief says that in the deep hours of the night, Maa Akali comes out of the sanctum and performs her divine Nisha Leela.
Special worship is held on the 14th day after Durga Puja, Poush Sankranti, and the day of Ratanthi Kali Puja in the month of Magha, drawing thousands of devotees. It is also believed that taking a holy bath in the nearby Brahmani River and offering prayers to Maa Akali on these sacred days brings fulfilment of one’s heartfelt wishes.
Maa Guhya Kali of Akalipur, Birbhum.
