Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.
A drive undertaken for remembrance turned into a moment of revelation. With my son beside me, the road led us — unexpectedly — to Maa Tara Chandi. Maa Tara Chandi came to us not as a plan, but as a pause — and in that pause, the road changed its meaning.
The Nalateshwari Temple is situated in the Nalhati town of Birbhum district in West Bengal. The town Nalhati is named after Nalateshwari temple, one of the 51 Sakti Peethas. It is around 25 km from Tarapith. The Shakti Pitha (Sanskrit: शक्ति पीठ) are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism, the goddess-focused Hindu tradition. This temple is believed to be erected at the spot where the ‘Nala’, (Vocal chord with part of the tracheae), the throat of Goddess Sati (Sakti) had fallen. In Bengali, the larynx is known as 'Nala'. This is the source from which the deity is known as Maa Nalateswari and the place is also named Nalhati, for the shrine.
The rain cancelled our plans in Dumka—temples unseen, meetings deferred, intentions paused. What began as a practical journey, even a hopeful one for our son’s future, dissolved into stillness. Then came Tarapith. Not as an alternative, but as an answer—quietly reminding us that some paths are chosen for us, not by us.
Hidden in the tranquil village of Bongabar, Jharkhand, **Tuti Jharna Mandir** is a mystical Shiva temple where water eternally flows from the idol of **Goddess Ganga** onto the **Shivalinga**. Discovered in 1925, this sacred site defies explanation—its unending stream a living symbol of faith, divinity, and the timeless harmony between nature and the divine.
Angrabari, also known as Amreshwar Dham, is a tranquil temple complex near Khunti in Jharkhand. It is known for the self-originated Shivling, drawing countless devotees. Renowned for its spiritual aura and natural beauty, the temple has undergone recent renovations while preserving its ancient charm. The village of Khunti is steeped in legends and history, adding cultural and spiritual significance to the area.
The writer recounts a recent visit to the spiritual city, Deoghar, in India's Jharkhand state, after a traumatic experience there 20 years prior involving dacoits. Deoghar is renowned for the Baba Baidyanath Temple, a complex of 22 significant temples, most notably one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The writer's trip included participation in numerous rituals at the temple. Though the ritual features some chaos, the overall experience was profoundly spiritual and culturally rich.
On a January morning in 2003, the sacred city of Varanasi became the backdrop for a transformative spiritual experience for the author and their companion, Jagrata. They sought initiation, or Diksha, from their revered Guruji, marking a new chapter in their spiritual lives. Immersed in the Ganga, they received a sacred mantra and committed to practices like Sandhyavandanam, establishing a profound connection with the divine that has nurtured their journey for years.
The Rankini Temple in Jadugora, Jharkhand, is a sacred Hindu temple venerating Rankini Devi, with a rich history and tranquil atmosphere. Located near the Hata-Jadugora State Highway, it stands as a significant blend of historical and spiritual heritage. It is a must-visit for those seeking spiritual solace and unique cultural experiences in Jharkhand.
The journey along National Highway No. NH 19 toward Prayagraj turned profound when a visit to the Mundeshwari Temple became a spontaneous detour. Recognized as the world’s oldest functional Hindu temple, this site embodies rich history and unique architecture. The temple, dedicated to Shiva and Shakti, serves as a cultural and spiritual hub. The visit offered insights into India's heritage, leaving a lasting awe-filled impression.
As autumn begins in Bengal, Durga Puja brings joy and festivity with rituals like Nabapatrika, representing Goddess Durga through nine sacred plants. This tradition, unique to Bengal, honors fertility and nature and reflects familial bonds in a charming folktale. Although overshadowed by idol worship, Nabapatrika endures, emphasizing ecological reverence and the cyclical essence of life. It intertwines culture and spirituality, vital to the rich tapestry of Durga Puja celebrations, celebrating the triumph over evil and community.
