Devi Bodeswari at Bangarh

Yindriyanam madhishtathri boodanancha akileshia |
Bootheshu sadadam thasyei vyapthi devyei namo namaha ||

Bodeswari Devi abode at Bangar in Dinajpur district of West bengal is another one of the 51 holy devi sthals according to the local traditional stories. In the legend of Devi Dakshayani one of the heels from her dismembered burnt body fell at this place and so it became one of the sacred Devi-sthals of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story). Some accounts say Bomikeswar is the devi's consort. This 'devi-sthal' was very popular in the 10th century as it finds mention in the texts of that period. But later works don't refer to this place and it is presumed that this centre of worship had by then lost its importance and went into oblivion. Not many details of this place are available. In south India temples are built of granite which is available in plenty there and hence the structures last for centuries. In Bengal the temples are built of bricks due to non-availability of rocks and do not last long.
From archaeological evidences bangarh was a centre of culture. Some terracotta idols of the devi goddesses were found here. Hence the confirmation that Sakthi worship was practiced here and this place was a renowned Saiva Tantric centre. There is a reference to tantric Goddess 'Carcica' whose name is in the list of 'ashta-matrukas'. It is certain that Tantric goddess was held in high status in this region.
The 'Bodeswari' fort in Dinajpur district was built to protect the temple. Broken parts of earthen and remains of a temple have been found in the ruins of this fort.

 

 

Om Sakthi

 

 

 

 

Location:
Bangarh is in Dinajpur district in West Bengal.