Bhootnath Mandir

The Bhootnath Mandir, dedicated to ‘Lord Shiva,’ is located between Ahiritola Ghat and Nimtola Mohasasan in Kolkata. The temple has been a sanctuary of spiritual tranquillity for centuries. The sacred and serene atmosphere within its area, as you can see, has walls that are heightened by the tradition of ‘Bhasam Arati’ (a ritual that has been faithfully observed for an impressive span of 300 years). These 300 years-old practices not only symbolise devotion and integrity but also serve as a prominent link to the temple’s rich heritage.
Established by an ‘Aghori baba’ near the Nimtala crematorium, this Bhoothnath temple is famous for its unique ‘Bhasma Aarti’, where cremation ashes are used in rituals. This place is visited by many devotees every year.

Attraction

This Bhootnath temple is located on the banks of the river Hooghly and is exactly next to a crematorium. This is a Shiv temple, and it is more associated with those visiting the crematorium for the final rites of those being cremated. The temple gives a feeling of calmness, and the area is different for obvious reasons. It is well maintained and has lush greenery. Young and old men and women all come to this temple. Consequently, the temple is always thronging with worshipers.
It really feels good going to the temple. People are attracted by the serenity and unique rituals of the temple. ‘Maha Shivaratri,’ for example, is a sacred festival that is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. The whole temple is bedecked exquisitely. The temple is flooded by the devotees from an early hour. Aarti of the Shivalinga is done twice a day. The devotees do the ‘abhisheka’ of the Shivalinga with the ‘Panchamrit.’

History

Bhootnath Temple, situated in Kolkata. It is an ancient temple mainly dedicated to ‘Lord Shiva’. It was constructed in 1527 CE during the rule of Raja Ajber Sen’, a ruler of Mandi. It is said that Raja Ajber Sen dreamt of a cow whose udders were showering milk at a particular spot in the woods. The following day, he went to the site, and after hours of digging, he discovered a ‘Shivalinga.’ A temple was built in honour of Lord Shiva and the holy Shivalinga was installed in the sanctum of the temple.

Inside/Outside Views

Bhootnath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kolkata city dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple originated dating back more than 300 years. Bhootnath Mandir is an enticing edifice that is built in the typical ‘Shikara style’ of architecture. Bhootnath temple is exquisitely carved in a serpentine manner, and it houses the idol of Nandi Bull in the courtyard. Some other Hindu religious figures like Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, and many more can be seen inside the temple. Visiting this temple can certainly blow your mind. It can be an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy life. You can take a time to remember God and lose yourself among serenity.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Kolkata’s ‘Beniatola’ area. From the busy area of Kolkata, the Bhootnath Mandir is only 3 km away. Kolkata is well connected with other major cities like Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai etc. of the country. And from Kolkata city, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 12 kilometers away from this area which is in Dum Dum, Kolkata. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi, Mumbai, or Lucknow with direct flights to Kolkata. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Bhootnath Mandir is only 5 km away at the ‘Sealdah Station.’ This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.

Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Kolkata for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.
If you want to touch Mahadev, you must go before 5 pm.

FAQ