Pilgrimages in West Bengal

Soaked in the colours of culture, West Bengal has adherence to religion. This east Indian state embraces the diversity of faith and has sacred shrines of almost all significant religions dotting its length and breadth. It is the point worth noting that even though West Bengal is associated with Goddess Kali/Durga, it is a welcoming home to people of all faith to perform a pilgrimage.

West Bengal is one of the four Adi Shaktipeethas, and among the 52 Shaktipeethas, some are situated in the state. Bardhaman, Bahula, Ujaani, Bhramari Devi, Yoga Adya at Khirgram, Kalighat Kalipeeth in Kolkata, Kireet at Kireetkona village, Kankalitala in Birbhum district, Vibhash at Tamluk, and Tarapith are some of the most important Hindu temples in West Bengal. The silhouette of the state is adorned more with Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, which is one of the most famous temples to perform a pilgrimage in West Bengal. The Belur Math and Hangseswari Temple other two prominent Hindu pilgrimage places in the state.

One can also trace the harmonious coexistence of Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity in West Bengal as well. There are several Jain temples, including Pakbirra Jain temple in Purulia, Calcutta Jain Temple in Kolkata, Shree Digambar Jain Parshwanath Temple in Belgachia that make for the ideal Jain pilgrimage tour destinations. The Muslim pilgrims can seek the blessings of the Almighty in the Nizamat Imambara and Katra Mosque in Murshidabad, Furfura Sharif in Hooghly district and Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque in Kolkata.

Buddhism is widely spread in hilly regions of West Bengal, which include Darjeeling. There are a few Buddhist monasteries spread across this region, and among these, the most famous one for Buddhist pilgrimage is Ghoom Monastery. Apart from this, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery, Tharpa Choling Monastery, and Zang Dhok Palri Phodang are famous amongst Buddhist pilgrims in West Bengal.