Divine tourism circuit of Bengal – Jairambati and Kamarpukur
This is that part of Bengal, where thousands of pilgrims from across the world converge to pay their respects to none other than Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Kamarpukur and adjoining Jairambati has thus turned into a divine tourism circuit of Bengal. Kamarpukur is also a haven of natural beauty and a well-developed rural life. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born in 1836 in this very village and thus Kamarpukur is often visited by his disciples and devotees, turning into a happening pilgrimage site. Thousands visit it every year from various parts of the world and get spiritually refreshed and elevated.
Through the help of the devotees and the management, and of the monks of Ramakrishna Mission, the beautiful temple of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna, with his marble statue installed in it, was built in 1951 at Kamarpukur. With the construction of guest houses, a library, a dispensary and schools and the re-excavation of the tank called Haldarpukur, as also with the development of the surroundings, the place has really become a tourist spot too.
Just 2 km from Kamarpukur lies Vishalakshi Temple, abode of Goddess Vishalakshi. People vow offerings to the goddess with the hope that the goddess will fulfil their desire. Not very long ago the goddess resided under the open sky at the place where the present temple is situated. Villagers used to construct an ordinary leafy shed every year before Makar Sankranti and a fair was organized. The traditional fair is being followed even today.
An interesting anecdote is associated with goddess Vishalakshi. It is said Gadadhar (Sri Ramakrishna in his childhood) was accompanying a group of pious ladies in their way to offer worship to goddess Vishalakshi. When he was singing the glory of goddess Vishalakshi, suddenly his body became stiff and tears flowed down his cheeks. Seeing this, everyone realized it might be due to the mystic influence of the goddess. They immediately started praying to the Goddess to save Gadadhar.
Another place of interest nearby is the The Jairambati Math, a part of the Ramkrishna Mission that houses the Sri Sri Matri Mandir, the old house and the new house of the Holy Mother and guest houses. The signs of ancient prosperity are still visible everywhere in the area. A number of ponds, tanks and old buildings and dilapidated temples still bear witness to its old glory. In olden days Kamarpukur was surrounded by extensive fields, looked like an island floating in a vast sea of green. This area is also noted for cottage industries and sweets like jilapi and nabat, hookah pipes of ebony, yarns, towels, cloth, etc.
Places to see around:
Birthplace of saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and the Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. The Maath houses the Shiva temple, now name as Yogi’s Shiva Temple since it was the worship place for Sri Ramakrishna. Budhui Moral and Bhutir Khal, the cremation grounds where Sri Ramakrishna carried out spiritual ceremonies.
How to reach
The drive to Kamarpukur is about 100 kilometres from Kolkata and may take up to 3 hours. A day tour from Kolkata is possible. The drive to Joyrambati from Kamarpukur is approximately 6 kilometres and may just take 15 to 20 minutes.
