Kamarpukur is nestled in the district of Hoogly in West Bengal, India. This place is commonly known as the native place of Saint Sri Ramakrishnan, a great 19th century philosopher. The holy hamlet attracts a massive number of devotees of Sri Ramakrishnan across the year and thus, over a period of time has become a site of pilgrimage. Kamarpukur is predominantly visited by the devotees of Sri Ramakrishna, who seek harmony and tranquility amidst the calm of this little village. These devotees, who visit the Ramakrishna Math and the adjoining places, which are believed to be the abode of Ramakrishna, often also travel to Jairambati, the birthplace of Ramakrishna’s wife. Here are five places to visit in Kamarpukur.
1. Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Math
Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Math was built in 1951 by the monks of Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math. The opulent temple is 45 ft. high and has a marble statue of Sri Ramakrishna installed. Multitudes of believers visit the shrine every year from across the globe. This architectural marvel, which was designed by Nandala Basu is a hugely revered spot. Tourists and believers come to this hamlet from faraway lands, seeking calm and tranquillity at the footsteps of Sri Ramakrishna. Provision of accommodation is also available for those visitors who wish to stay longer. The vicinity of the temple has also been developed for the convenience of the locals as well as the visitors to the shrine. The little village has considerably progressed with the construction of a school, a library and a dispensary.
2. Gopeshwar Temple
Gopeshwar temple is an ancient temple located towards the east of the ancestral house of Sri Ramakrishna. The temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva was planned by Sukhlal Goswami. Goswami and his forefathers were ardent followers of Shiva. Multitudes of believers get together here to worship Lord Shiva and the sacred Shivalinga.
3. Matri Mandir
Matri Mandir is located right at the centre of Jarambati and is also recognised as Jairamabati Math. This alluring temple is built on the place which is believed to be the birthplace Ma Sarada, and attracts enormous numbers of believers across the year. The temple is installed with an exquisite marble statue of Ma. The Sanctum in the temple has preserved sacred relics of Ma Sarada. An extension to the temple also has a prayer hall for those who wish to spend some moments in solitariness. The temple area also houses the ancestral place of the Holy Mother. Opposite to this ancestral house is another house where Ma had lived during the later years of her life.
Matri Mandir is open to visitors from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on all days.
4. Talpukur Tank
Talpukur in Jairambati is believed to be a holy tank. It is located near the Simhavahini temple towars the southeast part of Kamarpukur. The tank not only benefits the villagers, but is also used by the visitors to get refreshed and bath in the sacred waters. The lake is also visited by travellers who seek peace in the bounty of nature.
5. Simhavahini temple
The Simhavahini temple is situated near the Talpukur Lake. The temple is devoted to Goddess Simhavahini and is known to be the place where the Holy Mother, Sarada Devi, fasted for many days in order to recover from a critical ailment. Followers of Sri Ramakrishnan and Ma visit this place invoking their blessings.
The suggested time to visit this place of utmost serenity and piety is between the months from November to March. The pilgrims return to their lives with a renewed sense of self and a more positive outlook to life.
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