Boro Maa Kali Temple, Naihati
{{short description|Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Kali at Naihati, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| image = Naihati Boro Maa.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Boro Maa
| map_type = India West Bengal
| map_caption = West Bengal
| coordinates = {{coord|22.8885984|N|88.4143351|E|display=inline,title}}
| country = {{flag|India}}
| state = West Bengal
| district =
| location = Naihati
| elevation_m =
| deity = Boro Maa Kali
| festivals =
- Kali Puja{{cite news |last1=Das |first1=Salmali |title=নৈহাটিতে বড়মার পুজো দেবেন? সঠিক সময়সূচি-অঞ্জলির নির্ঘণ্ট আগেই জেনে রাখুন |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/south-bengal/kali-puja-2024-famous-naihati-boroma-puja-timings-anjali-know-in-details-sal-1924964-page-4.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=30 October 2024 |language=bn}}
- Kaushiki Amavasya{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Tiyasha |title=কৌশিকী অমাবস্যায় সিমেন্টের মূর্তিতে প্রাণপ্রতিষ্ঠা নৈহাটির বড়মার |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/religion/naihati-gets-22-feet-high-boro-ma-statue-on-kaushiki-amabasya/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=29 August 2019 |language=bn}}
- Dipannwita Amavasya{{cite news |last1=বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় |first1=প্রীতম |title=দীপান্বিতা অমাবস্যার জন্য আজ থেকেই নৈহাটির বড়মাকে দেওয়া যাবে পুজো |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-kali-puja-2023-famous-bara-ma-idol-is-preparing-for-puja-know-puja-rules/104965528.cms |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=4 November 2023 |language=bn}}
- Baisakhi Amavasya
| architecture = Bengal architecture
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions =
| website =
| governing_body = Naihati Barakali Puja Samity Trust
}}
Boro Maa Kali Temple is a Hindu temple in Naihati, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal in India, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, one of the 10 Mahavidyas in the Hindu tantric tradition and the supreme deity in the Kalikula worship tradition.{{cite news |last1=Mitra |first1=Anamika |title=কোন অমোঘ টানে প্রতি বছর ছুটে আসে হাজার হাজার মানুষ নৈহাটি বড়মার পুজোয়, জেনে নিন |url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/astrology/know-why-every-year-thousands-of-people-flock-to-naihati-barama-puja-for-which-reason-31699689023073.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=11 November 2023 |language=bn}}{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/the-significance-of-dus-mahavidya/articleshow/68206997.cms |title=The Significance of Dus Mahavidya |date=7 May 2014|website=The Times Of India |access-date=20 December 2024}}
The temple’s history dates a century back to 1923, when a young man named Bhavesh Chakraborty had a dream after visiting Nabadwip and witnessing the grandeur of the idols there. Inspired, he returned to Naihati and built a 22-foot-tall idol of Goddess Kali, which has over the years, come to be known as the "Boro Maa".{{cite news |title=Naihati Boro Maa Kali Temple |url=https://puja-online.com/product/boro-maa-naihati/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Boro Maa, Naihati}}{{cite news |title=Shakti Peeths: Sacred Sites of the Divine Feminine |url=https://theindosphere.com/religion/shakti-peeths-hindu-sacred-sites/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=The Indosphere}}
In this temple, Maa Kali is worshipped as per the beliefs of Vaishnavism in her fierce form as the pitch-dark Raksha Kali or Shamshan Kali, symbolising destruction and renewal.{{cite news |last1=Shankar |first1=Ravi |title=Motherlodes of Power: The story of India's 'Shakti Peethas' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/Sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=The New Indian Express |date=3 October 2021}} As per the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Kalika Purana and Shakti Peetha Stotram, it is one of the 52 Shakta pithas in India.{{cite news |title=Shakti Peethas |url=https://www.manidvipa.in/shakti-peethas |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Manidvipa}}{{cite news |title=Naihati Baro Maa: হাজার মানুষ, চোখেতে আকুতি, মিলবে প্রার্থনা, মাথার উপর হাত রাখেন, তিনি সবার বড় মা |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/videos/district/kalipuja-2023-naihati-boro-maa-popular-kalipuja-in-bengal-know-boro-maa-mythological-significance-1022159 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=7 November 2023 |language=bn}} Every year it is visited by lakhs of devotees and pilgrims from different parts of India.{{cite news |last1=Dutta, Marik |first1=Samriddha, Priyam |title=Naihati's Boro Maa Kali: Where grandeur meets devotion |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/naihatis-boro-maa-kali-where-grandeur-meets-devotion/cid/1837252 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=The Telegraph |date=4 November 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mitra |first1=Anamika |title=১০১ তম বর্ষে নতুন চমক! কাঠামো পুজো দিয়ে শুরু হল নৈহাটির বড়মার উৎসব |url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/astrology/there-is-a-new-surprise-in-the-101st-year-boro-maa-puja-of-naihati-started-with-the-structure-puja-31729329356191.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=19 October 2024 |language=bn}}
Legend and importance
About a century ago, in the early 1900s, a young man named Bhavesh Chakraborty, who was a jute mill employee and social worker, went to experience "Bhanga Rash" at Nabadwip accompanied by four friends. The incredible height and grandeur of the idols in Nabadwip mesmerized him. After returning to his home in Naihati, he had a dream where Maa Kali, at the time a small deity of the Chakraborty family, instructed him to mould her into a gigantic idol of 22 foot, similar to the ones in Nabadwip.{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Rudra Narayan |title=Naihati Boro Maa: বড়মার মোহময়ী রূপ, অমাবস্যায় রাতভর যা চলল নৈহাটিতে..! জানলে ভক্তিতে মাথা নত হবে |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-kali-puja-rituals-amavasya-night-was-important-know-what-happen-whole-night-in-naihati-l18-sdg-local18-1926896.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=1 November 2024 |language=bn}}
Initially known as the "Boro Kali" or "Bhavesh Kali", the puja was organised by and limited to the Chakraborty household.{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Subhankar |title=বড় মা'র আগমনে সাজছে নৈহাটি, কবে থেকে পুজো দিতে পারবেন ভক্তরা? |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/religion/kali-puja-2024-worship-of-naihati-boro-maa/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=22 October 2024 |language=bn}} But, as Boro Kali’s popularity soared over the years, the puja was opened up to the general public and the idol was renamed as "Boro Maa", symbolising her as the mother of all.{{cite news |title='ওই সময় কাউকে সরাতে পারবেন না, ওইদিনটা তারাপীঠ-দক্ষিণেশ্বরের থেকেও বেশি ভিড় হয়', পুজো কর্তার মুখে নৈহাটির বড় মায়ের মাহাত্ম্য |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/religion/kali-puja-2024-huge-gatherings-take-place-at-naihati-boro-ma-kali-puja-even-more-than-tarapith-and-dakshineswar-puja-1101384 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=22 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |title=বড়মা |url=https://www.eimuhurte.com/bibidho/anadamoyee/mythology-and-all-about-of-naihati-boro-maa-puja/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=25 October 2024 |language=bn}}
Highly revered by her devotees, it is widely believed that she fulfills the desire and wishes of all her devotees, irrespective of their cast, social status and economic background. It is widely said "Boro Maa kauke feray na" and "Dhormo jar jar, Boro Maa sobar".{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Rudra Narayan |title=Naihati Boro Maa: কাউকে খালি হাতে ফেরান না, শতবর্ষে নৈহাটির বড়মার পুজো নিয়ে এবার বিরাট সিদ্ধান্ত |url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-puja-latest-update-during-kali-puja-2023-l18-sb-1367356.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=13 November 2023 |language=bn}}{{cite news |title=ধর্ম হোক যার যার, বড় মা সবার', এটাই মূল মন্ত্র নৈহাটির বড় মা-র |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/district/north-24-paraganas/kali-puja-2021-north-24-pargana-boro-maa-kali-puja-diwali-2021-843584 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=28 October 2021 |language=bn}} Numerous personal experiences of about how their problems were resolved or how they got success in their career soon after visiting Boro Maa's Temple and receiving her blessings, are prevalent far and near in West Bengal.{{cite news |title='দুই মহিলা এসে হাউহাউ করে কাঁদছেন, পরের বছর এসে জানান...', অসীম মাহাত্ম্য নৈহাটির বড় মা-র ! |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/photo-gallery/religion/naihati-boro-ma-kali-know-all-about-it-before-kali-puja-2024-1101396 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=22 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |last1=সেনগুপ্ত |first1=বরুণ |title=Naihati: Diwali: Boro Maa Kali: অলৌকিক! সারা দেশ থেকে ভক্তেরা ছুটে আসেন নৈহাটির বড় মা'র কাছে... |url=https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/photos/boro-maa-kali-100-years-passed-naihatis-most-famous-manifestation-of-kali-unanimously-hailed-as-boro-maa-546986 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Zee News |date=27 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Nibedita |title=Naihati Boro Maa : লোকসমক্ষে মুখ দেখাতে লজ্জা ! বীভৎস ফুসকুড়ি-ঘা, বড় মার কাছে এসে যা ঘটল... |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/district/naihati-boro-ma-pilgrims-get-huge-benefit-after-visiting-temple-interesting-stories-1102273 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=28 October 2024 |language=bn}}
Since 2014, a local sculptor Shubhendu Sarkar has been sculpting the 22-feet-tall idol every year.{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Subhankar |title=ভবেশকালী থেকে বড়মা, নৈহাটির জাগ্রত কালীর মাহাত্ম্য সর্বজনবিদিত |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/puja-2024/kali-puja-2024-history-of-naihati-boro-ma/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=27 October 2024 |language=bn}} While that idol is immersed in the Ganges every year during the visarjan, about a stone’s throw away distance from the pandal is a temple, that houses a smaller avatar of Boro Maa’s magnificent idol and it is present all-year round. Painted in pink and yellow, the temple was opened in 2014, with a courtyard for devotees for offering their prayers. On 100 years of the puja, the temple recorded the highest number of footfalls, among which more than a lakh devotees did "dandi kata" for fulfilling their wishes.{{cite news |last1=Dutta |first1=Elina |title=কালীপুজোয় নৈহাটি বড়মার মন্দিরে ভক্তদের রেকর্ড! শতবর্ষে প্রসাদ বিতরণে বিশেষ ঘোষণা |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-boro-ma-temple-visited-by-record-devotees-puja-committee-take-special-initiative-for-prasad-distribution/105176317.cms |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=13 November 2023 |language=bn}}
Before 1970, the massive idol was carried on the shoulders of the strongest men in town, all the way from the pandal to the nearby Ganga for immersion. 1970 onwards, the organisers decided to carry the idol of Boro Maa to the river for immersion, on a wheeled trolley by the townspeople.{{cite news |last1=Dhar |first1=Sanket |title=Naihati Boro Maa: চোখের জলে বিদায় নিলেন নৈহাটির বড়মা! লক্ষ ভক্তের সমাগমে আবেগঘন মুহূর্ত |url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/naihati-boro-maa-immersion-people-are-sad-at-that-moment-in-pictures-31730822105629.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=5 November 2024 |language=bn}} Thousands of men come together to guide the massive idol along the procession route, adorned with giant sized vibrant garlands crafted by garland makers from Howrah. The garlands are mainly constructed of blood-red hibiscus besides a few garlands made of jasmine, yellow and orange marigold, rose, tuberose and chrysanthemum.{{cite news |title=Kali Puja: Grand immersion procession for Naihati's 21-ft idol |url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/india-news/kali-puja-immersion-bengal-naihati-tallest-idol-7611746/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Indian Express |date=7 November 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Das |first1=Dipta |title=নৈহাটির বড়মাকে কেন 'বড়মা' ডাকা হয়? জানুন ১০০ বছরের প্রাচীন ইতিহাস |url=https://tv9bangla.com/photo-gallery/mythology-and-all-about-of-naihati-boro-maa-puja-946836-8.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=TV9 Bangla |date=12 November 2023 |language=bn}}
Boro Maa
File:Boro Maa Naihati 2022.jpg, 2022]]
Every year a 22 feet idol of Maa Kali is moulded, whose foundation is laid on the day of Lakshmi Puja with khuti puja.{{cite news |last1=Majumder |first1=Suman |title=প্রহর গুনছে নৈহাটি, বড়মার পুজোয় এবার থাকবে বিরাট চমক, আজ হল 'বড় কাজ' |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/south-bengal/puja-of-naihati-boro-maa-kali-starts-people-starts-come-there-smj-l18-local18-1903233.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=17 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |title='দুই মহিলা এসে হাউহাউ করে কাঁদছেন, পরের বছর এসে জানান...', অসীম মাহাত্ম্য নৈহাটির বড় মা-র ! |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/photo-gallery/religion/naihati-boro-ma-kali-know-all-about-it-before-kali-puja-2024-1101396 |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=22 October 2024 |language=bn}} Built over 15 days, every year the idol is adorned with 12 kilograms of gold and 200 kilograms of silver ornaments.{{cite news |title=Naihati Boro Maa Puja 2024: ১০০ ভরি সোনায় সজ্জিত নৈহাটির বড়মা, বাড়ি বসে পুজো কীভাবে? বাম্পার ব্যবস্থা জানুন |url=https://bengali.indianexpress.com/photos/west-bengal/kalipuja-2024-time-ad-schedule-of-naihati-boro-maa-kali-puja-7374207 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Indian Express |date=30 October 2024 |language=bn}} It includes gold bangles, crown, necklace, eye decor, tongue decor, "nupur" and "chandmala".{{cite news |last1=Dey |first1=Subhagata |title=Naihati Boro Maa : ১০১ বছরে ১০১ ভরির স্বর্ণালঙ্কারে সজ্জিতা নৈহাটির বড়মা, গয়নার সম্ভারে কী কী রয়েছে? বিরাট চমক চালচিত্রে |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-kali-idol-wore-101-bhori-gold-jewellery-along-with-huge-amount-of-silver-ornaments-here-the-list-l18-sdg-local18-1925793.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=31 October 2024 |language=bn}} The ornaments have been created from small pieces of jewellery and bindis contributed by people from all walks of life over the 100 years after establishment of the temple.{{cite news |title=১০০ কেজির গয়না পরেন, ১০১ তম বর্ষে নতুন চমক, নৈহাটির 'বড়মা'র নামের মাহাত্ম্য জানেন? |url=https://bangla.aajtak.in/dharm-religion/story/know-the-reason-behind-naihatis-maa-kali-called-boroma-mythology-and-all-about-new-surprise-in-the-101st-year-boro-maa-puja-sus-1109055-2024-10-21 |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Aaj Tak |date=21 October 2024 |language=bn}} The deity has a dark complexion, four hands, a crimson-red tongue bordered by gold and lotus eyes, which are believed to exude both warmth and strength.{{cite news |title=Naihati Boro Maa : নৈহাটির বড় মা-র কাছে কালীপুজোয় অঞ্জলি দেবেন? কখন পৌঁছতে হবে ? মানতে হবে কী নিয়ম? |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/photo-gallery/religion/naihati-boro-ma-kali-puja-2024-how-to-offer-pushpanjali-know-the-time-1101424 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=23 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |title=Kali Puja 2024- Boro Maa- Shyamsundari Maa: বারাসতেই সঙ্গেই কালীপুজোয় ট্রেন্ডিং বড়মা থেকে জীবন্ত কালী! জাগ্রত মন্দিরে ভক্তের ঢল |url=https://bangla.aajtak.in/dharm-religion/festivals/story/kali-puja-2024-naihati-boro-maa-north-kolkata-maa-shyamsundari-kali-temple-miraculous-spiritually-awakened-stories-kali-mandir-puja-bhog-west-bengal-kali-mandir-soc-1114044-2024-10-31 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Aaj Tak |date=31 October 2024 |language=bn}}
In 2023, a new temple dedicated to the deity was inaugurated on 100 years of the puja.{{cite news |last1=চক্রবর্তী |first1=দেবদীপ |title=নৈহাটি বড় মা মন্দিরের একশো বছর পূর্তির বিশেষ অনুষ্ঠান |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/boro-maa-naihati-mandir-hundred-years-celebration-programme-details/104161698.cms |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=4 October 2023 |language=bn}}{{cite news |title=Naihati Boro Maa: Why is Maa Kali referred to as Boro Maa here? |url=https://www.eimuhurte.com/bibidho/anadamoyee/mythology-and-all-about-of-naihati-boro-maa-puja/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=25 October 2024 |language=bn}} The pran pratishtha of Boro Maa's new idol made of "kasthi pathar" was done on the day Kali puja in the same year.{{cite news |title=কাঠামো পুজোর মধ্যে দিয়ে শুরু হয়ে গেল নৈহাটির বড়মার আরাধনা |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/bn/!state/naihati-boro-maa-kathamo-pujo-2024-west-bengal-news-wbs24101706411 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ETV Bharat |date=17 October 2024 |language=bn}} On the occasion of her 101 years of worship in 2024, the deity was offered a silver "ghot" and key which was moulded from 35 to 40 kg of silver, that was donated to Boro Maa by her devotees for the success of their "manots".{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Nibedita |title=Naihati Boro Maa : কালীপুজোর আগে বড়-মা'র নতুন রুপোর চালচিত্র, সঙ্গে রুপোর ঘট, চাবি |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/district/kali-puja-2024-naihati-boro-ma-silver-chalchitra-ghat-keys-know-in-details-1101485 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=23 October 2024 |language=bn}} Devotional songs dedicated to her are often composed, to spread her "mahatta" to the common people.{{cite news |title=Naihati Boro Maa: গানে গানে বিশ্ব জুড়ে বড় মা'র বন্দনা! শুনেছেন? |url=https://zeenews.india.com/bengali/photos/a-new-song-released-for-naihati-boro-maa-have-you-listen-yet-547568 |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Zee News |date=30 October 2024 |language=bn}}
Boro Maa’s four hands carry symbols with meanings. Her right upper hand is raised in a blessing gesture, offering reassurance to her devotees. The right lower hand holds a "jolbhora sandesh" which signifies sweetness, reward and prosperity to those who lead virtuous lives. Her left upper hand holds her weapon, symbolising her power to eradicate evil while her left lower hand grasps the severed head of a sinner, which is a reminder of wrongdoings. Through these emblems, Boro Maa expresses the dual form of Kali as both nurturing and fearsome, reminding her devotees of the balance between reward and punishment, based on their karma.{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Rohini |title=t2 made a trip to Naihati to chronicle a 21-feet Kali idol worshipped for 101 years |url=https://t2online.in/goodlife/books/t2-made-a-trip-to-naihati-to-chronicle-a-21-feet-kali-idol-worshipped-for-101-years/1198576 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=t2 Online |date=31 October 2024}}
The rituals
Her lotus symbolic eyes are believed to a representation of controlled rage. Besides paying offerings to the deity, devotees perform dandi kata to receive her blessings.{{cite news |title=বড় মা-র পুজোয় জনতার ঢল! দণ্ডি কেটে প্রার্থনা করলেন প্রায় ৫ হাজার ভক্ত |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/ananda-utsav/durgotsav-gallery/kali-puja-2022-5000-devotees-gathered-and-prayed-to-naihatis-boroma-dgtl-photogallery/cid/1379518 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Anandabazar Patrika |date=26 October 2022 |language=bn}} For five days every year during the Kali puja, the deity is decorated and worshipped according to the traditions and rituals which were first established by Bhavesh Chakraborty and his family. Following Chakraborty’s wish till today, no money is collected from locals as chanda to organise the puja. The committee works with the money donated by the devotees.{{cite news |last1=Dey |first1=Subhagata |title=মানতেই পূর্ণ মনস্কামনা! সেজে উঠছে নৈহাটির জাগ্রত 'বড়মা', পুজো বিশেষ রীতি মেনেই |url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/north-24-parganas/naihati-kali-puja-2022-famous-bara-ma-idol-is-preparing-for-puja-l18-sdg-911594.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=21 October 2022 |language=bn}} During the five days, no special puja is dedicated to the deity. Everyday on those days, special bhog is offered to the goddess. The bhog that is offered to Boro Maa always comes from the family of Bhavesh Chakraborty's successors.{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Rudra Narayan |title=কালীপুজোয় নৈহাটিতে বড়মার পুজো দিতে যাবেন? ঠিক কখন শুরু পুজো, কখন অঞ্জলি, কখন বিসর্জন? জানুন নির্ঘণ্ট |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/astrology/naihati-boro-maa-kali-puja-2024-timing-anjali-immersion-timing-how-to-get-prasad-coupon-l18-sdg-local18-1909111.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=21 October 2024 |language=bn}}
File:Boro Maa Naihati.jpg on the fifth day of Kali Puja|250px]]
Every year for visharjan, the idol of Boro Maa is carried on a trolley by hundreds of her ardent followers to the nearby Ganges river, for the immersion.{{cite news |last1=চক্রবর্তী |first1=দেবদীপ |title=চোখের জলে বিদায়, নৈহাটি বড়মার বিসর্জনে অগুন্তি ভক্তের ভিড় |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-boro-maa-immersion-huge-devotees-gathered-at-ghat/200320839.cms |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=4 November 2024 |language=bn}} The jewellery is carefully taken off the idol and kept in a safe for adorning the idol next year.{{cite news |last1=Dey |first1=Subhagata |title=১০০ কেজির গয়না ছেড়ে ফুলে সাজলেন 'বড়মা' কালী, বিসর্জন দেখল লক্ষ লক্ষ মানুষ, আপনিও প্রথম ছবি দেখুন ঘরে বসে |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/south-bengal/naihati-famous-boro-maa-kali-idol-immersion-photos-goes-viral-l18-sdg-1371143.html |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=16 November 2023 |language=bn}} During visharjan, the idol is adorned in her "raj besh" with enormous garlands costing lakhs of rupees, which have been specially designed and prepared over many hours.{{cite news |last1=Basu |first1=Pooja |title=Naihati Boro Maa: ফুলের অলংকারে রাজবেশে বিসর্জনের পথে নৈহাটির বড় মা কালী! প্রথম দেখুন সেই ছবি |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-kali-bisarjan-first-exclusive-photo-l18-pbd-local18-1931821.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=4 November 2024 |language=bn}} The procession is attended by thousands of her followers and devotees.{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Rudra Narayan |title=Naihati Boro Maa Bhasan: ১০১ ভরির সোনার গয়না পরা মায়ের অপূর্ব রূপ, এক বছরের মায়ের জন্য অপেক্ষা, হয়ে গেল বড় মায়ের ভাসান |url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-bhasan-naihati-boro-maa-bisarjan-watch-video-bhaktas-have-to-wait-for-1-long-year-dd-l18-local18-1932123.html |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=4 November 2024 |language=bn}} For those who stay far away and can't attend the "visharjan shobhayatra" but want to see it, the puja committee has made arrangements for live streaming of the visharjan on their official Facebook handle.{{cite news |last1=দে |first1=অরিজিৎ |title=শোভাযাত্রা করে প্রতিমা নিরঞ্জন, লাইভ দেখার সুযোগ! বড়মার বিসর্জনের সময়সূচি জানেন? |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/boro-maa-naihati-idol-immersion-will-be-done-today-know-details/105250726.cms |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=16 November 2023 |language=bn}} The visharjan crowd is regulated by more than 1000 police officials led by the Barrackpore police commissioner every year, to avoid any stampedes.{{cite news |last1=মাঝি |first1=সুমন |title=নৈহাটির বড়মার বিসর্জনে থাকবে ১ হাজার পুলিশ, কড়া ব্যবস্থা প্রশাসনের |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/one-thousand-police-deployed-for-naihati-barama-visarjan/200320735.cms |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=4 November 2024 |language=bn}} The other Kali pujas in Naihati are immersed only after the visharjan of Boro Maa is completed.{{cite news |last1=মুখোপাধ্যায়, চট্টোপাধ্যায় |first1=ঋতবান, শর্মিষ্ঠা |title=Boro Maa Bisorjon : সোয়া লাখ টাকার ফুলের গয়নায় বড় মা-র বিসর্জন |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-boro-maa-bisorjon-was-arranged-with-grandeur/105285627.cms |work=Ei Samay |date=17 November 2023 |language=bn}}{{cite news |title=আবার এসো মা! 'বড়মা' বিসর্জনে পুষ্পবৃষ্টি, গঙ্গাঘাটে বিদায় দেবীর |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/video/naihati-boro-maa-crowd-of-devotees-at-grand-immersion-procession-of-boro-maa-sangbad-pratidin/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |language=bn}}
The Temple complex
Before 2023, Boro Maa was worshipped throughout the year as a picture. The idol was made only during Kali puja and immersed by the end of it. In 2023, a new temple was created which was inaugurated by Abhishek Banerjee.{{cite news |title=অভিষেকের হাতেই বড় মা'র নয়া মন্দিরের উদ্বোধন, নতুন মূর্তির প্রতিষ্ঠা পুজোয় নজরকাড়া আয়োজন |url=https://bengali.indianexpress.com/west-bengal/abhishek-banerjee-to-inaugurate-naihati-boro-maa-new-temple-682355/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Indian Express |date=12 October 2023 |language=bn}} Made from "Kasthi pathar", a permanent idol of Boro Maa was established inside the temple, as the principle deity.{{cite news |last1=দত্ত |first1=এলিনা |title=১৪ বছর পর নৈহাটির বড়মা মন্দিরের এল নতুন মূর্তি, কবে থেকে দর্শন পাবেন ভক্তরা? |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-boro-ma-kali-idol-reached-at-temple-after-14-years-here-is-the-detail/104705094.cms |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=25 October 2023 |language=bn}} It was made by Rajasthan sculptor artist Dharmendra Sau at Rajendrapur, Naihati over a period of 3 months.{{cite news |title=আজ প্রাণ প্রতিষ্ঠা নৈহাটির বড়মার, সেজে উঠলেন ১০০ ভরির গয়নায়, দেখুন মায়ের ছবি |url=https://bangla.asianetnews.com/west-bengal/west-bengal-news/kalipuja-2023-news-naihati-boro-maa-puja-updates-new-idol-installed-at-temple-bpsb/articleshow-d5593v7 |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Asianet News |date=24 November 2023 |language=bn}} A "chalchitro" made of 35 kg of silver was placed behind the deity.{{cite news |last1=জোয়ারদার |first1=সায়নী |title=বড়মার সামনে দাঁড়িয়ে হাউ হাউ করে কাঁদছেন কেউ, কারও স্থির পলক |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-boro-ma-kalipuja-devotee-can-watch-puja-live-virtually/200320346.cms |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=31 October 2024 |language=bn}} The new temple inauguration ceremony was marked by a giant yagna with 50 kg belkath by 12 priests, 3 of whom came from Varanasi. It was followed by Gitapath, Chandipath, Maha Mritunjaypath and Rudrapath. On that day, Boro Maa was adorned with 100 kg of silver and gold jewellery. The "pran pratishtha" and "chakkhudan" of the new idol was done few days later, on the day of Lakshmi Puja.{{cite news |last1=Sen |first1=Sayani |title=রাত পোহালেই বড়মার মূর্তির প্রাণ প্রতিষ্ঠা, নৈহাটিতে উৎসবের আমেজ |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/bengal/naihati-is-in-festive-mood-for-boro-maa-puja/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=27 October 2023 |language=bn}} Made on a budget of {{INR|8}} crore, a guest house for the devotees, a larger "bhog mandir" and a old age home for 400 people was also inaugurated along with the new temple.{{cite news |last1=Biswas |first1=Suman |title=Naihati Boro Maa: চমৎকার কষ্টিপাথরের মূর্তি, শত ভরির গয়নায় সাজবেন নৈহাটির বড়মা! নতুন মন্দির খুলছে কবে, কে করছেন উদ্বোধন? |url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-new-temple-will-inaugurate-by-tmc-mp-abhishek-banerjee-sb-1321927.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=11 October 2023 |language=bn}}{{cite news |last1=চক্রবর্তী |first1=দেবদীপ |title=সাজিয়ে তোলা হচ্ছে বিশালাকার মূর্তি, নৈহাটি বড়মার পুজো ঘিরে তুঙ্গে উন্মাদনা |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/naihati-boro-maa-kali-puja-celebrration-arrangements-at-the-last-stage/105130436.cms |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=10 November 2023 |language=bn}}
Besides the main temple, there are a number of other temples dedicated to different deities, inside the temple complex. Outside the inner complex is the Trinath temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, he is present there in a rare three-headed avatar. There is small idol of goddess Shitala at one corner of the temple complex, beside which the meals are being cooked. Opposite to this, a narrow passage leads to a tranquil Radha Krishna temple. While apples and bananas are given as offerings, two parallel rows of bananas are kept in front of the idols to resemble a swing.
Prasad
Special poojas are performed on each of the 12 amavasyas every year. Among them, "Kali Puja" and "Baisakhi Amavasya" draws large crowds of lakhs of devotees.{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Nibedita |title=Naihati Boro Maa : সাড়ে ৪ হাজার কেজির ভোগ ! প্রসাদ পেলেন কাতারে কাতারে মানুষ, অভূতপূর্ব ছবি বড়-মার অন্নকূূটে |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/district/naihati-boro-maa-annakut-on-vaishakh-amavasya-2024-4500-kg-prasad-distributed-1065812 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=8 May 2024 |language=bn}} After the puja ceremonies, huge quantities of prasad is being prepared and distributed among the devotees. Almost, four-and-a-half kg of the bhog is prepared every amavasya. It includes pulao, five types of vegetable fries, five types of curries and five types of sweets.{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Nibedita |title=Boro Ma : কালীপুজোয় কখন হবে বড় - মা'র পুজো, অঞ্জলি কখন? কীভাবে সংগ্রহ করবেন মায়ের প্রসাদ? |url=https://bengali.abplive.com/religion/kali-puja-2024-naihati-boro-ma-puja-schedule-diwali-2024-1101470 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=ABP Ananda |date=23 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |last1=Neogi |first1=Arjun |title=Boro Maa Annakut: বড়মার দরবারে ৪,৫০০ কেজির অন্নকূট ভোগ! বিপুল অলঙ্কার দেখতেও ভিড়, সকলের চক্ষু ছানাবড়া |url=https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/north-24-parganas/north-24-pargana-news-naihati-boro-maa-kali-4500-kg-prasad-a-huge-number-of-people-turned-out-l18-arn-1648975.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=8 May 2024 |language=bn}} Over many years, the prasad of Kali puja is being prepared by Chandrakanta Mishra.{{cite news |last1=দত্ত |first1=এলিনা |title=বড়মার জন্য বিপুল পরিমাণ ভোগ রাঁধেন। স্বয়ং বড়মার আর্শীবাদ তাঁর মাথায় হাত রেখেছেন, এমনটাই মনে করেন ৭২-এর চন্দ্রকান্ত মিশ্র। |url=https://eisamay.com/videos/naihati-boro-maa-bhog-cooking-72-years-old-chandrakant-mishra-during-kali-puja/200320251.cms |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=30 October 2024 |language=bn}}
On the occasion of 100 years of the puja, "annakut" prasad was prepared for the first time and offered to the deity.{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Subhankar |title=তিন হাজার কেজির পোলাও ভোগ! মনস্কামনা পূরণে বড়মার অন্নকূট উৎসবে ভক্তের ঢল |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/bengal/3000-kg-polao-is-being-given-in-naihatis-boro-ma-annakoot-ceremony/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=7 May 2024 |language=bn}} Prasad was distributed among the people for 100 hours and 100 saplings were planted to mark the celebration.{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Sayan |title=ভক্তদের খালি হাতে ফেরান না তিনি, শতবর্ষে পা নৈহাটির বড় মা'র পুজো, চলবে ১০০ ঘন্টা প্রসাদ বিতরণ |url=https://bengali.indianexpress.com/west-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-kali-puja-is-celebration-its-100-th-years-of-worship693076/ |access-date=30 December 2024 |work=Indian Express |date=11 November 2023 |language=bn}} It included 3000 kg pulao, aloor dum, payesh and other items.{{cite news |last1=Mitra |first1=Anamika |title=বিশেষ ভোগ নিবেদনে আয়োজিত হলো ১০০ বছর পূর্তি উপলক্ষ্যে বড়মার অন্নকূটের অনুষ্ঠান |url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/astrology/barama-annakoot-ceremony-was-organized-on-the-occasion-of-100-years-anniversary-with-special-indulgence-31715098904438.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=9 May 2024 |language=bn}} Many a times, the devotees donate huge amounts of fruits for the puja rituals. The managing committee takes those fruits of prasad and distributes them to hospitals and old age homes, praying for their speedy recovery, good health and long live, with Boro Maa's aashirbad.{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Subhankar |title=কালীপুজোয় বড়মা-র মন্দিরে ফলের পাহাড়! ১৫ হাজার কেজি প্রসাদ গেল হাসপাতাল-বৃদ্ধাশ্রমে |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/bengal/naihati-boro-maa-puja-prasad-distributed-in-hospitals-and-old-age-homes/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=3 November 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Rudra Narayan |title=Boro Maa: বিপুল গয়নায় মোড়া মূর্তি! ৩০০০ কেজির ভোগ নিবেদন নৈহাটির বড়মাকে! অন্নকূটে এলাহী আয়োজন |url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/south-bengal/naihati-boro-maa-kali-idol-gold-ornaments-offering-bhog-prasad-3000kg-polao-in-annakut-festival-l18-sdg-1646139.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |work=News18 |date=7 May 2024 |language=bn}}
Online puja facilities
To avoid excessive crowding in the temple and also to help those individuals who want to worship at the temple but can't visit as they live far away or due to some other difficulties, the temple committee launched an app titled "Joy Boro Maa" through which devotees will be able to offer pujas online.{{cite news |title=ভক্তদের অনুরোধে সাড়া ! অনলাইনেও দেওয়া যাবে নৈহাটি বড়মা'র পুজো - NAIHATI BORO MAA |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/bn/!state/devotees-of-naihati-boro-maa-can-perform-online-puja-from-now-west-bengal-news-wbs24102605589 |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=ETV Bharat |date=26 October 2024 |language=bn}}{{cite news |last1=Chattopadhyay |first1=Ananta |title=Naihati Boro Maa: নৈহাটির বড় মা-কে পুজো দিতে চান? অনলাইনেও মিলবে সেই সুযোগ |url=https://tv9bangla.com/west-bengal/north-24-parganas/people-can-give-puja-to-naihati-boro-maa-via-online-naihati-kali-puja-2024-west-bengal-1130822.html |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=TV9 Bangla |date=28 October 2024 |language=bn}} Besides, the organisers have also provided a number, by which devotees can register their name for the puja and also send their dakshinas online.{{cite news |last1=চক্রবর্তী |first1=দেবদীপ |title=বড়মা'র বার্ষিক পুজোর অনলাইনে বুকিং, কোথায়-কীভাবে? জানুন বিশদে |url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/24pargana-news/boro-maa-naihati-puja-online-booking-system-arranged-by-committee/105048025.cms |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Ei Samay |date=7 November 2023 |language=bn}} During Kali puja, every year the organisers put up a LED screen outside the temple, so that the devotees standing in queue will be able to witness the puja until they reach to the deity.{{cite news |last1=Patra |first1=Subhankar |title=এবার অনলাইনেও দেওয়া যাবে নৈহাটির বড়মা'র পুজো, অ্যাপ আনল কমিটি |url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/bengal/naihati-boro-maa-puja-committee-has-launched-an-app-named-joy-boro-maa/ |access-date=20 December 2024 |work=Sangbad Pratidin |date=25 October 2024 |language=bn}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.facebook.com/JayBoromaa/ Boro Maa Naihati Facebook]
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{{Hindu temples in West Bengal}}
Category:Cities and towns in North 24 Parganas district
Category:North 24 Parganas district