The 108 Shiv Mandir in Nababhat, Bardhaman, West Bengal, is a special place dedicated to Lord Shiva. This group of 108 small temples, each with a Shiva Linga, sits in the Purba Bardhaman district. There are seventy-four temples in the outer circle and thirty-four temples in the inner circle, which are built according to mythology. This blog gives facts about the temple’s past, how it is built, why it matters for worship, and what you need to know to visit.
History of 108 Shiv Mandir
The 108 Shiv Mandir was built in 1788 by Maharani Bishnu Kumari Devi, wife of Tilak Chandra Bahadur, from the Bardhaman royal family. It cost Rs. 100,000 at the time, a large sum, showing its importance. Some records mention 109 temples, but it is known as the 108 Shiv Mandir because 108 is a holy number in Hindu tradition. In 1965, the temples were fixed or rebuilt, but some say the old look was lost in these changes. The temple is in Nababhat, a place once known for fights between Pathans and Mughals. Over time, the 108 Shiv Mandir Trust Board has taken care of it, adding a guest house for visitors. In 2013, the West Bengal Tourism Department gave money to build a parking lot and make the area nicer, with a picnic spot nearby. The temple’s long history and care show its place as a key spot for pilgrims.
How the Temple Is Built
The 108 Shiv Mandir is set up in a rectangle, different from the round layout of another 108 Shiva Temple in Ambika Kalna. It has two ponds in the middle, with temples in blocks: 18 in the northwest, southwest, northeast, and southeast, and 14 in the northern and southern blocks. Four corner temples are octagon-shaped, while others have the Bengali aat chala style with eight-sloped roofs. Each temple is small and holds a Shiva Linga. The 100th Linga has an image of Maa Parvati, and the 108th has silver decorations. Each of these 108 temples has a Shiva linga. Each Shiva linga in the inner circle, Symbolizing Sadashiva, is white, while half of the Shiva linga in the outer circle, symbolizing Rudra, is black, and the other half is white. A special feature is 108 bells in five rows, with four rows of 22 bells and one row of 20 bells. These bells make a sound that adds to the temple’s feel. There is also a pavilion, a garden with flowers, and two ponds with green plants around them. The entrance has bigger temples, with silver gates on the southern temple of the northwest block and the northern temple of the southwest block. The area is kept clean, with parking, a place for shoes, washrooms, and a small café nearby. Some visitors say new paint has changed the old look of the temples.
Why It Matters for Worship
The 108 Shiv Mandir is a main place for Shiva worship in Bardhaman, especially during Maha Shivaratri in February or March and Shravan in July or August. The number 108 is holy and quite revered in Hinduism, meaning fullness and balance. People pray at the Shiva Lingas for health, wealth, and peace. The 100th and 108th Lingas are extra special because of their decorations. During Maha Shivaratri, the temple is lit up and filled with people. In Shravan, many come from Kolkata and nearby areas, especially on Sundays, and some set up camps. The quiet and clean setting, away from Bardhaman’s busy town, makes it a good place for prayer. The 108 bells, rung during worship, add to the holy mood with their sound.
Visiting Information for 108 Shiv Mandir
How to Get There
The temple is in Nababhat, about 4 kilometers from Bardhaman Railway Station, making it easy to reach.
By Plane: The nearest airport is in Kolkata, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, 100 kilometers away. Taxis and buses go from Kolkata to Bardhaman, and the temple is a short ride from there.
By Train: Bardhaman Railway Station, 4 kilometers away, connects to Kolkata, Howrah, and other places. There are 144 trains daily from Howrah to Bardhaman. From the station, take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or bus to Nababhat.
By Road: Nababhat is 100 kilometers from Kolkata and 50 kilometers from Durgapur, on the Bardhaman-Suri highway. Taxis, buses, or your own car can get to the temple, and there is a big parking lot.
Temple Hours
The temple opens at 8:00 AM every day, and closing times depend on prayers and the season. During Maha Shivaratri and Shravan, it stays open longer for more people. Check with temple workers for exact hours during festivals.
Best Time to Go
The best time is November to February, when it’s cool, from 10°C to 25°C. Maha Shivaratri and Shravan are busy with festivals but great to see. Summers, from April to June, can be hot, up to 35°C, so go early in the morning. Rainy months, July to September, might make it harder to move around.
Rules for Visitors
Wear proper clothes: men should have shirts, trousers, or dhotis with a cloth over the shoulder; women should wear sarees, half-sarees, or churidar with a dupatta. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and jeans are not good. Take off shoes, and there is a place to keep them. Don’t chew betel leaves, tobacco, or spit. Taking pictures inside may not be allowed. There might be a small fee to enter, but some say it’s free, and giving a donation helps keep the temple in proper shape.
Final Words
The 108 Shiv Mandir in Nababhat, Bardhaman, is an important place for faith and history. The ponds, garden, and bells create a peaceful spot for prayer. Visiting this place lets you feel Lord Shiva’s presence and see Bardhaman’s culture. Plan a trip to know its holy and historical value.
