KIRITESWARI MAA

Kiriteswari Temple is situated in Kiritkona village under the Nabagram CD block in the Lalbag subdivision of Murshidabad district in the state of West Bengal. This is one of the Shakta pithas among the 51 pithas. In September 2023 this area was selected as the best tourism village of India. According to the Puranas or Hindu mythology the place is named as Kiriteswari. The residing deity is known by the name Devi Kiriteshwari (also known as Maa Kiriteshwari or Maa Kiriteshwari Kali).The temple marks the spot where the crown (or “Kirit”) of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen, following her tragic self-immolation and the subsequent journey of Lord Shiva carrying her body.The construction of the temple is more than 1000 years old and this place was considered to be the sleeping place of Mahamaya. Local people call this temple as Mahishamardini. Devi is also worshipped as Mukuteshwari (as her mukut or crown fell) the Holy Goddess. The original Temple was destroyed in 1405. The present temple was re-constructed by Darpanarayan, king of Lalgola in the 19th century and this is the oldest mark of architecture amongst 51 Peethas. It is the oldest temple in the Murshidabad district. There is a legend that Nawab Mir Jafar in his death bed had requested for the holy Charanamrito (the pass through the village. The nearest railway route is Dahapara Dham railway station (5 km from the village). Lalbag Court Road railway station is near about 3 km from the temple.