| Kapil Muni Temple | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | South 24 Parganas |
| Deity | Ganga, Kapil Muni, King of the Sea |
| Festivals | Gangasagar Mela |
| Location | |
| Location | Gangasagar |
| State | West Bengal |
| Country | India |
  Shown within West Bengal | |
| Geographic coordinates | 21°38′12″N 88°04′24″E / 21.6365357°N 88.0733355°E / 21.6365357; 88.0733355 |
| Architecture | |
| Creator | (Many reconstructions) |
| Completed | 1974 (present structure) |
Kapil Muni Temple or Kapil Muni Mandir (Bengali: কপিল মুনি মন্দির) is a Hindu temple located on the Gangasagar in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and it is believed that Kapil Muni did Tapas here.
History
Ancient temples
Ancient temples were temporarily built temples. According to legend, the first "Kapil Muni Temple" was built by Queen Satyabhama in 430 AD. The last temporary temple was built with bamboo. The bamboo temple was destroyed in the late 50s or early 60s. The first brick-built temple was built in 1961 for Rs 20,000, and the roof of the temple was made of asbestos. The former Chief Minister Bidhan Chandra Roy contributed Rs 11,000 to the construction of the temple. The construction of the temple was done by "S Chakraborty & Co." The temple was smaller in size than the present temple.
About GangaSagar Mela
Gangasagar Mela: A Sacred Pilgrimage
Gangasagar Mela is a significant religious fair held annually during Makar Sankranti at Sagardwip, an island in the Indian state of West Bengal, where the holy river Ganga (Ganges) meets the Bay of Bengal. This event draws millions of pilgrims from all over India and beyond, making it one of the largest human gatherings for a religious purpose after the Kumbh Mela.
Significance of Gangasagar Mela
- Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, believing it cleanses them of their sins and leads to salvation.
- Kapil Muni Temple: After the ritual bath, devotees visit the Kapil Muni Ashram, dedicated to the sage Kapil Muni, who holds a prominent place in Hindu mythology.
Activities During the Mela
- Ritual Bathing: The primary activity is taking a holy dip in the early hours of Makar Sankranti.
- Puja and Offerings: Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals at the Kapil Muni Temple.
- Cultural Programs: Various cultural events, including folk music and dance, are organized to celebrate the occasion.
- Charity and Seva: Many organizations and volunteers provide free food, medical aid, and other services to the pilgrims.
How to Reach Gangasagar
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Kolkata. From there, pilgrims can travel by road and ferry.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kakdwip, followed by a ferry ride.
- By Road and Ferry: Buses run from Kolkata to Harwood Point, where a ferry takes pilgrims across the Muriganga River to Sagardwip.
Gangasagar Mela Package
Many travel agencies offer Gangasagar Mela Packages that include:
- Transportation: From Kolkata to Gangasagar and back.
- Accommodation: Arrangements in hotels, lodges, or tents.
- Guided Tours: Assistance for rituals and temple visits.
- Meals: Often includes vegetarian food and snacks.
For a Gangasagar Mela package booking, visit this page.
Would you like more details on planning a trip or cultural insights?
New temple: 1974–present
The new temple was built in 1974. As the temple and temple premises are on the banks of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal, sea and river water enters the temple and temple premises occasionally during High tide or cyclonic storms. A strong tropical cyclone named Yaas formed in the Bay of Bengal in late May 2021. Due to the impact of this storm, tidal water entered Kapil Muni's Ashram and temple.
References
- "Kapil Muni Ashram - Mythological Significance". www.gangasagar.in. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- Halder, Mohan; Baksi, Shanto (January 2014). "Gangasagar Mela Pilgrimage and Development at the Sagar Island". Society for Socio-Economic and Ecological Development. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ Gautam Chakraborty (14 January 2018). "'সব তীর্থ বারবার গঙ্গাসাগর এক বার'". Anandabazar (in Bengali). Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- "সাগরের কপিলমুণির আশ্রম চত্বরে একবুক জল, নিরাপদ আশ্রয়ের খোঁজে বাসিন্দারা". bangla.hindustantimes.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 30 March 2023.