About Nalateswari Temple
Nalateswari Temple is a revered Hindu Shakti Peetha located on a small hillock in Nalhati town, Birbhum district, West Bengal. It is believed to be the site where the throat (nala) of Goddess Sati fell, giving the town its name. The temple enshrines Goddess Nalateswari as a form of Kali and attracts pilgrims year-round, especially during Durga Puja and Navratri.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small hilltop temple complex reached by a flight of steps, with a sanctum housing the stone idol of Goddess Nalateswari depicted with three eyes and adorned with vermilion and flowers. The surroundings include a courtyard, smaller shrines, prasad and flower stalls, and views of Nalhati town. The atmosphere is devotional with regular puja, aarti, and chanting, and visitors can explore the temple premises and hillock area.
Key highlights
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One of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the throat of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen
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Hillock-top location offering views of Nalhati town
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Ancient stone idol of Goddess Nalateswari with three eyes
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Major celebrations during Durga Puja, Navratri and Kali Puja
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Sacred pond and smaller Shiva shrine within the complex
History of Nalateswari Temple
Nalateswari Temple is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu tradition. Legend holds that the throat (nala) of Goddess Sati fell at this spot when Lord Vishnu dismembered her body, giving Nalhati its name. The present structure is a later reconstruction of an older shrine and has long been a centre of Shakta worship in the Birbhum region.
Culture & Context
The temple is a major centre of Shakti worship in West Bengal, revered as Goddess Nalateswari, a form of Goddess Kali. It holds deep religious importance for pilgrims and is especially vibrant during Navratri, Durga Puja and Kali Puja when special rituals, aarti and fairs are held. Daily worship follows traditional Bengali Shakta customs.
Route
| By air |
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