SATI’S STORY

Not too many people are aware of a small village that is rich in historical relics, called Bhabanipur. If you go a few kilometres south-west from Bogra, you will get to enjoy a historically significant, yet relatively unknown, landmark of our country – the Bhabanipur temple.

According to ancient Hindu texts, King Daksha did not approve of the marriage between his daughter Sati and Lord Shiva. After Sati got married to Shiva, he organised a 'yagna', a prayer ceremony, and invited all the deities, heavenly creations and dignitaries, except Sati and Shiva. As Sati attended the yagna to confront her father, she was ridiculed by the king and the guests. Angry and insulted, Sati decided to break all ties with her father, and even sacrificed her body that was given to her by her father. 

When he came to know of his wife's death, the enraged Shiva started dancing with the deceased body (Tandava Nritya). To control this destructive dance, Vishnu dissected Sati's body into 51 pieces and dispersed them all over the world. Wherever her body parts fell, temples called Peetha or Shakti Peethas were established.

Legend has it that the right eye of Sati fell in Sherpur Upazila of Bogra, Bangladesh and the Bhabanipur temple, as a Shakti Peetha was erected there and become an important Hindu pilgrimage that is revered by the devotees from all over the country. Later, Rani Bhavani had made significant renovations in the Bhabanipur temple and the Goddess Ma Tara of the Bhabanipur temple is named after Rani Bhabani. This legendary structure is equipped with a south facing key temple, Shiv temples, Naat temple, guest rooms, Bashudeb temple, the Shakhari pond and a few other temples.  

The Bhabanipur temple is a treasure of the past that demands care and preservation. This is a priceless remnant of our heritage that we must safeguard and honour for ourselves and our future generations.