Ghaghar Burhi temple, Hindu temple in Asansol, India.
Ghaghar Burhi is a small open-air shrine in Asansol, West Bengal, beside the National Highway bypass and the Nunia river. It has no idol: worship centres on three stones (shilas) under a tree, and the site is considered the oldest temple in Asansol. The surrounding area is predominantly Adivasi.
Ghaghar Burhi is the oldest temple in Asansol; local tradition dates its founding to 1620, on the order of the goddess Ghaghar Burhi. The annual fair in the field in front of the shrine is held in memory of 1 Magh of that year. The shrine stands by the Nunia, a narrow stream north of the city that now carries Asansol's sewage.
The shrine has no idol: three stones (shilas) are worshipped under the open sky, as the temple is unroofed. The name comes from "ghaghar", meaning ankle bells and drum music. A fair is held on 1 Magh, and a homa fire ritual takes place at Ras Purnima.
The shrine stands beside the National Highway bypass in Asansol, on the bank of the Nunia, which now carries the city's sewage; the stones and boulders make the current strong, so do not attempt to cross the stream. The annual fair is held on 15 January, and animals are sacrificed during worship, a practice visitors should expect.
The shrine has no idol: worship centres on three stones (shila) under the open sky, and on Ras Purnima a fire sacrifice (homa) is performed there. The surrounding area is predominantly Adivasi.
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