Kamarpukur

A cluster of small villages, Kamarpukur is nestled between Vishnupur and Tarakeshwar. Birthplace of a pious and sagacious saint, Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa, this village is perfect getaway from the pell-mell of the cities. In this village you will be able to enjoy the pleasures of simple rural life. This place being pious is filled with positivity and you will feel recharged after visiting it. Replete with temples and scenic beauty this is just the place to unwind from the pressure of all the deadlines that you are struggling to meet.

History

Kamarpukur was a thriving village with verdant agricultural fields everywhere. If felt as if it was a floating island field with greenery. A number of small cottage industries and temples were also located here. After the birth of Sri Ramkrishna Pramhansa, a lot of his devotees and disciples came to visit him and slowly this place started to be known and visited by people.

Biodiversity

A vast number of species can be seen either roaming around or flying in Kamarpukur. Rich in biodiversity, Kamarpukur is replete with flora and fauna. The lush green village proves to be an ideal haven for wildlife like deer, snakes and colourful birds. Lush green trees cover the whole area making the place look tranquil.

Places to Visit

1. Matri Mandir

Believed to be the birthplace of Ma Sarada, Matri Mandir is situated in Jarambati and is also called Jairamabati Math. The temple houses a beautifully constructed marble idol of Ma Sarada. If you want to spend some peaceful time, the temple has a prayer hall where you can sit and pray in solitude. The place where Ma lived is right opposite to the temple and you should not miss visiting it. The timings to visit this temple are from 4:00 am to 11:00 am and later 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm every day.

2. Nutan Bari

Translated to New House in English, Nutan Bari is located in the complex of Matri Mandir. This place gives a glimpse into the life of the sacred figure Ma Sarada who was born and brought up here. Nutan Bari is rich in dense forest and is a must visit.

3. Puratan Bari

Puratan Bari translates to Old House and it was built by Swami Shradhananda for Ma Sarada so that she could live comfortably. This is also located in the Matri Mandir complex and this place is emotionally and spiritually connected with the Holy Mother.

4. Simhavahini Temple

Located near the Talpukur Lake and surrounded with a positive aura, Simhavahini temple is a pristine place where you can go and rejuvenate your body and soul. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Simhavahini. This temple also holds a significant value because of the fact that Sarada Ma fasted here for many days to cure herself from a severe illness.

5. Haldapukur Tank

Haldapukur tank is the birthplace of Sri Sri Thakur who was revered by the people for his knowledge and wisdom. This tank was also the place where Lord Shri Ramkrishna used to take a bath daily while his stay in Kamarpukur. This sacred tank is still full of clear water and even the travelers can take a dip in this pious tank to purge their souls.

6. Punya Pukur

Punya Pukur is located near the residence of the Holy Mother, Ma Sarada. This tank was the place where she took a bath daily. The sacred tank is surrounded by green trees that sway with the wind and create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

7. Goddess Visalakshi Shrine

Situated in another peaceful village located at a distance of Anur, Goddess Visalakshi Shrine is an important pilgrimage for the villagers. The shrine was built for Goddess Visalakshi who is revered by the people a lot. She is believed to be a savior of poor and needy people as she listens to their prayers the most. Visit this shrine to witness the magic of it. 

8. Gopeshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Gopeshwar Temple was built by ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, Sukhlal Goswami and his forefathers. This ancient temple is beautifully constructed and sees a lot of devotees that visit it throughout the year to pray and seek blessings.

9. Mukundapur Temple

This temple is full of history. Sri Sri Thakur's mother took penance here so that her child could be freed from insanity and become sane. Sri Ramkrishna's mother fasted here for a number of days to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. This temple houses a splendid shrine of Lord Shiva known for its healing and magical powers. Make sure to visit this potent temple to pray and seek blessings.  

10. Sihar Shiva Temple

Sihar Shiva Temple is located in Sugar village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was a favourite of Ma Sarada and Sri Ramkrishna who visited it frequently. This place is also special as it is believed to be the place where the Holy mother is said to have presented her desire to marry to Sri Ramkrishna. With so much history and spirituality I think you wouldn't want to miss visiting it.

11. Barujjey Pukur

Situated on the southern eastern part of the village, Barujjey Pukur is also called Banerjee's tank. This tank is usually used for the purpose of irrigating the fields of crops and hence is surrounded by verdant Palmyra trees. Barujjey Pukur is the perfect place to spend some peaceful time and relax amidst nature.  

12. Talpukur Tank

This pristine tank is located in the southeast part of Kamarpukur. This tank is replete of cool and clean water which makes it an important source of water for the villagers. The tank is also a place where tired travelers take a dip in the water and refresh themselves. The tank is surrounded by verdant trees which add to the beauty of this place.

13. Yogi Shiva Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is the magical place where Sri Ramkrishna's mother envisioned a divine light coming out of the idol Shiva and it was after this incident that she realized she had conceived Sri Ramkrishna. This place is very popular amongst the devotees of Lord Shiva and sees flocks of devotees visiting this place every day.

14.  Dargah of Ismail Guji Shrine

Located on the outskirts of the village of Kamarpukur, Dargah of Ismail Fuji is visited and respected by people of all faiths. This pristine place is beautifully built in Islamic architecture and spectacular carvings of versed can be seen on the walls. The place is quiet and tranquil making it an ideal spot to meditate and introspect.

15. Deer Park

Deer Park is a lush green park filled with verdant trees and flora and fauna. Deers are the most common species that can be spotted easily as they live here in abundance. A number of colourful birds can be seen perched on the trees chirping with their sweet voice. A stroll in this park will leave you enchanted.

15. Ramkrishna Math

Constructed in 1947, Ramkrishna Math is the place where Sri Ramkrishna Pramhansa was born. The math is a pious place where a lot of spiritual activities, yoga sessions and meditation classes are held. You can also enroll yourself for one of these activities on your trip here. The Math also operates a jute mill where unemployed people of the village are trained so that they can earn a livelihood.

16. Damodar River

Before merging into the sea, the serene Damodar River flows through Kamarpukur. The river is considered pious and auspicious by the villagers as it makes the land fertile which results in good crop cultivation. The river is surrounded by greenery and you can enjoy the view to the fullest by witnessing a sunrise or a sunset.

17. Raghuvira Temple

Dedicated to Lord Rama, Raghuvira Temple was earlier only a small hut made with mud, but now the it is reconstructed into a beautiful temple. The temple also houses an earthen pot which is believed to be used by Goddess Sita. A Rameshwara Shiva Lingam and a salagrama of Lord Vishnu are also there in the temple.

18. Garh Mandaran

Garh Mandaran is a ruined fort located near Kamarpukur village. This fort is reckoned to be built during the Afghan Era. Archaeologist have found a lot of ancient artifacts from this place. The fort even though dilapidated is perfect to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Things to Do

Boating

Kamarpukur has plethora of water bodies including tanks and canals which makes it a perfect spot to relish boating. The locals provide boating facilities at an affordable rate and since the canals and tanks are not deep, it is completely safe to boat here. So, enjoy an evening boating in the water surrounded by trees to feel close to nature.

Festivals

Manasa Festival

Manasa festival is celebrated in the months of either February or March. People sing songs in praise of Hari to mark this auspicious occasion. The festival is celebrated for three days with lots of happiness and joy.

Krishi Mela

Since agriculture is the biggest source to earn livelihood in Kamarpukur, every year a Krishi Mela is organized. The fair sees participation of a lot of rural farmers. The farmers with their cattles participate in various competitions with the bests taking back home prizes. This fair is full of liveliness and a must visit.

Kamarpukur is an ideal place to visit and purge your soul. This place with numerous temples and pious tanks is filled with tranquility. The verdant parks and cool river provides an opportunity to explore and spend a quiet evening in the lap of nature.