Maa Hangseshwari Temple, Bansberia: Tantric Marvel & Spiritual Guide

Nestled in the town of Bansberia by the Hooghly River, the architectural masterpiece of Maa Hangseshwari Temple stands as a living testament to tantric wisdom, royal devotion, and cosmic balance. Built in the early 19th century and completed in 1814, this temple captivates devotees and scholars alike with its 13 lotus‑bud minars, hidden chakra symbolism, and the powerful presence of Maa Adi Parashakti.

The temple’s foundation was laid in 1799 by Raja Nrisinhadeb Roy Mahasay after receiving spiritual insight during his tantric studies in Varanasi. Legend holds he saw the divine Mother in a dream, inspiring him to build not only a shrine but a living tantra‑script in stone.

Raja passed away in 1802 after completing two stories. His widow, Rani Sankari, fulfilled his vision, completing the temple in 1814 at great personal and financial sacrifice.

Built in the Bengali ratna style, the temple features 13 cone-shaped minars, each resembling lotus buds, symbolizing spiritual awakening through lotus imagery commonly found in tantric lineages. Its five stories represent the hidden chakras and nadis of yogic anatomy: Bajraksha, Ira, Chitrini, Pingala, and Sushumna.

The inner sanctum houses a white marble Shiva Linga atop six triangular platforms, with the blue neem‑wood four‑armed deity of Maa Hangseshwari at its center—embodying Kundalini Shakti rising through the subtle body.

“तेजो यतेरपंकलाणतमंततेपशािम… सोऽहम् अस्मि”
“tejo yat te rūpaṃ kalyāṇatamaṃ… so’ham asmi”
Meaning: “That radiant form which I behold—that is the Supreme Self; I am that.” (Isha Upanishad‑16)

This inscription aligns the temple with ancient Vastu Shastra principles from the Manasara—a classical treatise on temple architecture.

• Timings: Open 9 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–7 PM daily.
• Daily pujas, morning and evening rituals, Kali Puja on Amavasya draws large crowds.
• Darshan Rules: Modest attire, footwear removed at entrance. Photography may be restricted in sanctum; ask priests.

Early morning and twilight hours are considered especially potent for sadhana. Rituals such as Kundalini awakening puja are held on new‑moon days and Kali‑related festivals.

The presence of Shiva below the sanctum and the goddess above symbolizes spiritual balance. The temple stands near the sacred Hooghly River, reinforcing purification and rebirth through nectar‑flow symbolism.

Mantra for Maa Hangseshwari

“ॐ हों सः हंसेश्वरी निर्पापायै नमः”
“Om Hōṃ Saḥ Hāṁśeśvarī nirpāpāyai namaḥ”
Meaning: “Salutations to Maa Hangseshwari, embodiment of pure, liberated consciousness.”

By Train: Bansberia Station → auto/toto (5 min) to temple.
By Road: Via NH19, through Hooghly and Bandel.
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata (≈ 45 km).
Facilities: Parking and basic amenities are available near the temple complex.

Real-Life Devotee Experiences

Pilgrims frequently testify to spiritual releases—deep calm, kundalini experiences, and even healing of chronic ailments—especially those who worship with devotion on Amavasya.

Conclusion: Temple as Pathway to Self‑Realization

The Maa Hangseshwari Temple stands as more than architecture—it is a spiritual tool, inviting devotees to follow the tantric path within. With symbolism deeply embedded in every brick, spire, and divine principle, it remains a profound space for meditation, kundalini activation, and surrender to the divine Mother‐Shakti. For seekers and spiritual travelers, it offers both outer majesty and inner initiation.