Jayanti Shakti Peeth (Janesvara) – Where Shakti’s Left Thigh Rests Amid Hills and Silence
🕉 Introduction
Among the sacred 51 Shakti Peethas where the divine body parts of Goddess Sati are said to have fallen, the Jayanti Shakti Peeth, also known as Janesvara Peeth, marks the holy site where her left thigh (Janu) fell. This powerful yet serene shrine lies on the Assam–Bhutan border, nestled near the Jayanti hills, and offers an intense spiritual atmosphere surrounded by nature’s calm.
Though not as architecturally elaborate as some others, the sanctity of this Peeth is unmatched in vibrancy, especially among tantric practitioners, spiritual seekers, and regional devotees.
📜 Mythological Significance
The legend of the Shakti Peethas begins with Sati’s self-immolation at Daksha’s Yagna. In his sorrow, Lord Shiva carried her body across the world. Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra cut the corpse to relieve the cosmos from Lord Shiva’s grief, and 51 body parts fell across the Indian subcontinent. The left thigh of Sati is believed to have landed here.
- Shakti is worshipped as: Jayanti (meaning “Victory”)
- Bhairava is called: Kapotaksha or Kramadeva
This temple is revered for:
- Victory in personal battles
- Healing of leg/knee ailments
- Inner peace and solitude for meditators
📍 Location and Geography
- Likely Location: Near Jayanti village, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar district, West Bengal
(Some traditions locate it in Baurbhag, Assam, but the site near Jayanti Hills is more accessible and commonly identified.) - Surroundings: Forests, hills, and Bhutan border villages; known for its wild elephants and birds
🛕 Temple Overview
- Deity Form: Stone or symbolic form, sometimes a naturally emerged rock or sacred tree stump, depending on the local shrine
- Temple Structure: Simple village temple architecture surrounded by nature
- Offerings: Flowers, red cloth, sindoor, coconut, and oil lamps
Rituals are minimalistic but deeply spiritual. Local women often sing Shakti songs on Purnima (full moon) nights.
🗺 How to Reach Jayanti Shakti Peeth
📌 By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), Siliguri – approx. 195 km
🚉 By Train:
- Nearest Major Station: Alipurduar Junction (APDJ) – approx. 30 km
- Connected to Guwahati, NJP, Kolkata
🚌 By Road:
- Shared taxis and jeeps from Alipurduar to Jayanti village
- Forest entry permission may be required from Buxa Forest Gate
🏨 Accommodation Options
Jayanti is a forest retreat area, so accommodations are basic and eco-style:
- Jayanti River View Eco Resort
- Buxa Jungle Lodge
- Jayanti Nature Camp (WBFDC)
- Jayanti Hillside Homestay
- Hotel Elite, Alipurduar
- Sinclairs Retreat, Chalsa (nearby tourist zone)
- Green Heaven Homestay
- Jayanti Guest House (Tourism Dept)
- Sahari Resort
- Lataguri Eco Village (for forest circuit visitors)
🏥 Medical Services Nearby
- Nearest Hospital:
- Alipurduar District Hospital – ~30 km
- Primary Health Centre – Buxa region, limited services
⚠️ Carry personal medicines, mosquito repellent, and basic first-aid.
🛐 FAQ (Shakti Peeth Specific)
- Which part of Sati fell here?
Her left thigh (Janu) is believed to have fallen at Jayanti Shakti Peeth. - Who are the presiding deities?
Goddess Jayanti (Shakti) and Kapotaksha Bhairava. - Where is the temple located?
Near Jayanti village, Alipurduar, West Bengal, close to the Assam–Bhutan border. - Is it safe to visit?
Yes, but this is a forest area. Avoid evening travel. Respect forest rules. - What is the best time to visit?
October to March, especially during Navratri and Magha Purnima. - Is the temple accessible for all age groups?
Yes, though elderly may need help on hilly paths. - Any rituals or festivals here?
Purnima, Navratri, and Amavasya are observed. Locals perform devotional songs. - Are guides available?
Forest officials or local homestay hosts may assist, but no formal guides. - Can foreigners visit?
Yes, but they may need permission to enter forest reserve areas. - Any restrictions based on religion or caste?
No. The temple is open to all who come with faith and respect.
📦 Travel Tips
- Carry light backpack, water bottle, and mosquito repellents
- Do not carry plastic; forest area may be under plastic ban
- Avoid loud music or talking in temple areas
Leave a Reply