Banglar Shaktikatha o Kalikatha Vol. 2 by Samudra Basu [Hardcover]

Shakti Kshetra Bangla, Kali Kshetra Bangla. From the great pilgrimage of Kalighat to the Mahapeeth of Tarapith. From the Mother Bhavatarini of Dakshineswar to the Mother Adya of the Adyapeeth. The names of these deities, beloved in our hearts, are spoken by the people everywhere. But like the primal power, the form of Maa Kali is also infinite. Throughout Bengal, there are numerous awakened Maa Kali shrines. In some places, she is four-armed, in others, two-armed, and in some, even eight-armed Maa Kali exists. In certain places, she is three-faced, sometimes in the form of Adhishthita Sangamrata, and in some places, she appears as the Tree form. The goddess is so diverse in her forms across different locations.

The multifaceted Maa Kali is worshipped as Kali in some places, and in others, in different forms—like Chandi, Bishalakshi, Krishna Kali, and many others. In some places, she is fierce, while in others, her form is gentle and serene. The variety of idols and their unique history, combined with the fascinating folk tales associated with them, is truly captivating.

The first volume of this book contained a compilation of information on Maa Kali in the city of Kolkata and Hooghly district. This second volume includes an exploration of over 200 diverse Kali and Shakti temples in North 24 Parganas, East Bardhaman, Murshidabad, and Nadia districts. It also incorporates the author’s field research findings and a collection of various photographs, all compiled within these two covers.