By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The sacred period of Navratri is in full swing, with devotees visiting temples dedicated to Mata across India. Among these temples is a notable one located in Patna, which was once a prominent centre for Tantra Sadhana. Today, however, the worship in this temple is conducted in accordance with the Vaishnav tradition. What sets this temple apart is its unique history and location—it is built upon an ancient cremation ground, where in earlier times, Aughad Sadhana, a form of esoteric practice, was performed.
This temple, known as Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, stands at Bans Ghat, on the banks of the Ganga. Over time, the course of the Ganga shifted northwards, resulting in a road being constructed in front of the temple. To this day, cremations continue to take place at the ghat across the road, with the temple’s deity, Maa Kali, gazing directly towards the cremation ground.
Bhagat Om Prakash Gupta, a lifelong devotee and caretaker of the temple, shared that his family home is adjacent to the temple, and he has been serving the goddess since childhood. He explained that this site has a deep-rooted history, with an ancient Sati place once located here, dating back thousands of years. It is believed that hundreds of years ago, the Ganga and Son rivers met at this location, where a Shivling was established as part of the Sati site.
Approximately 365 years ago, the Aughar Sanyasi, Brahmanand Swami, invoked the presence of Kali Mata at this cremation ground. Through his intense spiritual practice, he established the goddess in her awakened form, leading to the temple being named Siddheshwari Kali Mandir. Gupta recounted how this site became a major centre for Tantra Siddhi, with numerous Aughar practitioners visiting to perform their sadhana. Brahmanand Swami himself took samadhi—a form of meditative entombment—next to the goddess’s shrine, and his spiritual influence continues to be felt at the temple. Each day, the goddess is adorned with new garments and bangles, and it is said that any wish made in her presence is granted. The temple also houses an idol of Shanidev, with special rituals conducted on Saturdays.
In more recent years, the worship at Siddheshwari Kali Mandir has shifted to follow the Vaishnav tradition in a more Satvik (pure) manner. Animal sacrifices, once a part of the rituals, were replaced with offerings of coconuts. This change was brought about by the late priest, Sushil Kumar Majumdar, who also put an end to the use of human skulls in tantric rituals. Majumdar, a proven tantric and staunch follower of Vaishnava worship, is commemorated with a statue in the temple grounds, where he, too, is venerated.
The Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, with its rich blend of ancient Tantra practices and present-day Vaishnav traditions, remains a place of deep spiritual significance, drawing devotees who seek the blessings of Maa Kali.
