Sadhguru explains that, according to the Peeth Nirnaya Tantra, this sacred site, known as "Attahasa," is where the goddess Sati’s lower lip is believed to have fallen. Here, she is worshipped as Devi Phullora, making it one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas dedicated to Sati’s divine presence.
Article | Phullora | February 15, 2006
Sadhguru: Attahas Phullora, a revered Shakti Peetha, is steeped in mythology, spirituality, and a centuries-old tradition that draws devotees from across India. As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Attahas is believed to be where Sati's lower lip (or some say her smile) fell, hence the name "Attahas," meaning laughter in Sanskrit. In ancient lore, it is said that the goddess’s smile lingers in the atmosphere here, giving this sacred land an aura of mystic joy interwoven with her divine presence.
The Legend of Attahas Phullora
The mythology of Attahas Phullora ties back to the tragic tale of Sati's self-immolation and Shiva's cosmic dance of fury. When Sati, humiliated by her father Daksha’s insults toward her husband Shiva, chose to end her life in the sacrificial fire, Shiva was overcome with rage and sorrow. He began his Tandava, a fierce cosmic dance, carrying Sati’s body across the world. To calm Shiva and prevent universal destruction, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to sever Sati’s body into 51 parts, which fell at various places that became the Shakti Peethas. Attahas, in Birbhum district, West Bengal, is one of these sacred sites, where her lip (some say her laughter itself) was said to fall, blessing the land with her sacred essence.
Attahas is not just a sacred site; it is a place where the laughter of the goddess Sati still resonates, filling hearts with divine joy."
The goddess here is worshipped as Phullora Devi, whose name means “the radiant one,” a symbol of energy, laughter, and blossoming life. This makes Attahas not only a place of reverence but also one of spiritual liberation and joy, where devotees believe they can feel the divine laughter and grace of the goddess in the very air.
Devi Attahus Phullora | Sati Peeth | Birbhum
Temple History and Architecture
Phullora Temple has transformed over the centuries, with the current structure standing as a testament to devotion and community heritage. The temple as it appears today was reconstructed in 1895 by Yadablal Bandopadhyay, a wealthy local benefactor. The temple is simple but captivating, adorned with traditional Bengali architecture that features a modest but imposing dome, ancient pillars, and engraved walls reflecting the spiritual heritage of the region. Within the sanctum lies the stone idol of Devi Phullora, shaped uniquely, some say like a turtle, which represents stability and cosmic balance in Hindu cosmology.
The goddess Phullora, with her radiant presence, symbolizes the nurturing embrace of the Mother, where simplicity becomes sacred.
The Maghi Purnima Fair
Each year, on the auspicious day of Maghi Purnima, a grand fair is held in the temple’s vast grounds. The tradition of this fair, known as the Phullora Mela, dates back to 1306 in the Bengali calendar, when, it is said, the monk Krishnananda Giri from Bodh Gaya was drawn to Labhpur following a divine vision. Legend has it that he had a dream in Kashi (Varanasi), where the Mother goddess appeared and instructed him to visit Attahas on Maghi Purnima to experience her presence. Upon reaching Attahas, he meditated and rediscovered the sacred rock formation of Phullora Devi, giving the fair a new spiritual significance that has continued for over a hundred years.
The Phullora Mela is not just a gathering of local villagers but a festival that attracts mystics, wandering Bauls, and devotees from afar. The air fills with music, song, and recitations, with folk performers honouring the goddess through their craft. Pilgrims come bearing offerings of chire (flattened rice) and muri (puffed rice), both of which are traditional offerings unique to this Shakti Peetha. These humble yet symbolic offerings are believed to hold the goddess’s blessings, reflecting her simple yet profound connection to her devotees.
In the cosmic dance of Shiva and Sati, the Peethas were born – each one a fragment of her being, each one a gateway to the divine.
Mystical Rituals and Offerings
At Attahas, rituals go beyond mere worship; they are moments of spiritual communion. Priests conduct daily aarti and elaborate pujas that invoke the goddess's blessings for well-being and prosperity. The offerings of chire and muri are considered particularly auspicious here, symbolizing the goddess’s nurturing nature. It is said that these simple offerings are a reminder of how Phullora Devi provides sustenance to her children, much like a mother would for her family. Devotees believe that by offering Puffed Rice (Chire and Muri), they honour the nurturing aspect of the goddess, seeking her grace for simplicity and humility in life.
Each year, the temple ground witnesses a grand havan or fire ritual during the Maghi Purnima fair, where priests and devotees offer grains, ghee, and other items into the sacred fire, symbolizing purification and spiritual cleansing. These rituals believed to invoke divine energy, are not only visually captivating but also deeply moving, as the chants, the sound of bells, and the fragrance of incense fill the air, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion and reverence.
The Phullora Mela is more than a festival; it is a timeless gathering of souls united in devotion and mystic celebration.
Cultural Significance and Baul Performances
One of the highlights of the Phullora Mela is the gathering of Bauls, mystic minstrels of Bengal, who sing soul-stirring songs that speak of divine love, devotion, and the connection between the human soul and the cosmic soul. These Baul songs, combined with the presence of Sufi mystics and local folk artists, turn the temple grounds into a melting pot of spiritual expression, blending Hindu, Sufi, and folk traditions into a vibrant celebration of unity and devotion. The songs and stories sung during the fair reflect the teachings of the goddess herself, whose love and blessings are believed to be for all who come to her with an open heart.
Attahas is where divine laughter meets human reverence, a place where legends of love, sacrifice, and eternity converge.
The Eternal Legacy of Phullora Devi
Even as the centuries have passed, the worship of Phullora Devi has remained largely unchanged. The community around Attahas holds the goddess in high esteem, considering her not just a deity but a guardian and provider. Families bring their children to seek her blessings, couples offer prayers for marital harmony, and farmers ask for a bountiful harvest. Over time, the temple has become a sanctuary for all, symbolizing protection, love, and resilience.
Today, Attahas Phullora is a place where mythology, history, and devotion converge, offering visitors a spiritual retreat and a rare glimpse into a world where divine laughter resonates through centuries. To experience Phullora is to step into a timeless realm of faith, where the goddess’s presence is not just a belief but a palpable reality that fills the heart with joy and reverence.
