Sadhguru says Garbeta is more than an ancient town—it is a living epic, where legends like King Vikramaditya’s journey to the Devi reflect devotion's transformative power.
Mystic Journey | Garbeta | September 17, 2024
Sadhguru: Nestled in the heart of West Bengal lies Garbeta, a historic town steeped in legend, spirituality, and royal legacy. Today a part of the West Midnapore district, Garbeta’s heritage dates back to ancient times, when myth and history entwined to create tales of divine encounters and heroic valour. This land is more than a mere geographical location; it is a sanctum of profound tales, where the echoes of the Mahabharata and the legacy of powerful kings still linger in its age-old temples, especially the revered Sarva Mangala Temple. Garbeta: The Ancient Land of Legends, Kings, and Divine Mysteries.
Garbeta is a town where myth lives alongside history, where stories of ancient sages, heroic kings, and a fierce dedication to faith continue to shape its identity. This article takes you on a journey through the mesmerizing past of Garbeta, exploring its sacred geography, legendary figures, and the enduring cultural significance of this timeless town.
The historic township of Garbeta, once part of the undivided Medinipur and now situated in Paschim Medinipur, is steeped in mythology, deeply intertwined with the epic of the Mahabharata. According to local lore, the Pandavas sought refuge here after they escaped from the burning house of lac, the Jatugriha. Disguised and hidden, they lived in this region for some time. It is said that their settlement, once called Ekachakranagara, is now the modern-day village of Akyera, while the village where they used to beg for alms is known as Bhikhnagar. From this humble abode, they proceeded to Draupadi’s Swayamvar Sabha, where Arjuna's skill in archery won her hand.
One legendary spot in Garbeta, known as Gangani or the ‘Arena of Skulls,’ is where the mighty Bhima defeated the demon Bakasura during their stay in Ekachakranagara. Garbeta’s ancient settlement, Bogri, was once known as Bak Dweep (Baka Island), named after the menacing Bakasura who once roamed here. This name later evolved from Bak Dihi to Bogri, with Garbeta serving as the capital of this myth-laden land.
Historically, the lineage of rulers is equally fascinating. Shuramalla, the eighth king of the Malla dynasty, seized control of Bogri around 775-795 AD. In the late 14th or early 15th century, Gajapati Singh conquered the area, re-establishing the Bogri Kingdom. Theories abound as to the origin of Garbeta’s name, with one suggesting that it came from the abundance of cane (beta) plants in the area. Some believe the name hails from King Betra Varma, who ruled under Kumaragupta's reign, as referenced in maps from 1779. When local rulers built forts here, the place became known as Garbeta, with “Gar” denoting fort.
Here, in Garbeta, the spirit of the Mahabharata endures, carrying the legacy of the Pandavas, Bhima’s might, and the unbreakable bond with sacred tradition.
At the heart of Garbeta stands the temple of Devi Sarvamangala, the town’s revered goddess. Devi Sarvamangala is worshipped as a powerful form of Goddess Durga, bestowing prosperity and fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Pilgrims from far and wide travel to seek her blessings, drawn by the tales of her benevolent powers.
The temple of Sarvamangala, with an origin dating back over a thousand years, stands unique with its north-facing entrance, a rare feature among Hindu temples, which traditionally face south. This design aligns with Tantric traditions, where the north-facing orientation prevents sunlight from directly entering, an essential feature of the sacred rituals that took place here. The temple once showcased intricate Makara stonework, though it has been rebuilt thrice, each reconstruction marking a distinct architectural era.
Each temple and stone in Garbeta holds a story, an invitation to those who seek not just history, but the immortal presence of ancient wisdom.
The temple’s legends stretch to the tales of King Vikramaditya and the mythical being Betal. It is believed that a yogic ascetic established the temple through powerful incantations. Hearing of Devi Sarvamangala’s immense powers, King Vikramaditya visited Garbeta, engaging in Tantric rituals to appease her. It is said that, pleased with his austerities, the goddess granted him supernatural powers. To test these powers, Vikramaditya commanded Betal to turn the temple’s entrance from south to north—a feat Betal executed instantly. Some believe the name Garbeta itself derives from Betal’s influence. However, the temple’s northward orientation reflects Tantric traditions, designed to prevent sunlight from breaching the threshold, as is customary for sacred Tantric sites where human and animal sacrifices were once prevalent.
This temple is very special for Sadhguru. He visited several times with his Guru and alone. His earlier journey will come in a separate article under Mystic Journey.
Another captivating tale recounts Garbeta’s origins as a densely forested land inhabited by indigenous tribes. Worshipping the forest goddess before hunts was their ritual. Over time, this forest deity transformed into the revered Devi Sarvamangala. It is said that Gajapati Singh of the Aich dynasty established the temple and consecrated the goddess here. The temple has withstood numerous invasions, including raids by Maratha warriors, known locally as the ‘Bargis,’ who repeatedly attacked the temple, damaging its black stone idol. Eventually, King Gajapati Singh restored the temple and re-established the goddess as a fierce form of Durga. Every year, on the auspicious day of Panchami, a traditional ritual of facial adornment for the goddess is performed, where wax, mercury, and vermilion are used to beautify her visage.
Garbeta’s past is written in more than history books; it thrives in the folklore, revered shrines, and the sacred resolve of its people.
Devi Sarvamangala’s idol, sculpted in black stone, radiates a formidable presence as a ten-armed goddess astride a lion. Her face, crafted with vermilion, is accentuated by a prominent nose ring and long, expressive eyes. The idol is flanked by carvings of Annapurna and Bhairavi, alongside the sacred Panchamundi seat, an altar symbolizing five skulls. Sarvamangala’s daily worship remains a central tradition, and her Durga Puja celebrations are among Medinipur’s most revered. The temple swells with devotees, especially on Navami, who come to offer special rituals and delicacies such as pithas on Makar Sankranti.
Near the Panchamundi altar, remnants of sacrificial customs remain, evidencing a time when both animal and human sacrifices were made. Almost 800 years ago, human sacrifices were performed, with buffalo and goat offerings being customary. Mallaraja Durjan Malla later banned human sacrifices, introducing Vaishnavite rituals in the goddess’s worship. Even today, the Sarvamangala temple stands as a testament to Garbeta’s layered spiritual legacy, filled with folklore, divine intervention, and ancient traditions that have withstood the passage of centuries.
