Shivnibas, where the earthly and the divine converge, whisper the timeless legends of Bengal’s own Kashi in every stone and stream. History and divinity waltz through Shivnibas, a place where kings and gods share a legacy, untouched by time yet resonant in faith
Mystic Journey | Shivnibas | November 11, 1993
Sadhguru: Shivnibas, nestled in Nadia district, is famously revered as "the Kashi of Bengal," steeped in legends that blur the lines between the divine and earthly realms. According to deeply held local beliefs, Lord Shiva himself appeared in a vision to Maharaja Krishnachandra, the esteemed king of Nadia, conveying His intent to transfer His celestial capital from Kashi to a new sanctum. It is said that inspired by this divine directive, the Maharaja did not hesitate, establishing Shivnibas as the new holy seat of Shiva’s presence and constructing 108 magnificent temples to honour the god. These temples became not merely structures of worship but symbols of an eternal spiritual legacy that stands as a beacon of devotion in Bengal.
Historians, however, recount a more earthly motive for this relocation. They suggest that Maharaja Krishnachandra, confronted by the relentless incursions of the Bargis—Maratha raiders—sought a safer haven for his capital. To protect Krishnanagar from these invasions during the mid-18th century, he established the fortified settlement of Shivnibas, christening it with this auspicious name. Thus, Shivnibas embodies both the sacred and the strategic, merging the world of gods with the world of men.
Located within the Krishnaganj police jurisdiction of the Krishnanagar Sadar sub-division, Shivnibas is a border village of historical and spiritual significance, believed by many to be a place touched by the divine hands of Mahadev himself. The village and its temples share the same name, a harmonious connection that deepens the mystery and reverence surrounding the area. Some say the village was named in honour of Maharaja’s son, Shivachandra, adding yet another layer of familial legacy to its rich history.
Shivnibas, where the earthly and the divine converge, whisper the timeless legends of Bengal’s own Kashi in every stone and stream. History and divinity waltz through Shivnibas, a place where kings and gods share a legacy, untouched by time yet resonant in faith
The temples, particularly the grandest among them known as "Buro Shiv," offer a breathtaking sight. This ancient temple, crowned with a spire soaring 120 feet high, commands respect from all who behold it. The first temple in Shivnibas, called Rajarajeshwar, was completed in 1754 on the serene banks of the Churni River. Three sides of this hallowed land are flanked by the river, creating a natural boundary that enhances the area’s sanctity and tranquil beauty. Although only three of the original 108 temples remain today, their resilience is a testament to the legacy of devotion that has endured through time.
Upon the establishment of Shivnibas, Maharaja Krishnachandra performed a sacred Agnihotra Vajapeya Yajna, inviting learned Brahmins from the holy cities of Kashi and Kanchi to consecrate the new site. It is believed that during this auspicious ceremony, Maharaja was bestowed the title "Agnihotri Vajpeyi" as a mark of reverence by the Brahmins, linking Shivnibas to the lineage of ancient Vedic rites and elevating its status to that of Kashi itself.
Rajarajeshwar’s main deity, a massive black stone Shiva lingam, is among the largest and most awe-inspiring in eastern India. Towering at an impressive nine feet in height and stretching nearly 21 feet in circumference, it radiates a quiet yet commanding presence. Adjacent to Rajarajeshwar is the Rajnishwar Temple, a serene sanctuary where a smaller yet equally revered Shiva lingam stands seven feet tall. An inscription at Rajnishwar reveals that this temple was constructed in 1762, and dedicated by Maharaja to his second queen, adding a tender personal touch to the temple’s sacred grandeur.
Shivnibas’s aura is particularly enchanting from February to March when visitors throng the temples to seek blessings. The Phalgun Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, a spiritually potent night, sees streams of devotees arrive in fervent devotion. Their chants fill the air, merging with the rustling river breeze, transforming Shivnibas into a vibrant tableau of faith, legacy, and devotion that echoes across time.
