Names & Legend
The Karatoya (Karota) Shakti Peeth is one of the best-known Shakti Peeths in Bangladesh. It takes its name from the holy Karatoya river, on whose bank it stands, and the temple is also known by the name of its village, Bhavanipur.
Bangladesh is blessed with the power of Goddess Sati, as several parts of her body fell in this land. When Lord Shiva carried Sati’s body after her self-sacrifice at Daksha’s yagna and Lord Vishnu divided it with the Sudarshan Chakra, the sole of her left foot is believed to have fallen here (some texts mention her left anklet).
Location
The Shakti Peeth is at Bhavanipur in the Sherpur area of Bogura (Bogra) district, in northern Bangladesh. The Karatoya is one of the most sacred rivers of Bengal and is praised in the Mahabharata and the Puranas; bathing in it was once considered as holy as bathing in the Ganga.
The Goddess & Bhairava
The Goddess is worshipped as Aparna. The name means “she who does not eat even a leaf”, recalling the severe penance of Parvati, who gave up even leaves to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Lord Shiva as Bhairava is called Vamana and is honoured as the destroyer of fear.
Devotees pray to Mother Aparna for strength in hardship and for the fulfilment of their sincere wishes, believing that the Mother who endured such penance understands the struggles of her children.
History
Visitors to Bhavanipur should know the history of the shrine. The royal family of Natore, one of the great estates of Bengal, were devoted patrons of the temple, and Maharaja Ramakrishna of Natore chose this sacred place for his spiritual practice. It is said that after worshipping the Goddess day and night beside this temple, he attained spiritual power and freedom from worldly desires. The temple complex includes the main shrine, smaller temples of Lord Shiva, and a sacred pond.
Festivals & Worship
Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the main festivals, when devotees from across Bangladesh and from India gather at Bhavanipur. Fairs are also held during Navaratri, Maha Shivaratri and on Magha Purnima, and many pilgrims take a holy bath in the Karatoya on auspicious days.
How to Reach & When to Visit
Bhavanipur is reached by road from Bogura town, which is well connected by bus with Dhaka (a journey of several hours). Visitors from India need a valid passport and a Bangladesh visa, and can travel overland via the Benapole or Hili border crossings. The cool, dry months from November to March are the most comfortable time for the journey.