SUBJECT: The Goddess Who Has Protected Everyone from Accidents for Ages…

India is home to countless mysterious temples. Located between the mini-India of West Bengal, Kharagpur, and the forested region of Jhargram, is a truly enigmatic temple. Many years ago, the area surrounding the temple was covered in dense forests, most of which have now disappeared. Cutting through this once thick jungle now runs a shining four-lane national highway. Some call her the Forest Goddess, while others call her Bonda Durga. Regardless of the name, to her devotees, she is the Goddess of Protection. The Goddess constantly protects her devotees from accidents.

According to popular belief, this Forest Goddess was hidden, guarding the secret paths of the Mall Kings of Jhargram. The Mall Kings named her Guptamani (The Hidden Jewel). Where Jhargram town stands today, several centuries ago, it was the forest-surrounded palace of the Mall Kings. To protect their kingdom, the Mall Kings created a secret path to launch surprise attacks on their enemies. However, a leader of the Shabar tribe discovered this path. From then on, the responsibility of guarding this secret path fell to the Shabars, who worshipped Mother Guptamani. Since she was hidden, she was named Guptamani.

Inside the temple, only oil lamps and candles are lit. According to local residents, even though electric lights were installed inside the temple, they did not last long. The ancient temple walls are adorned with various mythological carvings. Devotees believe that if something is lost, tying a thread around the clay statues of elephants and horses in the temple courtyard will help retrieve it. Those who buy a new vehicle first offer prayers to Mother Guptamani. The temple of Mother Guptamani is located in Lodhushuli, right beside National Highway 6, from Kolkata to Mumbai. It is just 25 km from Jhargram and 15 km from Kharagpur. Tourists visiting Jhargram, especially the forested regions, make it a point to visit Mother Guptamani’s temple at least once.

Vehicles from various parts of India, including trucks, buses, and small cars, either stop or slow down to offer prayers to the Goddess. Many devotees offer their prayers with deep reverence. The belief is that Mother Guptamani continues to protect everyone to this day.

How to Reach: From Kharagpur Bus Stand, take a bus towards Jhargram or Gopiballavpur. Ask the conductor to drop you at Guptamani Temple before reaching Lodhushuli. The temple is located right beside NH6.

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