Kamakhya Mahatmya: Collected and Published by Bishnukanta Sharma Bengali Collection PDF
Title: Kamakhya Mahatmya,
Collected and published by: Bishnukanta Sharma,
Genre: Collection Book, Historical Book, Informational Book, Religious Text,
Format: PDF, PDF Size: 4 MB,
Kamakhya Mahatmya Religious Text collected and published by Bishnukanta Sharma
Introduction
The ancient kingdom of Kamarupa, located in the northeastern corner of India, has long been celebrated for its spiritual and cultural significance. The revered scholar Bishnukanta Sharma compiled and published the monumental text Kamakhya Mahatmya, which offers a detailed account of the sacred geography, legends, and traditions of this region.
Origin of Kamarupa
According to legend, when Lord Shiva’s wrath reduced Kamadeva to ashes, Rati’s heartfelt prayers and the gods’ requests moved Shiva to restore Kamadeva to his original form at this very place. From that time onward, the land became known as Kamarupa.
Kamarupa was an ancient kingdom in16th-century India (modern-day Assam and surrounding areas) that emerged around the 4th century CE, historically established by the Varman dynasty under Pushyavarman. It is famously mentioned in the 4th-century Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta as a frontier state. The kingdom evolved from the mythical Pragjyotisha, becoming a center for Tantric Hinduism, particularly around the Kamakhya temple complex.
The Four Pithas of Kamarupa
Drawing from the Yogini Tantra, Sharma describes Kamarupa as divided into four sacred seats (pithas):
- Kamapitha: The abode of Goddess Kamakhya, stretching from the Swarnakosh River to the Rupika River.The Swarnakosh river currently flows through Goalpara district of Assam and the Rupika river through Kamrup district.
- Ratnapitha: The seat of Lord Jaleshwar Shiva, extending from the Karatoya River to the Swarnakosh River. The Karatoya river currently flows through Rangpur, Bogura, and Pabna districts of Bangladesh. Jaleshwar is located in Ratnapeeth, and the goddess Siddheshwari is Bhramari, which is currently located in the Mainaguri district of West Bengal.
- Swarnapitha (Bhadrapitha): Associated with the Champabati River, spanning from the Rupika River to the Bhairabi River. The Bhairabi river currently flows through Tezpur in Assam.
- Saumarpitha: The seat of Goddess Dikkarabasini, stretching from the Bhairavi River to the Dikrang River. Saumarpith is located between the Bhairavi and Dikrang rivers. The Dikrang river flows a little way from Sadiya in the present state of Assam. Saumarpitha is currently in the eastern part of the Indian state of Assam (Upper Assam), mainly in the Dibrugarh, Sivasagar and Sadiya regions.
Each pitha is defined by rivers that still hold historical and spiritual importance today.
The Brahmaputra and Sacred Sites
The mighty Brahmaputra River flows through Kamarupa, dividing the land into two parts. Numerous pilgrimage sites are mentioned in the text, though many have been lost to time, submerged by the river, or remain inaccessible. Sharma’s work carefully documents these tirthas, making it a unique and comprehensive source unavailable in any single Purana or Tantra.
Bishnukanta Sharma’s Contribution
- Meticulous Compilation: He gathered references from multiple Puranas and Tantras, piecing together a complete narrative.
- Unique Value: No single text provides such a holistic account of Kamakhya and its associated tirthas.
- Accessible Style: Written for both scholars and pilgrims, the book bridges the gap between academic research and devotional practice.
Distinctive Features of the Work
- Compiled from multiple Puranas and Tantras.
- Provides a complete understanding of Kamakhya and its associated tirthas.
- Written in a clear, accessible style for both scholars and travelers.
Travel Guidance
From Kolkata, one can reach Kamakhya in about 29 hours by train. From Kamakhya station, pilgrims must ascend the hill on foot to reach the temple. All the pilgrimages in this book are associated with and close to Kamakhya. Some of the mentioned pilgrimages are unspecified and some are located in remote places, making it impossible to visit.
Conclusion
Kamakhya Mahatmya is not merely a religious text—it is a treasure trove of history, geography, and spirituality. For anyone seeking a thorough understanding of Kamakhya and its sacred traditions, Bishnukanta Sharma’s work remains an invaluable guide.
Collect the PDF of Book
So, this book will be accepted as a valuable helpful book for the readers and travelers. The PDF link of the book, which is valuable for the readers to know all the things about Kamakhya Tirtha, is attached below this web page. Readers and travelers can download the PDF of the book Kamakhya Mahatmya from this web page and can read it online.