Kashipur Uddanbati is a very famous place in and around the Baranagar area. This is actually one of the most popular Ramakrishna temples in Kolkata. Thousands of tourists and devotees come here each and every year on the 1st of January. Here we are describing 10 things that you should know about the Kalpataru Utsav.
1. The Kalpavriksha
In Hindu mythology, Kalpavriksha is a wish-fulfilling divine tree. As per the Uddanbati authorities, this is the tree where Sri Ramakrishnadeb became Kalpataru. This is actually a peaceful and divine place and especially recommended for those who are looking for a peaceful environment along with spirituality.
2. The Kalpataru Utsav
On the first day of every year, Uddanbati celebrates the ‘Kalpataru Utsav’. More than a thousand devotees come from different places. It is not surprising that you have to encounter a huge crowd. You can also watch the proceedings from home on television. Many channels come to cover the occasion such as DD Bangla, and also other Bengali TV channels.
3. Sri Ramakrishna Dev
He was born on 18th February 1836 as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay at Kamarpukur village, Hooghly district. He was an Indian saint and Hindu Mystic in 19th century Bengal. Ramakrishna Deb had experienced spiritual ecstasies from a very young age not only that, he was influenced by several religious traditions too, including devotion towards goddess Kali, Vaishnava, Tantra and Advaita Vedanta. He died in Cossipore Uddanbati at the age of 50 (16th August 1886) due to Cancer.
4. The Spiritual Presence
This is the day when all the pilgrims can enter the ‘Ramakrishna Dev’s Room’. This is the room where he used to live in his last few days. Just entering this room on the New Year’s Day can take up your whole day, because there is a very long line. But after entering the room you can actually feel the spirituality there. This room is well maintained, and all the Sishyas are there as volunteers.
5. Cultural Programme
They organize a cultural programme also where the students and other monks perform. You can just sit and enjoy the various programmes such as singing, dancing and much more.
6. Flower Garden
There is a well-maintained flower garden. The authority will not allow you to touch them but just seeing those big dahlias and other various flowers is also very eye soothing. You can actually find a perfect picture to click for showing others.
7. Daily Worship
The disciples are used to worshiping their Guru each and every single day here. This is actually a part of their daily work and you can also attend that with them.
8. The Bhog Prasad
They offer their pilgrims ‘Bhog’. People can simply have the Bhog and fill their stomach with this and also feel the blessings of God.
9. Address
Baranagar Cossipore Uddanbati is located at 90, Cossipore Road, Cossipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700002, Ramakrishna Math, Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa Dev Sarani.
10. Other Places
Not only at Uddanbati, but Kalpataru Utsav is also celebrated at Dakshineshwar Kali temple, Belur math, Kamarpukur Jayrambati and many other religious places which are known for having a link to Sri Ramakrishna Dev.
Feature Image Courtesy: Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math
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