The ancient and historically significant Shri Shri Siddheshwari Kali Temple, located in Lakshmipasha of Narail’s Lohagara upazila, stands as a proud symbol of spiritual heritage and architectural antiquity.
Situated on the southern bank of the Nabaganga River, this nearly 400-year-old temple has long been a revered site of worship for Hindu devotees.
According to district correspondent Ujjwal Roy, daily worship, offerings, and religious rituals like pathabali are held here without interruption. Devotees from across the region and beyond visit the temple regularly, considering Shri Shri Siddheshwari Kali Mata as their divine protector and spiritual savior.
Built on approximately 183 shatak (a unit of land measurement), the temple still reflects its ancient glory. Inscriptions and artifacts found on the premises suggest the temple’s origin dates back to 1643 AD (approx. 1025 Bengali year), when Kamdev Chakraborty, son of Ratneshwar Chakraborty from Jhapa Momin Nagar village in Jessore's Jhikargachha upazila, renounced worldly life for pilgrimage and later established this temple.
After intense spiritual practice at Joypur Parashmoni cremation ground, Kamdev achieved spiritual realization and built a small shrine on the current site, establishing the idol (vigraha) of Shri Shri Siddheshwari Kali Mata. Even today, a sacred bedi (altar) surrounded by trees like haritaki, baheda, amloki, tamal, and banyan exists there—known as the Kamana Brikkho (Wish Tree). Devotees tie clay tiles etched with Shiva’s image here as part of their vow-fulfillment rituals.
In 1818, Foujdar Bolaki Singh Das of Paikpara Estate took shelter at this temple while liberating the region from indigo plantation owners (nilkars). Later, in 1844, he initiated construction of the current concrete temple with help from locals.
In 1901 (1308 Bangla year), Sheetal Chandra Chakraborty, a descendant of Kamdev, built a Shiva temple adjacent to the main temple. In 1919, he also constructed a guesthouse near the temple's entrance and a concrete ghat (steps) on the Nabaganga River. By 1935, the temple underwent major renovations, aided by land donations from the Karmakar family of Lakshmipasha and financial contributions from Nalini and Ramani Mohan Mukherjee of Kashipur, who also helped construct a pond and its surrounding infrastructure.
During the 1990s, the temple's administration transitioned from a family-run setup to a more inclusive, public management system. A formal constitution and management committee were established to ensure structured governance.
Under the current committee’s three-year term, several developments have taken place, including renovation of the Nat Mandir, Shiva Temple, sacrificial altar (Balighar), central kitchen, and a newly rebuilt Bhog Mandir funded by the government for preparing offerings to the goddess.
The temple's Vice Secretary shared that the site holds deep emotional and spiritual significance for locals and devotees, urging all to support preservation and further development of the temple.
Present committee President and Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Riad remarked that Shri Shri Siddheshwari Kali Mata Temple is among the region’s most important heritage sites. He emphasized that safeguarding the temple's sanctity and legacy is a shared responsibility for all.
