Shri Shail facts for kids
Shri Shail (Bengali: শ্রীশৈল) is a very old and special Hindu temple located in Bangladesh. It is dedicated to Shakti, who is a powerful goddess in Hinduism. This temple is found in Joinpur village, which is part of Dakshin Surma. It's quite close to Gotatikar, about 3 kilometers north-east of the city of Sylhet.
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What is a Shakti Peetha?
Shri Shail is known as a Shakti Peetha. This means it's one of the most important places for people who worship the goddess Shakti. There are many Shakti Peethas across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries. Each of these places is believed to be where a part of the goddess Sati's body fell to Earth.
The Story of Sati
The story behind the Shakti Peethas is very interesting. Sati was the first wife of Lord Shiva. Her father, King Daksha, did not like Shiva. He held a big ceremony but did not invite Shiva or Sati. Sati felt very insulted and sad. She went to the ceremony and, in her anger, gave up her life.
When Shiva heard about this, he was heartbroken and furious. He carried Sati's body and began a cosmic dance of destruction. To stop him, Lord Vishnu used his special discus to cut Sati's body into many pieces. These pieces fell in different places, and each spot became a sacred Shakti Peetha. Shri Shail is one of these holy places.
Where is Shri Shail Located?
The Shri Shail temple is in a beautiful area of Bangladesh. It's specifically in Joinpur village, which is part of the Dakshin Surma area. This location is near a place called Gotatikar. If you are in the city of Sylhet, the temple is about 3 kilometers (which is about 1.8 miles) to the north-east. Its location makes it a significant landmark in the Sylhet Division.
Visiting the Temple
Many people, both from Bangladesh and other countries, visit Shri Shail. They come to pray, offer their respects, and learn about the temple's history. Temples like Shri Shail are not just places of worship; they are also important cultural and historical sites that tell us a lot about the traditions and beliefs of the region.
