Garh Jungle Maharshi Medhashram — Attraction in West Bengal

Deep inside Garh Jungal the ancient Medha Rishi Ashram, is a site where mythology, history, and spirituality merge into one. The Markandeya Purana recounts how Raja Surath and Samadhi the Vaishya, after losing their kingdoms and wealth, came here to seek refuge with Medha Muni. Guided by the sage, they performed the very first Durga Puja at this very place. The Mother Goddess, pleased with their devotion, granted boons—Samadhi was blessed with Paravidya and attained moksha, while Raja Surath received the promise of being reborn as 8th Manu (Sarbanik) in the next yuga. The Purana further says the first worship of Durga took place on land between two rivers; Durgapur, lying between the Damodar and Ajay, matches that description, strengthening the belief that Garh Jungal is indeed this legendary ground. Tradition also holds that the Chandipath, central to Durga Puja recitations even today, was composed (The Chandi Mahatya) by the daughter of Medha Muni.

The site itself carries a remarkable modern story. For centuries, it lay buried under the earth, until in July 1992, during a stormy night, the Hatha Yogi Sri Brahmananda Giri, with the help of local Adivasi villagers, rediscovered and dug it up—bringing the ashram back to light after ages of silence. Since then, Garh Jungal has been revered not only as a mythical site but also as a living symbol of Bengal’s deep spiritual roots.

For travellers, the place offers more than legend. Nestled in dense greenery, the forest around the ashram is calm, serene, and deeply peaceful, carrying an untouched charm. To witness the Durga Puja here is a joy like no other—steeped in tradition, echoing with myth, and surrounded by the raw beauty of nature. For anyone interested in spirituality, history, or simply seeking quiet moments away from the bustle of cities, Garh Jungal is both a journey into the past and a sanctuary...

Garh Jungle Maharshi Medhashrom is a serene and historically rich destination. Steeped in legend and spirituality, this site is believed to be one of the oldest and most sacred forests in the region.

Natural Beauty and Tranquility Garh Jungle offers a picturesque landscape with lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere. The dense forest and the chirping of birds provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking peace and relaxation.

Historical and Spiritual Significance The area is named after Maharshi Medha, a revered sage who is said to have meditated and performed rituals here. It is believed that the forest was once a part of the ancient kingdom of Medha, adding a layer of historical significance to its spiritual ambiance. The presence of ancient ruins and temples scattered throughout the jungle further enriches its cultural heritage.

Religious Importance Garh Jungle is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of the Hindu goddess Durga. It is said that Maharshi Medha performed the first Durga Puja here, which adds to the site's religious importance. During the Durga Puja festival, the jungle attracts a large number of visitors who...

Historical place. Believed as the root cause of creation, sustenance and annihilation, Durga is the principal form of the Mother Goddess in Hinduism. The name ‘Durga’ in Sanskrit means ‘invincible’. The syllable ‘du’ is synonymous with the 4 devils namely poverty, sufferings, famine and evil habits. The ‘r’ refers to diseases and the ‘ga’ is the destroyer of sins, injustice, irreligion, cruelty and laziness.

The Hindu Goddess Durga is a unified symbol of all divine forces and is said to have manifested when evil forces threatened the very existence of the Gods. To destroy these demons, all Gods offered their radiance to her creation and each formed different parts of Durga’s body. She also obtained very powerful weapons, such as the Chakra from Lord Vishnu and the Trishul (trident) from Lord Shiva.

Goddess Durga, hence, rose to power and killed the dangerous demon Mahish and all his great commanders.

The Demonic forces are self-destructive but very powerful while the Divine forces are constructive but slow and efficient. When the Demonic forces create imbalance, all the Gods unite to one Divine force called Shakti or Durga or Mahishasurmardini, to...