Jalpeshwari Temple, Jalpaiguri

Jalpeshwari is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, located in Jalpaiguri district, North Bengal, West Bengal. The presiding goddess Maa Jalpeshwari (also identified with Brahmari at this location by some traditions) is worshipped here at the spot where Sati's left foot (vama pada) is believed to have fallen. The name "Jalpeshwari" means "Goddess of Water" (Jal = water + Eshwari = goddess) — reflecting the Teesta River and the water-rich Duars landscape of North Bengal. North Bengal is a distinct cultural and geographical region: it is the gateway to Sikkim, Bhutan, Darjeeling, and Assam; the Himalayan foothills create a dense green landscape irrigated by the Teesta, Torsa, and other rivers. The goddess here is placed in this landscape of water and mountains.