Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Bengal Ashram Believed to Mark Durga Puja’s First Celebration
In a forest in Bengal, there is an old ashram that many devotees believe is where the first Durga Puja took place.
A story in Hindu religious tradition says King Suratha and a merchant named Samadhi Vaishya met a sage there.
The sage taught them about the divine power Mahamaya.
After three years of prayer and penance, Durga is believed to have appeared to them.
The story says Suratha held a Durga Puja in spring.
People point to a stone platform and other relics at the site.
The ashram is now in poor condition, and its care mostly falls to the resident priest.
A district official said he planned to inspect it and that the archaeological wing should examine the site.
An ashram in Garh Jungle, Kanksa, is traditionally identified as the site of the first Durga Puja.
The site’s story links King Suratha and the merchant Samadhi Vaishya to the sage Rishi Medhas.
According to the tradition described, Suratha held the puja in spring after three years of penance.
Devotees point to a stone ritual platform and other relics as evidence of the site’s religious history.
The ashram is deteriorating, and a district cultural official said an inspection and archaeological review were needed.
- Who
- Devotees associate the ashram with King Suratha, Samadhi Vaishya, and Rishi Medhas.
- What
- The ashram is believed by devotees to be the birthplace of the first Durga Puja, and concerns have been raised about its deterioration.
- When
- The traditional account places the puja in spring; the article does not give a date for the ashram’s current condition or the planned inspection.
- Where
- Garh Jungle, Kanksa, in West Burdwan, Bengal.
- Why
- The site is revered because of its association with the story of King Suratha’s worship of Goddess Durga.
- Location
- Garh Jungle, Kanksa, West Burdwan
- Associated sage
- Rishi Medhas
- Figures in the tradition
- King Suratha and Samadhi Vaishya
- Traditional season of the puja
- Spring, rather than autumn
- Reported period of penance
- Three years
- Condition
- The ashram is described as being in disrepair, with relics needing preservation.
- Official response
- West Burdwan District Information and Cultural Officer Rajesh Mondal said he would inspect the site and that the archaeological wing should look into it.