Five Centuries of Devotion
The story of how a vision in the woods of Bolla grew into one of Bengal's most revered Kali shrines.
The Shree Shree Bolla Raksha Kali Mata Temple traces its origin to the 15th century, when a humble devotee — guided by a divine vision — discovered the sacred form of Maa Kali in the dense woods that once surrounded Bolla village. What began as an earthen shrine has grown, across five centuries, into a living monument of faith.
The Legend of Raksha Kali
According to oral tradition passed through generations of villagers, the deity first appeared to a young cowherd who had lost his way at dusk. Where the boy was found safe at dawn, the first shrine was raised — and the name Raksha (protector) has stayed with the Mother ever since.
Stories of miraculous protection — from epidemics, floods, and famine — continue to bring devotees from across India and Bangladesh.
The History & Naming
1. From Phalaharini Kali to 'Moraka Kali' (1920 AD)
Originally, this annual worship was conducted by the landlords and their officials on the day of Phalaharini Kali Puja in the Bengali month of Jyeshtha. However, in April 1920 (Bengali year 1313), a devastating cholera epidemic (locally known as Morak) broke out in Bolla village. Within just five days, more than a hundred villagers lost their lives. Finding themselves completely helpless, the villagers turned to the Goddess for shelter, quickly sculpted a new clay idol, and offered prayers. Miraculously, the epidemic vanished almost immediately, and out of deep reverence, the villagers named the deity 'Moraka Kali' (The Goddess who wards off epidemics).
2. From 'Moraka Kali' to 'Rakshakali' (1923 AD)
Around 1922, a fierce dispute arose involving the local police and the British administration. This led to the arrest of the young landlord Murari Mohan Chowdhury along with 11 other prominent village figures. When a severe prison sentence seemed absolutely certain under British law, the accused and the villagers made a desperate, heartfelt vow to the Goddess. They promised that if the prisoners were freed, they would organize a grand community-driven puja every single year. Miraculously, a newly appointed judge took over the case and acquitted all 12 men, declaring them completely innocent. Upon their triumphant return, the villagers chose not to wait until the traditional month of Jyeshtha. Instead, they celebrated their freedom by organizing the grand community festival on the very first Friday following the Ras Purnima in 1923. Because the Goddess had profoundly 'protected' them from a major crisis, she was permanently renamed "Sri Sri Rakshakali" (The Protector Goddess).
Miracles & Traditions
A Symbol of Communal Harmony
A defining feature of this historic festival is its deep roots in communal harmony. Since its inception as a community puja in 1923, both Hindu and Muslim communities have jointly participated in the celebrations. In the earlier days, there was a beautiful tradition where Muslim devotees offered Sinni to a companion deity known as "Madar Kali".
The Miracle of the Sacred Sacrificial Frame (Katra)
In the olden days, the wooden sacrificial frame (Hadirakath or Katra) used for rituals was ritually immersed in the temple's pond right after the festival. For the rest of the year, it would remain completely invisible beneath the water. Miraculously, on the afternoon of the next annual puja, as the drums rolled and the priest chanted the invoking mantras at the pond's edge, the frame would automatically float up from the middle of the deep waters and glide straight to the steps of the embankment on its own.
The Legend of the Five-Headed Serpent
Spiritual tradition holds that Goddess Rakshakali and Lord Shiva are guarded by two mystical serpents at the shrine. One of these is a legendary white-bodied, red-headed serpent featuring five distinct heads. This divine serpent has been witnessed firsthand by several highly advanced spiritual seekers, saints, and temple priests over the decades.
Miraculous Healing and the Gift of Motherhood
The shrine continues to draw thousands of people seeking relief from incurable physical ailments, severe psychological conditions, or the grief of childlessness. Countless documented testimonies over the years highlight cases where individuals declared untreatable by modern science found complete healing and successful pregnancies after offering sincere prayers and taking vows at the temple.
Bolla Mela & Festival
Following the main Friday night rituals, a spectacular and historic 8-day grand fair kicks off on Saturday and continues past the Monday idol immersion ceremony.
It stands proud as one of the oldest and largest cultural fairs in the undivided Dinajpur region, drawing an estimated hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.
The festival grounds turn vibrant with a variety of traditional folk arts, including Yatra (folk theatre), Alkap performances, Krishnayatra, and spiritual Kirtans.
As a testament to the absolute faith of the masses, thousands of devotees arrive to fulfill their vows, carrying hundreds of miniature custom-made Kali idols to be blessed alongside Mother Rakshakali, alongside massive community feasts (Bhandara).