Built in Orissan style of architecture, the Bargabhima Temple is located on the banks of the river Rupnarayan at
Tamluk in
Midnapore District of
West Bengal. The main deity is Goddess Bargabhima - a form of
Tara, a manifestation of
Shakti. The idol is made of stone and has four hands - holding
Trishul in the upper right hand, a sword in the lower one, human skull in the left upper hand and the head of a demon in the lower left. The Goddess is standing on
Lord Shiva who's lying below her feet. An image of
Mahishasuramardini can also be seen in the sanctum. The shrine has three different parts - the Baradeul or inner sanctuary,
the Jagamohana or hall of audience, and the Natmandir or the dancing hall. It is believed that the temple was built on the site of a
Buddhist monastery.