Sagar Island in West Bengal, famed for the Gangasagar Mela, faces climate change threats as rising Bay of Bengal sea levels encroach within 450 meters of the Kapil Muni Temple.

About Sagar Island

• It is also known as Ganga Sagar or Sagardwip is located in the Ganges delta, lying on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal.
• Location: Sagar Island is situated in the Ganges Delta on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal.
• Geographical Features:
• • The Muriganga River Batala separates the Sagar and Mahisani Islands.
  • Classified under the sand group category, along with Mahisani and Ghoramara Islands.
• Although part of the Sundarbans, it lacks tiger habitation, mangrove forests, and small river tributaries typical of the rest of the Sundarban delta.
• Religious Significance: Sagar Island is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
  • The annual Gangasagar Mela, the world’s second-largest human congregation, is held here during Makar Sankranti

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About Kapil Muni

• Kapil Muni was a Vedic sage and philosopher who lived during the 6th-7th century CE and considered a divine incarnation of Vishnu in some traditions.
• Philosophy:
  • He is the founder of the Samkhya system of Indian philosophy.
  • Samkhya emphasizes a dualism between matter (Prakriti) and the eternal spirit (Purusha).
  • Liberation, according to Samkhya, is achieved through self-knowledge rather than external agents or influences.
• Teachings:
  • Focused on meditation and criticized Vedic gods and rituals.
  • Rejected Brahmanic doctrines and emphasized a process of liberation through bhakti yoga.
• Cultural Influence:
  • Recognized in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • His students founded Kapilavastu, a significant city in religious traditions.

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