Bamakhepa (1837–1911) was a tantrik saint, held in great reverence in Tarapith,whose shrine is also located close to the Tarapith Mandir. His name ‘Bama-khepa’, literally means the mad ('khepa') follower of 'left handed' ('Bama' or 'Vama' in Sanskrit) path – the Tantric way of worship. Bamakhyapa, goddess Tara's ardent devotee lived near the temple and meditated in the cremation grounds (Maha Shamshan). He was a contemporary of another famous Bengali saint Ramakrishna. At a young age, he left his house and came under the tutelage of a saint named Kailsahpathi Baba, who lived in Tarapith. He perfected yoga and Tantric sadhana (worship), which resulted in his becoming the spiritual head of Tarapith.