Important information
- Location: Bakreshwar, West Bengal 731123, India
- Festivals: Shivratri For Other Festival Detail Click here
- Main Deity: Devi Mahishasurmardini For Other Deity Detail Click here
- Languages: Bengali, Hindi & English
- Darshan Timings: 06.30 AM To 01.00 PM || 5:00 PM To 9:40 PM
- Best Season To Visit: March And October
- How To Reach
The Bakreshwar Temple of West Bengal is located on the banks of the Paaphra River in the district of Birbhum, around 24 km from the town of Siuri and 240 km from Kolkata. This Temple is also known as Mahishmardini Temple, It is believed that this is one of the most powerful Bakreshwar Shakti Peethas. It is also called Vakreshwar Shakti Peethas. The idol worshipped is Devi Mahishmardini (destroyer of Mahishasur) who is protected by the Bhairav Vakranath.
History of Bakreswar Temple
The chief legend of Bakreshwar relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was married to the god Shiva versus his wishes. Daksha arranged a great yajna but did not invite Sati and also Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the yajna-site, where Daksha ignored Sati as well as Shiva.
Sati was not able to withstand this insult. So, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organized by her father King Daksh. When Lord Shiva was running around the planet carrying her body that Lord Vishnu divided the body into 51 parts utilizing his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, from which the ‘The portion between Devi Sati’s eyebrows- symbolic of her mind ’ of Sati fell to this place. Here Sati is called Mahishmardini and Lord Shiva is called Bhairav Vakranath.
The Legend of Rishi Ashtavakra
Two fellow Rishis– Subrita and Lomas were invited for Lakshmi Mata’s Swayamvar. They came and Rishi Lomas was the very first to be invited. This angered Rishi Subrita to such an extent that all his nerves got turned together with his entire body. This presented him with a warped appearance. Rishi subrita then regretted his temper and he went to Kashi and hoped to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva suggested him go to Bakreshwar and do penance there. Rishi Subrita did as encouraged. After long penances, Lord Shiva appeared and enshrined him to be worshipped eternally in this temple. Thus became Bhairava Vakranath.
Seven Hot Springs and a Holy River
This region is known for its natural verdant beauty, Numerous temples and sacred sites. There are seven hot springs in the nearby area.
- Paphara ganga.
- Baitarini ganga.
- Khar kunda: The water in this spring is of 66 degrees Celsius.
- Bhairav kunda: The water in this spring is of 65 degrees Celsius.
- Agni kunda: Agni means fire. The water in this spring is at 80 degrees Celsius. It is also abundant in numerous minerals of salt, potassium, calcium, silicates, chlorides, bicarbonates and sulphates which are mentioned to have medical properties. It may also contain traces of radioactive elements.
- Dudh kunda: Dudh means milk. The water of this spring attains a dull white color while morning most likely due to ozone concentration. The water in this spring is at 66 degrees Celsius.
- Surya kunda: Surya means sun. The water in this spring is of 61 degrees Celsius.
- Shwet ganga.
- Brahma kunda.
- Amrita kunda.
Architecture of Bakreswar Temple
On the guidance of the Supreme Lord, Vishwakarma – the architect of the gods – Built a beautiful temple in honor of the sage. The temple is well known for its Oriya style of architecture. Inside the temple complex are the Mahishmardini and the Vakranath temple. The former has historical paintings of the deity, protected well by the Historical Survey of India.
Idol of Bakreswar Temple
Mahishmardini or Devi Mahishasurmardini is known as a ten-handed mother, seated on a ferocious lion, slaying Mahishasur –the buffalo devil.
Festivals at Bakreswar Temple
On Shivratri, a grand fair is arranged around the Bakreshwar Shakti Peeth by the management committee. Girls fast the whole day to attain a spouse like Shiva and end the fast with an offering of fruits, sweets, milk, and bel leaves to the Lord. The fair has entertainment activities like joyrides for kids along with devotional music performances and storytelling.
Other Temple in Temple Campus:
- Ma Bhavatarini Mandir (Temple)
- Bakreswar Temple (Main Temple)
- Mahisasur Mardini (Temple)
- Bhairabnath Temple
Temple Timings
| 5:00 AM To 10:00 PM |
How to Reach Bakreswar Temple
- By Air: Kolkata Airport is about 215 km from the temple, and Durgapur Airport is about 52 km from the temple.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Birbhum, about 35 km from the temple.
- By Road: The nearest city is Suri.
Temple Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions of Bakreswar Temple
The distance between Dubrajpur Railway station to Bakreswar is 11 km only. You can go to Bakreswar temple by hiring any public transportation.