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West Bengal Bakreshwar Shiva Temple
Bakreshwar Shiva temple is distinctive attraction with lot of legendary backgrounds at Bakreshwar, Birbhum district, West Bengal. This temple, located in scenic beauty, is among the 51shaktipeeths in India. There are 8 number of hot springs, known for their medicinal properties. Every hot spring has a name and Shiva Linga attached to each. Bathing in one of the ponds can remove all the sins of any individual. This town is also known for Bakreshwar Thermal Power Plant.
History
Rishi Subrata ( Ashtavakara),out of rage, did Tapasya here in Satyug to please Lord Shiva, after humiliation by Indra during the marriage ceremony of Lord Narayan and Laxmi. Pleased Shiva blessed Rishi to be worshiped before him and called Vishwakarma, God’s architect, to construct temple. Thus temple is named Bakra (curve) and Ishwar(God)- Bakreshwar. There is temple dedicated to Adi Parashakti (Mahishmardani) which is among 51shaktipeeths of India. As per the Hindu mythology, Maa Sati’s brain part between eyebrows fell over here.
The present temple does not have evidence of an ancient one. Some records tell that one Darpnarayan erected a portion of edifice in 1761AD.
Architecture
The temple is sophisticatedly constructed in ‘Rekha-deul’ or rekha type, architecture, which is an ancient Bengali and Orriya architectural style. The main temple is surrounded by a large number of temples without any deity.
How To Reach
By Rail
Barkeshwar is connected from Bolpur, Dubrajpur and Siuri Railway Stations on the ondal- Sainthia section of North-West Railway from birbhum. Transport is available to temple. Trains from Howrah station to New Jalpaiguri stop at Bolpur.
By Bus
State Roadways and deluxe bus services are available to Birbhum from Esplanade Kolkata.
By Air
Kolkata is the nearest International Airport. Please be advised to get your private vehicle while coming to Birbhum.
Local
Auto-Rickshaw, simple rickshaw and city buses are the local mode of conveyance.
Important Shrines
Barkeshwar is an important mandir of Shakt-cult in Hindu religion and has beautiful mandir of Maa Sati. The river Barkeshwar, popularly called PAPAHAR river, occupies high place in Puranas. Each hot spring has a temple and more than 200 other mandirs. There is also Shiva Lingam of fire Basudebbakreshwar, made out of 7ton white Carrara marble at Basudeb Mission International.
Significance Of The Temple
This temple is called an idyllic Devagram because “At Barkeshwar men live for the deities whereas at other places the deities live in an inhabited village.”The lakhs of devotees come to worship and witness the annual Mela of Barkeshwar held during Shiva-ratri.
Attractions
- Hot springs are must to see and for bath, due to their variation in temperature from 42 degrees to 66 degrees and mineral enriched water with therapeutic properties.
- Shiv Ratri, Navratries, Durga pooja and Kali pooja festivals, celebrated here are famous in West Begal.
- Barkeshwar offers visual splendor with superb natural beauty.
- About 200temples in close vicinity of the Barkeshwar Shiva temple are worth visit.
- Barkeshwar thermal power station.
- The Imambada built at the time of Siraj-Ud-daula.
- Matichura mosque depicting Hindu and Muslim architectures together.
- Tantipara- "The village of Handloom products".
Timings And Other Important Information
Devotees visit mandir and springs throughout the year but the best time to visit during Navratra, Durga puja and Shiva-ratri.
Weather And Time To Visit
The town experiences three seasons’ summers are tropical. February, March, April and September to December are best for visit.
Accomodation
The most famous hotel is WBTDC Tourist Lodge. Budget lodges and hotels are also there. It is advisable for the visitors to do the bookings in advance. Religious places are also there for stay.
Tips For Devotees
- Maintain the cleanliness of hot springs.
- Eateries are not allowed in Mandir Complex.
- Smoking, tobacco, alcohol and drugs are not allowed in the complex.
- No pets are allowed in the complex.
Photo Gallery