Bakreshwar (also spelt Bakreswar) is a pilgrimage centre in Birbhum-Murshidabad in India. The Bakreshwar Thermal Power Station is some distance from the temple-complex. It is around 230 km from Kolkata.
Understand
According to Hindu belief, an insulted Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, sacrificed herself at a yagna (fire worship ritual) which was being performed by her father Dakshmaharaj. Angry with this incident Lord Shiva started the tandava nritya (dance of destruction). In order to prevent destruction of all creation, Lord Vishnu used his Sudershan charka (wheel) to cut the body of Sati into several parts. Sati's body was scattered all over the Indian subcontinent. There are 51 such holy spots where temples have been erected and they are called Pithas or the Shakti Pithas. Some of the Pithas are in West Bengal. The most popular of them are Kalighat (in Kolkata}, Bakreshwar and Tarapith. Bakreswar is said to be the pitha where Sati's forehead and eyebrows fell.
The main temple is that of Shiva or more popular as that of Bakranath. In architectural style it is akin to the “rekha-deul” of Odisha. Numerous Shiva temples surround the main temple, and a large number of temples are without any image.
According to legend, the disfigured and disconsolate Astabkra {also known as the sage Lomas), out on a pilgrimage, arrived at Kasi (Varanasi) intent on worshipping Shiva. He was informed that his prayers could not be answered till they were offered at an undefined spot named Gupta Kasi (the hidden Varanasi) in the distant realm of Gaur (Bengal). Astabakra took to an eastern direction and ended at Bakreswar, where he adored Siva for ten thousand years. The god, touched by the persistence of his votary, declared that those who worshipped. Astabakra first and himself afterwards would be vouchsafed an endless store of blessings. Viswakarma, the architect of the gods, received a command to erect a temple on the auspicious spot, and a stately shrine soon rose on the eastern shore of the river Bakreswar containing two graven images, the larger of which represented Astabakra. There is no evidence of the present temple being such an ancient one. A tablet records that a portion of the edifice was erected by one Darpanarayan in the year 1761 AD.
There are eight hot springs of varying temperatures. The hottest, known as the Agni Kundu, is not far short of 200 °F (93 °C). It is said that the water has healing powers. There is a large pond for bathers. Some piped water is also available for those who do not desire to get down into the pond.
Get in
Bakreshwar is on the Siuri-Dubrajpur Road. There are two such roads - one via Chhinpai (near which is the power station) and the other via Bakrehwar. The latter is the lesser used and slightly longer route. Buses ply on this route. Dubrajpur and Siuri are on the Andal-Sainthia branch line.
Get around
It is small place that you can walk around easily.
See
- 1 Bakreswar Shakti Peeth.
- 2 Bakreswar Hot Spring. There is a warm water pool for bathing.
- Basudeb Mission. White Shivalingam of fire.
Do
Buy
Nothing special. There are many shops trying to attract attention of the pilgrim-tourists.
Beside Bakreshwar in the village Tantipara, there are a large number of handlooms can be seen.Variety of silk products available here. Many visitors take a short tour to Tantipara, "the village of handloom products".
Eat
There are many small eateries serving Bengali food and snacks.
Drink
No alcohol is allowed on the premises. Beverages are available at the village Tantipara.
Sleep
- 1 Bakreswar Inn, ☏ 91 3462 274593, 91 9434147107.
- 2 Bakreswar Youth Hostel, ☏ 91 33-22480626, 91 33-22653231, 91 33-22106767. Dormitory beds: 65, rooms: 3.
There are several budget hotels near the temple.