Bakreshwar is a small sacred town in the Siuri subdivision of the Birbhum district. It is located on the banks of River Bakreshwar in West Bengal.
The town is known for its thermal Power Station and its hot springs. It is also a popular Shakti Pith.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following points about Bakreswar,
Let’s see each of these points in detail…
How to reach Bakreshwar
Bakreshwar is located at a distance of about 220 km from Kolkata. It takes you about 5-6 hours to reach.
This location is easily accessible by bus or car. You can also take Private cabs on the Kolkata-Bakreshwar route.
The nearest railway station from Bakreswar is Suri. You can also take any rain from Howrah to reach Suri.
| Train | From | Dep. | Arr at Bishnupur | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hool Express | Howrah | 6:45 | 11:05 | ALL DAYS |
| Mayurakhi Express | Howrah | 16:25 | 21:02 | ALL DAYS |
You can also board a bus to Suri from the Dharmatala Bus Stand. NBSTC buses are also available.
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History of Bakreshwar
The word Bakreshwar is derived from the name of Bakreshwar Shiva.
Bakreswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Bakreshwar and Goddess Kali.
The word Bakra means “Baaka” or curved & Ishwar means god.
According to mythology, Subrata Muni was insulted by Devraj Indra at the wedding of Lakshmi and Narayan in the Satya Yuga.
The body of the angry sage bent into eight bends.
From then he came to be known as Ashtavakra Rishi.
After many years of austerities for Lord Shiva, the sage recovered.
Another mythological belief behind Bakreshwar is that Ashtavakra Sage was crippled in eight places in his body when he was in his mother’s womb due to a boon.
It was due to his devotion and hard penance the sage received enlightenment and freedom from all the bodily flaws.
Bakreshwar is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and an important pilgrimage for Hindus.
That is why innumerable temples have been built in Bakreswar.
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According to Hindu mythology, the forehead, brow, and portion between eyebrows (trinetra) of the goddess Sati fell here.
The goddess is worshiped here in the form of Mahishamardini.
Things to do in Bakreshwar
There are a lot of things to do and attractions to visit in the town of Bakreshwar.
1. Visit the temples
Bakreshwar has numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
You can visit the main Bakreshwar shrine (the Shakti Pith) and other religious sites.
There is also a sacred tree and temple tank associated with the temple.
2. Bakreshwar hot springs
Another supreme attraction of Bakreswar is its hot springs. These hot water springs are believed to have curative properties for any ailments.
They are said to be a blessing not only for the people of the town but also for people from all over India who visit the place.
The town has ten hot springs, namely, Papahara Ganga, Vaitarani Ganga, Kharkund, Bhairabkund, Agnikund, Dudhkund, Suryakund, Shwetaganga, Brahmakund, Amrit Kund.
The temperature of the water in Khar, Bhairab, and Suryakunda are 8, 65, and 61 degrees Celsius respectively.
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The temperature in Agnikund is about 60 degrees Celsius.
The water in this tank contains essential elements of sodium, potassium, calcium, silicate, chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate, which are said to have medicinal properties.
Radioactive material is also found in the water of this tank.
The temperature of the DudhKund is 6 degrees Celsius.
In the morning, ozone is concentrated in the water of this tank and produces a substance like white manure.
All these springs discharge into the Pamphra Rivulet.
3. Take a bath
There are two separate hot springs which are also bath areas for males and females and are surrounded by high walls.
You can get down in these bath areas and have a warm dip in these medicinal springs.
Make sure not to litter the sacred bath place and use shampoo, oil, or soaps in the pool!
4. Attend the mela
A big Mela is held every year during Maha Shivratri in Bakreshwar. You can attend it with your family and friends.
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Best time to visit Bakreshwar
The best time to visit this place is during winter.
During this time you can enjoy a more satisfying warm bath in the pools.
Another ideal time to visit this place is during Maha Shivratri when you can observe the grand fair held here.
However, you can visit this place any time of the year. The hot springs and the Bakreswar temple are open throughout the year.
Places to stay near Bakreswar
There are many hotels and lodges in Bakreswar.
Hotel Sagar, Sarada Hotel, and Udayan Lodge are some of the best accommodations in Bakreswar near Siuri.
You can have good food here as well.
There are many small restaurants near the temple and sacred bath places, where the local villagers cook homely food for the visitors.
You can have fish, rice, dal, and cooked vegetables in these hotels.
A dip in the warm water will intensify your appetite, and the local rural cuisines will taste like heaven.
Other attractions near Bakreswar
There are some other attractions near Bakreswar that you can visit.
You can also seek the blessings of deities at Bhavatarini Mandir, Mahisasur Mardini, and Bhairavnath Temple.
Bakreshwar Mandir, as well as various historic temples, completes the tour to Bakreswar.
These ancient religious sites in and around Birbhum are known for their stunning architecture as well.
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Not only in Uttarakhand and Himachal, but it is a matter of pride for Bengalis that West Bengal is also home to such sacred hot springs.
Visit this place, attain sanctity and seek the blessings of Lord Bakreshwar and Devi Mahisamardini.
Some web stories to know more about West Bengal:
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