Bakreshwar Temple of West Bengal by the banks of the Paaphra River is believed to be built of the endeavor of Ashtabakra Muni. It was the sage himself who requested Lord Vishwakarma to build the temple for him. Again history says, the edifice was erected by Darpanarayan in 1761 AD.

According to legends,Sudarshan Chakra mutilated the lifeless body of Sati and wherever Her body parts fell, a shakti peeth was formed. It is believed that the area becomes pious because of the presence of Mata Sati's body part.

At the Bakreshwar Shakti Peeth, a portion of the Devi's eyebrow (also said to be the mind) dropped. Here the Goddess is known as Devi Mahishmardini that means who destroyed Mahishasur and She is accompanied and protected by her consort Bhairav Vakranath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Location West Bengal , Birbhum, Kolkata

Legend

The history of the temple dates back to the event of Dakshya Yajna and the episode of the self-immolation of Devi Sati at the sabha when She couldn't bear the vile words uttered by Her father Dakshya for her husband, Lord Shiva. To stop the Tandava of Mahadev, Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshan Chakra to mutilate the body of Devi. At the Bakreshwar Shakti Peeth, a portion of the Devi's eyebrow (also said to be the mind) dropped.

Another very interesting legend centers on the creation of this wonderful temple. Lord Indra insulted the Saint God Subrata in the Satya Yug in the occasion of the wedding of Lord Narayan and Devi Laxmi. Enraged from the insult the body of the Saint God bent in eight places. From then onwards, he came to known as Ashtavakra muni. Later on, Ashtavakra muni went to Varanasi for tapasya, but a divine being suggested him to travel to Gaur in Bengal and worship. Ashtavakra muni did so and after worshipping and meditation to Lord Shiva, he finally pleased the Lord.

Ashtavakra muni requested Vishwakarma- the engineer god to build him this temple. Thus, devotees always have to visit Ashtavakra muni first before entering the sanctum sanctorum where Lord Shiva and Mata Mahisasurmardini are consecrated.

This temple is part of the famous Shaktipeetha Darshan Yatra of West Bengal.

Architecture

The white building was designed and built in the style of Rekha-Deul of Odisha. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Devi Mahishmardini and Her Bhairav Bakranath. Many fine arts are collected from the temple, which are now preserved by the Archeological Survey of India.

Culture

Known to be the 'mini-India' for its diverse geographical as well as cultural variations, West Bengal is also popular for housing over 14 shakti peeths. Coming back to the culture of this eastern state of India, since prior and the post-partition times, Bengal is famous for its enriched culture. From Darjeeling to the Sundarbans, and from Puruliya to the 'Rarh' area of Birbhum- each of the provinces has a unique cultural approach. Starting from the Bengali music, dance, theater, literature, art, and notwithstanding the mouthwatering cuisine- West Bengal has successfully created a mark for its exclusive aesthetics in the world panorama.

Picture Courtesy: www.kniairport.com

Darsan Info

Devotees can visit the temple from  6 :00 AM to 8:00 PM. To offer puja or anjali, they should bathe and be in fresh clothes.

Darsan Dresscode

Though no dresscode is maintained, still modest clothing is preffered while visiting the Shakti Peeth in Bakreswar.

Famous Festival

March -    MahaShivratri

A grand fair is organized at the Bakreshwar Shakti peeth during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Temple Rituals

The regular temple rituals start with the Snana of both Maa Mahisasurmardini and Her Bhairav. After that the clothes are changed and nitya puja is performed per rituals. During the puja, fresh crimson hibiscus and Crown flowers. Sweets are offered to the Gods. Alongside, aarti with Karpur and dhupa are shown to the deities inside the garbha griha.

Special Rituals

Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great pomp here. The devotees of Lord Shiva here called Bakranath starves for the whole day so that by the evening they can pour water to the Shiva Lingam and worship the lord for the whole night. On the next day morning, they break their fast by taking the prasad of Lord Shiva. Along with Bakranath, Devi Mahisasurmardini is also worshipped by following all the Vedic rituals.

Additional Info

 

Suruchi

Ruchika Restaurant

Anubhav Restaurant

Relax bar and Restaurant.

 Supermarket : Available