On the way back from Massanjore, I saw on the map that Bakreshwar is very close. Read earlier about Bakreshwar hot springs. And I wanted to see them. But I didn’t know the way, so I started towards Bakreshwar along the road of an unknown village after getting the direction from the google map. The specialty of Google Maps is that you can get directions from anywhere.
As a result we lost our way on an unfamiliar road. As shown in the map we took a narrow road. The road was so narrow that we started driving along the pond, the courtyard. And whoever we meet on the street says Bakreshwar is in front. I have also seen this issue in North Bengal, whenever asked for a direction the reply was the same.
After going a long way like this, we came to a big road. The road is medium sized but not very wide. Vast agricultural fields on both sides. Then at one place I saw a board directing to Bakreshwar. I saw on the map that there is about 10 km left. On reaching Bakreshwar we passed the hot springs and entered the town. Realizing this, we turned the car and came again in front of the gate of the complex.
Bakreshwar can be reached from Massanjore as well as from Bolpur. It takes around an hour to reach Bakreshwar from Massanjore.
Bakreshwar can be reached from Bolpur city through Bolpur Suri Road. It takes about an hour and a half.
The hot spring was not known to be within the temple. It was not even known that there is a Sati Peeth or Shakti Peeth in Bakreshwar. A priest said that here the part between the eyebrows of Goddess Sati or her mind fell. Here is the name of Mahadev in the name of Ashtavakra Muni. Because Ashtavakra Muni got rid of the crookedness by bathing in the Bakreshwar river after worshiping Mahadev. The name Bakreshwar is derived from the God of Ashtavakra. The hot springs are located within the temple complex. I bought the ticket and entered the temple complex.
That priestly gentleman came forward. I asked him where the hot spring is? He took us to see the hot springs. I saw several small ponds, whose banks were barred. Smoke is coming out of the water. Several people are bathing in a damned pool. According to the words of the priest, I put my hand in the water of that reservoir and saw that the water was quite hot. There are separate bathing facilities for men and women. Hot spring water is accumulating in this reservoir. There is a smell of helium gas in the exhaust. I learned that water bodies have different names. Such as Keshar Kund, Bhairav Kund, Agni Kund, Sohoga Kund, Jevit Kund, Radhakund, White Ganga, Vaitarani. There is also Surya Kund. Water temperature ranges from 90 degrees to a maximum of 200 degrees. Most of the ponds are surrounded by strong netting. After seeing Hot springs, the priest said that there are temples of Goddess Mahishamardini (slayer of Mahishasura) and Bhairava Bakranath or Bakreshwara.
At first I thought I would not see the temple. But, suddenly I agreed to the words of the priest, and on the insistence of the priest, I bought two branches for the puja. First I worshiped at the temple of Bhairav Bakra-nath. There was no line for worship. Although the priest said that there is such a crowd that the puja is delayed by an hour and a half. But today is a special day so the temple is practically closed.
At first it seemed that the saying might not be true. The Temple is at the very western end of Birbhum. Quite far from Bolpur. But the parking lot is huge. Can hold many cars. Then there is a system of tickets to get inside. If many visitors did not come, there would be no provision of tickets. Many people go to Kankalitala now. And the Attohans is almost empty. Besides, Bakreshwar has several eateries in the area adjacent to the temple. If not many visitors come, there would not be so many places to eat. Apart from small eateries, Bakreshwar also has large restaurants where mainly Bengali food is served. Here, Mohan Bhog is a popular sweet dish.
Then I went to Mahishmardini temple to offer puja. Here the ten-handed idol of the goddess is made of brass. And in front of it there is a pair of toes made of brass. The place is surrounded by rellings. Puja can be offered to idols, in which case one has to go in front of the relling. Of course, you have to pay extra for it. Although puja can be offered from outside the relling free of cost. We choose to worship for free.
The priest took a garland from the basket and gave it to me and told me to put it on the feet of the goddess. After puja the priest handed me the prasad and flowers. After puja we moved out from the temple and began our journey towards Bolpur with sweet memories.
Attractions:
Bakreshwar has hot springs, and apart from the temple, there is Bakreshwar Power Project which is 10 km from the temple complex. Also nearby is Bakreshwar Dam. Massanjore can be visited with a visit to Bakreshwar. Don’t forget to share the post if you like it.
Accommodations:
Bakreshwar Inn: (+91) 3462 274593, 09434147107.
Youth Hostel, Govt. of West Bengal, Booking from Kolkata
Mukherjee Lodge, Suri – Dubrajpur Rd, Bakreshwar, West Bengal 731123
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