Names & Legend
The Vakreswar Shakti Peeth is popularly known as Bakreshwar. According to the Hindu scriptures it is one of the most powerful Shakti Peeths, where both Lord Shiva and the Goddess are worshipped with deep devotion.
According to many religious teachers, when Lord Vishnu divided Sati’s body with his Sudarshan Chakra, her mind – the point between the eyebrows, the seat of the third eye – fell at Bakreshwar. This makes it a special place for meditation and spiritual practice.
Location
Bakreshwar is in Birbhum district, West Bengal, about 240 km from Kolkata, near the main rivers of the district, on the bank of the small Paphara river. It is close to Shantiniketan, and most visitors make a trip that includes both places.
The Goddess & Bhairava
The Goddess is worshipped as Mahishamardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and Lord Shiva as Bhairava is called Vakranath. The temple of Vakranath Shiva is the centre of the town, surrounded by many smaller temples.
The town takes its name from the great sage Ashtavakra, whose body was bent in eight places. It is said that he meditated here for many years and attained enlightenment, and that Lord Shiva blessed him – which is why Shiva is called Vakranath, “the Lord of the bent one”.
The Hot Springs
Bakreshwar is famous for its natural hot springs. There are several springs around the temple, each with its own name – such as Agni Kund, Surya Kund, Brahma Kund, Saubhagya Kund and Khar Kund – and each has a Shiva lingam nearby. The water of some springs is hot enough to boil eggs. It is believed that bathing in these springs washes away the sins of a lifetime, and many people also bathe for the healing minerals in the water.
The town is also known for the Bakreshwar Thermal Power Plant nearby.
Festivals & Worship
A grand mela is held every year at Maha Shivaratri, organised by the temple management, when thousands of devotees come to bathe in the springs and worship Vakranath. Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Navaratri are also celebrated at the shrine of the Goddess.
Spiritual Significance
The point between the eyebrows is the Ajna chakra, the seat of the third eye, intuition and wisdom in yogic tradition. That Sati’s mind fell here makes Bakreshwar especially sacred for meditation; devotees pray to Mahishamardini to remove confusion, fear and negative thoughts, and to Vakranath for inner clarity.
The story of Ashtavakra adds a further lesson. Though his body was bent in eight places, he became one of the wisest sages of India, and his teachings in the Ashtavakra Gita are still read today. Bakreshwar thus reminds pilgrims that true beauty and strength lie in the mind and the spirit.
Visiting Tips
The water of some springs is extremely hot, so test it carefully before bathing and keep children close. Carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe, and a small towel; changing rooms near the springs are basic. Dress modestly, remove footwear before entering the shrine, and follow the instructions of the priests. Simple offerings such as flowers, fruit, vermilion, a red chunri and incense are traditional, and it is good practice to buy them from the stalls near the temple, which also supports local families.
How to Reach & When to Visit
From Howrah, trains such as the Hool Express and the Mayurakshi Express run to Suri (Siuri), from where Bakreshwar is a short road journey; travellers can also go to Ahmedpur or Bolpur stations and continue by road. Bakreshwar can be visited all year, but winter and spring are the best seasons, when a warm bath in the springs is especially pleasant.