This is a temple of Bakreshwar Shaktipeeth.
There is a place to sit and meditate in the mandap in front of the deity. You can go into meditative states here effortlessly.
How to Get there
The temple is located 115 kms North of Bardhman.
Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uQZrvPthFPmbmgJL6
About Bakreshwar Shaktipeeth
Mahishmardini Shakti Peeth Bakreshwar (also known as Vakreshwar) is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The Bakreshwar Temple is on the banks of the Paphra River in West Bengal. It is in the district of Birbhum, approximately 24 kilometres from the town of Siuri and 240 kilometres from Kolkata. Devi Mahishmardini (destroyer of Mahishasur) is the idol worshipped here, and the Bhairav here is Vakranath.
Bakreshwar Temple Architecture
The temple is well-known for its Oriya architecture. The Mahishmardini and Vikranth temples are located within the temple complex. The former features antique paintings of the goddess which are taken care of under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India. A large boundary wall with an entrance gate on the eastern side encircles the temple complex. There are stairs up to the main entrance of the temple, which is situated on an elevated platform. Extensive carvings and sculptures of many legendary figures adorn the temple’s entrance.
The goddess Mahishmardini’s idol is housed in the temple’s inner sanctum, or garbhagriha, which serves as the principal shrine. The black stone idol is embellished with various clothing and accessories. The idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are placed on each side of it.
Other smaller shrines, including those to Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Kartikeya, are also present in the temple. A tiny tank or pond that is close to the temple is also seen to be a sacred location for ritual washing.
The Bakreshwar Shakti Peeth temple’s design is a reflection of the traditional Bengali style of temple building, which is distinguished by fine carvings, elaborate exterior decorations, and beautiful domes and spires.
Legends Associated with the Temple
When Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan chakra on Devi Sati’s burnt corpse, the piece between her eyebrows, representing her mind, is supposed to have fallen in this spot. Later, a shrine was built and dedicated to the worship of powers.
Another legend goes as a myth about how the area received its current name. Once upon a time, two renowned munis named Subrita and Lomas were invited to participate in the Swayamvar of Devi Lakshmi. When Rishi Lomas arrived first, Rishi Subrita was filled with rage that eventually twisted his nerves into eight folds, earning his name the moniker Ashtavakra. Sage Ashtabakra resolved to do penance for his mistake. He went to Kashi to worship Lord Shiva to overcome his weak emotions like anger. When he reached Kashi, he was told to travel east to a place called Gupta Kashi and start meditating. Sage Ashtavakra did so, eventually reaching Bakreshwar, where he recited and recited prayers in praise of Shiva for ten thousand years. Pleased with his dedication and repentance, Lord Shiva granted a boon that Sage Ashtabakra would be worshipped in front of Lord Shiva. Vishwakarma, the god’s architect, built a splendid temple honouring the sage on the Supreme Lord’s orders.
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