Bakreshwar Temple
West Bengal, India
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters.
Location
West Bengal, India
Full Address
Bakreshwar, Dubrajpur area, Birbhum, West Bengal, India
Latitude
Approximately 23.88° N
Longitude
Approximately 87.37° E
Built By/ Era
Bakreshwar is an ancient sacred site whose origins are rooted in Hindu and Shakta traditions. Although the exact date of the original shrine is uncertain, the temple complex seen today reflects centuries of worship, renovation, and religious heritage.
Elevation
Associated Deity
Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
Opening Time
5:00 am
Closing Time
10:00 pm
Timing Notes
However, temple timings can change according to puja schedules, festivals, special occasions and local temple administration. One current temple directory lists 5:00 AM–10:00 PM, while other listings indicate that the shrine may have separate morning and evening darshan periods.
Overview
Bakreshwar Temple, located in Birbhum district of West Bengal, is a revered pilgrimage destination associated with the Shakti Peetha tradition. According to the traditional Shakti Peetha accounts, the portion between the eyebrows (or central forehead region) of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen at Bakreshwar. The presiding Shakti is worshipped as Mahishamardini, while Vakranath is regarded as the associated Bhairava.
Beyond its religious importance, Bakreshwar is also known for its natural hot springs, which add a distinctive spiritual and cultural dimension to the pilgrimage. Devotees traditionally visit the temple to offer prayers to the Goddess and Vakranath and take ritual baths in the sacred springs.
Surrounded by the cultural landscape of Birbhum, Bakreshwar represents a blend of Shakta worship, Shaiva traditions, mythology, temple heritage, and sacred natural springs. Its connection with the Shakti Peetha tradition makes it an important destination for devotees exploring the sacred pilgrimage sites of India.
⛰ 12 Jyotirlingas
🕉 Char Dham
✨ Sacred Place
History
Bakreshwar’s history is woven together with mythology rather than being confined to one historical founding date.
One of its most prominent legends concerns Ashtavakra Muni. According to the local tradition recorded by Birbhum Tourism, the sage was affected by physical deformities and came to the region to undertake Shaiva spiritual practice. His devotion ultimately brought him the grace of Lord Shiva. The deity became known as Bakranath, taking the name associated with the sage.
The district administration also records the Ashtavakra legend and identifies Bakreshwar as an important Hindu pilgrimage destination as well as a Shakti Peetha.
The present temple landscape represents layers of religious development over time, rather than a single structure from one historical period. Historical research on Birbhum’s temples notes that many existing structures in the district are later constructions built over sites and foundations with much older religious associations
Temple Timings
Opening Time
5:00 am
Closing Time
10:00 pm
Aarti Timings
Morning Aarti
Evening Aarti
Timing Notes
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest practical airport options are in the Kolkata region. From Kolkata, travellers can continue by train or road towards Birbhum and then travel onward to Bakreshwar.
By Train
Dubrajpur is an important nearby railway station. West Bengal Tourism places Bakreshwar roughly 7 km from Dubrajpur railway station.
From the station, visitors can continue by local transport, taxi or other road services.
From Suri
Suri, the district headquarters of Birbhum, is another important access point.
Bakreshwar is approximately 20–24 km from Suri, depending on the route and reference point. Birbhum Tourism gives approximately 20 km, while West Bengal Tourism gives around 24 km.
By Road
Bakreshwar can be reached by road from:
Suri
Dubrajpur
Other towns of Birbhum
Kolkata via connecting highways and regional roads
Birbhum Tourism specifically notes bus connectivity from Suri and Dubrajpur.
Nearby Places
Frequently Asked Questions
Kedarnath Temple is famous as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya.
The temple closes due to heavy snowfall making the region inaccessible; the deity is moved to Ukhimath.
The temple is open from May to October, with pleasant weather during these months.
Via road to Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek, or by helicopter services available seasonally.
You Might Also Like -
Maa Baglamukhi Temple
Bakreshwar Temple
Bahula Devi Temple (Shakti Peeth)
Attahas Temple (Phullara Shakti Peeth), Birbhum
