Bakreshwar Temple, Bakreshwar – The Temple

Bakreshwar Temple, Bakreshwar – The Temple

The temple is renowned for its Odisha style of architecture. Goddess Sati is worshipped as Mahishasuramardhini and the Bhairava associated with this Temple is called as Vakranath.  The Temple complex consists of two major shrines; one dedicated to Mahishasuramardhini and the other dedicated to Vakranath.

The former has ancient paintings of the goddess, preserved well by the Archaeological Survey of India. Mahishasuramardhini is depicted with ten hands, seated on a ferocious lion, slaying Mahishasura – the buffalo demon. The main temple of Bakreshwar is surrounded by many small shrines which are dedicated to lord Shiva.

Hot Springs:

Bakreshwar is also a place of geological interest with many hot springs. It is believed that the water from these springs have healing properties. It is believed that the water from these springs will discharge in to a rivulet which run past and join a small stream about 200 yards from the temple.

There are ten hot springs here. They are:

1. Paphara Ganga.

2. Baitarini Ganga.

3. Khar Kunda (the water in this spring is of 66 degrees Celsius)

4. Bhairav Kunda (the water in this spring is of 65 degrees Celsius)

5. Agni Kunda - The water in this spring is at 93.33 degrees Celsius. It is also rich in many minerals of sodium, potassium, calcium, silicates, chlorides, bicarbonates and sulphates which are said to have medicinal properties.

6. Dudh Kunda - Dudh means milk. The water of this spring attains a dull white hue during early morning probably due to ozone concentration. The water in this spring is at 66 degrees Celsius.

7. Surya Kunda - Surya means sun. The water in this spring is of 61 degrees Celsius.

8. Shweta Ganga

9. Brahma Kunda

10. Amrita Kunda