Bakreshwar is a town in the Birbhum district which may be counted as a romantic escape offering visual splendour intrigued by benevolent beauteous rays of nature. The serenity is of geological interest with a lot many hot springs appealing to senses and of medical value.
The word Bakreshwar derives its etymological source from the name of Lord Shiva who is worshipped in the nearby vicinity. The word Bakra means bent or curved and Ishwar in the Indian perspective means God. Mythologically it is assumed that in Satya Yuga during the marriage ceremony of Goddess Lakshmi and Narayan, Astabakra Muni (then known as Subrata Muni) was insulted by Indra. The muni was so enraged that he developed 8 cripples in his body (Ashtabakra Muni means a sage with 8 curved cripples, probably kyphoscoliotic). Ashtabakra Muni was blessed by lord Shiva here after many years of Tapashya (meditation). This place is also famous as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas where there is a temple dedicated to Adi Shakti. This is a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Some of the Pithas are in West Bengal and the most popular among them are Kalighat (in Kolkata}, Bakreshwar and Tarapith. Bakreswar is said to be the pitha where Sati`s forehead and eyebrows fell.
Bakreshwar is significantly renowned for a hot spring and has historical importance ingrained stamped as a holy place for the existence of Shiva Lingam. There is a number of hot springs with cold springs in close proximity to them which discharge in to a rivulet that runs past and joins a small stream about 200 yards from the temple. The hot springs at Bakreswar are presumed to alleviate numerous chronic ailments. A big fair is held every year on the day of Shivaratri.
Shrouded with sheer composure and an aura of peace everywhere the main attraction of this place thrives to be the famous hot spring a must visit for quintessential explorers. One can find a number of hot springs in the region, the temperature of which varies from 42 degree to 65 degree. Each hot spring is bestowed with individual names. Nearby attractions from Bakreswar: Off late, many tourist groups are organizing a combined trip covering both Bakreswar and Shantiniketan, as Bakreswar is not too far from Shantiniketan. One can also visit Massanjore if one can afford some extra time, as the distance between Shiuri and Massanjore is 40 km. Bus services and rented cars are also available to facilitate the tourist in reaching Massanjore.
