Barkeshwar River

The Bakreshwar River is actually a tributary of the Mayurganasakshi River. The river begins its journey from the Santhal Parganas of the state of Jharkhand. From there the river flows down and through the district of Birbhum of the state of West Bengal. It then enjoins with the Kopai River. The entire waters of these two rivers flow into the main river called the Mayurakshi, in yet another district called Murshidabad of the state of West Bengal.

The word Bakreshwar is derived from the name of the Hindu god Shiva. The god is worshipped in the local placeBakra. This means curved, or bent. Ishwar meaning God. As per the Hindu mythology, it is mentioned that at the time of Satya Yuga, during the marriage ceremony of goddess Lakshmi and god Narayan, Astakakra Munni or sage, also known then as Subrata Munni, was humiliated by god Indra.

The sage flew into a rage and created eight cripples upon his own body. This symbolised the sage with eight cripples. Later this sage was blessed by god Shiva, after many years of meditation- Tapasya. This place is also known to be famous as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas. A temple is dedicated in its memory, called the Adi Shakti. This is one of the principal spot for pilgrimage for the Hindus.

The location of Bakreshwar, is said to be 23.88 degree North and 87.37 degree East. It is 276 ft above sea level. It is here that the river Bakreshwar flows through this town.

Bakreshwar is indeed a romantic catharsis that gives awesome splendour of nature. The placid beauty of Bakreshwar attracts the tourists. They keep coming.

Bakreshwar is a good tourist weekend spot, filled with interesting places. One will enjoy an exciting weekend. One cannot miss out the Bakreshwar Thermal Power Station of the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited.

It is a power station producing 630 MW of power and is undergoing expansion of its capability to the extent of producing 420 MW of power.

It is located at 23.50 degree North and 87.27 degree East, in the Chinpai and Bhurkuna village panchayat areas of Birbhum. It is further located off the highway of Panagarh and Morgram, on the bank of the river Bakreshwar. One will encounter at some distance downstream, a few hot springs and a temple. By the way, the Chinpai railway station is close by. It is the Saithia-Andul Branch Line.

Covered with complete peace and quietness, the main draw of the day of this place, is the hot spring. A visit of them is a must. There are many hot springs in this region and its waters vary from 42 degrees to 65 degrees. Each of these hot springs is given a name. One can see a temple of lord Shiva, near the hot spring.

Bakreshwar is very well known for its geological interest, with several hot springs. To be precise, there are about ten hot springs spread across the entire area. They are namely Baitarni Ganga, Amrita kundu, Khar kundu, Agni kundu, Bhairab kundu, Dudh kundu, Surya kundu, Shwet kundu, Brahma kundu and Paphara Ganga.  It is advised that one should take a bath in the sulphur enriched water of the hot spring.

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