Temples In India

West Bengal Jalpeshwar Shiva Temple Jalpaiguri

Jalpaiguri is the district of North Bengal, Situated on the right bank of the River Teesta. The River Karola divides the town into two parts and connected with few beautiful bridges. The district has international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh and is the gateway to the entire North-Eastern States and Bhutan. The Jalpeshwar Shiva Temple is central point of attraction of this place. The Shiva temple is situated at Maynaguri, known as DOOARS/DUARS meaning Door of Bhutan, at 15km from north of Jalpaiguri.

History

Jalpaiguri has a long history, including parts of Rangpur, Assam and Coochbehar of pre partion India. Jalpaiguri was  part of Pragjyotishpur in Mahabharat epic time, King Bhagdutta of Pragjyotishpur fought in great Kurukshetra war on the side of Kourav. Several rock inscriptions excavated from Jalpaiguri refer the presence of some great ruler of ancient India.

There was dense forest tract from east bank of Tista to the west bank of Bagmati River in Rangpur, Bangladesh. The Raikats, ruler of Baikunthapur, had an important role in uniting Jalpaiguri from the territory of three Mongoloid tribes - Koch, Mech and Tharu of these Jungles. Jalpaiguri grew as an intermediary place between Mainaguri and Panchagarh.

Nara Narayan, built the Temple in 1563, and in 1663, it was further renovated by the Koch King Pran Narayan.

Architecture

The first gate to the temple has the statues of two elephants, raising an image of Lord Shiva on their trunks. The second gate is made of iron, for security. The Dome and around area was constructed according to Islamic architecture, in 1563, and renovated in 1663.

The temple is located underground, Shiva Linga located even deeper. The main premise has watery and slippery entrance for a semi- circular room with a high dome. The main Shiva Linga, immersed in water, is at the centre with circular and raised boundary, separate the deity from the visitors.

Other deities can also be worshiped in an exterior section of the temple with slippery entrance.

How To Reach

By Air

Bagdogra Airport (70km) operates flights to Delhi and Kolkata.

By Rail

The main N-E Railway station is New Jalpaiguri. The district is well connected by rail with other parts of the country.

BY Road

The district is well connected by road with other parts of the State. NH-31D (E-W Corridor) has two Bus Stands, Santipara and Kadamtala, at Jalpaiguri.

Local

Public transport includes City bus, Taxis and Auto-Rickshaw from Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri.

Important Shrines

The other important shrines in the complex include Maa Amba, 'Nandi' and 'Vringi', the followers of Lord Mahadeva. The entrance of these shrines is also watery and slippery.

Significance Of The Temple

Shrabani Mela, a fair in honor of Lord Shiva, is organized at Jalpeshji by the Jalpesh Temple Trust, during the monsoon, each year and it brings in thousands of devotees from all over Bengal.

Attractions

• Jogomaya Kalibari, temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali on Temple Street. It also houses a temple of Baba Loknath.
• Devi Choudhurani Mandir- A historical place
• Sun rise at Teesta incite real refreshment.
• Teesta Udyan, a children's park along the banks of the River Karala.
• Several Tea Gardens are very near to Jalpaiguri Town and are worth a visit.
• Baikunthapur Rajbaripara.
• Kalu Sahebs Mazar
• India's first Forensic Science laboratory in the Police Lines.
• Mount Kanchenjunga is visible from the town itself.

Timings And Other Important Information

From early Morning to Evening.

Weather And Time To Visit

The town experiences three seasons’ summers are tropical, Monsoon experiences high rainfall and winter temperatures are around 10 to 18 degrees. February, March and September to mid December are best for visit.

Accomodation

Forest rest house, Hotels, Lodges are available at Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri.

Tips For Devotees

• Take out shoes and wash hands, feet etc.
• Drugs, smoking and alcohol etc. are not allowed in complex.
• Pets are not allowed.

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