Shri Mahishasuramardin Temple Shakti Peeth

Shri Mahishasuramardini Temple is one of the revered 51 Shakti Peethas located in Bakreshwar, in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. This sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahishasuramardini, a fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga who vanquished the demon Mahishasura.

“जहाँ माँ महिषासुरमर्दिनी का वास है, वहाँ भय, पीड़ा और अज्ञान का नाश होता है।”

― Shri Mahishasuramardin Temple Shakti Peeth

It holds immense religious significance due to its association with the mythological event where the body parts of Sati (Goddess Parvati) fell on Earth. Here, it is believed that her “bhrukuti” (space between the eyebrows/mind) fell, giving the temple immense spiritual power.

History of Shri Mahishasuramardin Temple Shakti Peeth

According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, when Sati immolated herself during Daksha’s Yagna, Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe. Lord Vishnu dismembered her body with his Sudarshan Chakra to save the world from Shiva’s grief. The body parts fell at 51 locations, which became the Shakti Peethas.
At Bakreshwar, the “mind” or “eyebrow center” of Sati is believed to have fallen. Thus, the Goddess is worshipped here as Mahishasuramardini and the accompanying Bhairava (Shiva) is known as Vakranath.
The temple is also associated with Rishi Ashtavakra, who meditated here for thousands of years. His name is linked with the place “Bakreshwar”, derived from “Vakra” (crooked), referring to his curved body.

Significance of the Temple

It is one of the most spiritually powerful Shakti Peethas because the mind, considered the seat of consciousness, fell here.
Devotees visit this temple seeking freedom from inner demons like ego, anger, and ignorance.
The temple symbolizes victory of good over evil, as the Goddess killed the demon Mahishasura in this form.
The nearby Bakreshwar hot springs are considered sacred and have healing properties.