Jalpesh Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Civil Enclave Bagdogra is the nearest airport.

• By train

  New Mainaguri railway station serves the town directly. New Jalpaiguri junction is about 45 km from the town.

• By road

  Regular buses run by state and private operators connect the area's main places.

Why devotees come here

Jalpesh Temple stands on the banks of the Jarda river, 7 to 8 km from Mainaguri town in West Bengal. Shiva is worshipped here as Bhairava Jalpesh, a form linked to the Bhramari Shakti Peeth. Pilgrims come for the old Shivaratri fair.

Jalpesh Temple is dedicated to Bhairava as Jalpesh, a form of Shiva, and is linked to the Bhramari Shakti Peeth. The main shrine holds a Shivalinga called Anadi. Mahashivratri is the main festival here, and hundreds of thousands of people gather for the fair, which is one of the oldest in West Bengal.

The temple was founded in 1524 by Bishwa Singha, father of Maharaja Nara Narayan of Cooch Behar. King Pran Narayan rebuilt it in 1663. In 1899, on 30 January, Rani Jagadeswari Devi, wife of King Jagendra Deva Raikut, had the temple restored. An earthquake later caused many cracks in the walls and spire.

Shravani Mela is held in the temple during the month of Shravan. The temple stands on the banks of the Jarda river, 7 to 8 km from Mainaguri town.

Festivals

• Main festival of the yearMahashivratri

  Hundreds of thousands of people gather for the fair, one of the oldest fairs in West Bengal.

• Shravan monthShravani Mela

  A mela held in the temple during the month of Shravan.

Tips for your visit

• Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary are local attractions near the temple.
• Shravani Mela is held in the temple during the month of Shravan, a second fair besides Mahashivratri.

Questions people ask