Jalpesh Temple

Jalpesh Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Jalpesh village near Maynaguri in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal. It is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in North Bengal, housing a sacred Shiva Lingam known as Anadi. The temple is notable for its historical association with the Koch dynasty and its annual Jalpesh Mela held on Maha Shivaratri.

Visitors can expect a traditional North Bengal temple complex centered around the main Shiva shrine with a Shiva Lingam. The complex includes open courtyards, smaller shrines, and a large fairground used during festivals. The surroundings are rural and flat with agricultural fields. Visitors can observe daily worship rituals, explore the temple architecture, and experience a busy pilgrim atmosphere especially during Shivratri and Shravani Mela.

Jalpesh Temple was originally established in 1524 by Bisu Singh, founder of the Koch dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1563 by Maharaja Pran Narayan of Cooch Behar. The present structure was reconstructed in 1899 by the Raikat King of Jalpaiguri after damage from the 1897 Assam earthquake. The temple has been a major Shaivite centre in North Bengal for over 400 years.

The temple is a major Shaivite pilgrimage centre in North Bengal dedicated to Lord Shiva as Jalpeshwar. It is culturally significant for the annual Jalpesh Mela on Maha Shivaratri (February-March) and the month-long Shravani Mela in July-August, when devotees offer water to the Shiva Lingam. The fair includes traditional rituals, folk gatherings and local trade.