Bhukailash Temple, West Bengal

 Bhukailash Dwadasha Devasthanam, also known as Bhukailas Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Howrah district of West Bengal, India. The temple is believed to have been built in the 19th century by the renowned saint, Raja Naba Kishore De. The temple complex consists of 12 Shiva lingams, hence the name Dwadasha Devasthanam, which means twelve places of worship.

The temple is built in the Bengali style of architecture and has a unique design that sets it apart from other temples in the region. The entrance to the temple is through a large gate, which is guarded by two statues of lions. The gate leads to a courtyard, which is surrounded by a boundary wall made of bricks and cement.

The main temple is situated in the middle of the courtyard and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built on a raised platform and has a large dome-shaped roof. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful carvings and paintings depicting the various forms of Lord Shiva. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the twelve Shiva lingams, which are arranged in a circle.

Each of the twelve Shiva lingams represents a different manifestation of Lord Shiva. The lingams are named after the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest of all Shiva temples. The twelve lingams are known as Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Triambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram, and Grishneshwar.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day, especially during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. During the festival, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers, and special prayers and offerings are made to Lord Shiva.

Apart from the main temple, the Bhukailash Dwadasha Devasthanam complex also has several other smaller temples dedicated to various deities, including Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, and Lord Hanuman. The complex also has a large pond called the Shiv Sarobar, which is believed to have healing powers. Devotees take a dip in the pond and offer prayers to Lord Shiva for good health and well-being.

The temple complex also has several other facilities for the convenience of the devotees, including a canteen, restrooms, and a cloakroom. The temple authorities also organize various cultural and social events throughout the year, including music and dance performances, and charitable activities such as free medical camps and food distribution programs.

The Bhukailash Dwadasha Devasthanam is not only a place of worship but also a center of cultural and social activity. The temple has played a significant role in the development of the local community and has become an important landmark in the region.

In conclusion, Bhukailash Dwadasha Devasthanam is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Howrah district of West Bengal, India. The temple is known for its unique design and the twelve Shiva lingams, which represent the various manifestations of Lord Shiva. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day and is especially popular during the festival of Maha Shivaratri. The temple complex also has several other smaller temples, a large pond, and facilities for the convenience of the devotees. The Bhukailash Dwadasha Devasthanam is not only a place of worship but also a center of cultural and social activity and has played a significant role.