Maa Manasa Temple, Jakpur

Maa Manasa Temple stands in Jakpur, close to Kharagpur, in Paschim Medinipur district and is among the most popular temples in the district. It is dedicated to Manasa, the snake goddess, and has no roof, which sets it apart from most Bengal temples. There are no priests either: devotees bathe, perform the puja themselves, make their vows with incense, sindoor and garlands, and cook their own prasad. The present structure was rebuilt in 2012.

The story goes that farmers of Mahisha, a village in dense forest between today's Jakpur and Madpur stations, worshipped Manasa for protection from the many snakes there and as their goddess of farming, offering her a bundle of grain after each harvest. Around 400 years ago, it is said, the zamindar of Jakpur, Jogeshwar Roy, saw the goddess in a dream and was told to spread her worship; the forest spot was cleared and a road built to it. Crowds come on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and thousands gather for Manasa Puja.