What is "baneswar"

Baneswar is a small town in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, India.

Baneswar is known for its Shiva temple, and for its tortoises (locally known as 'mohan') which live in 'shiv pukur' near the temple.

The word 'Baneswar' came from Ban+eeswar. Ban was a 'king of Asura'. He carried out 'Shiva linga', and wished to bring eeswar (Lord Shiva) to 'Patal', but he failed. The 'Shiva linga' fixed at where the temple could see today. Not only local people but also many outsiders come to pray. Debotro trust organises Shiva mela every year (during shiv chaturdashi, i.e. the 14th lunar day of the dark fortnight of the month of Magha) near the temple.

Baneswar is well connected with the district town Cooch Behar (12 km) and subdivision town Alipurduar (13 km).