North of the main temple is the Dudhpukur, or ‘milk pond,’ which is held by local tradition to be both sacred and healing, with waters possessing the qualities of milk. The tank was built by Raja Bharamalla alongside the temple in 1729 and its waters are believed to fulfil the prayers of those who take a ritual dip. Pilgrims bathe in the Dudhpukur before entering the temple for darshan, following a sequence that moves from bodily purification to spiritual encounter.
The tank is also a pleasant space in its own right: broad stone ghats descend to the water’s edge and in the early morning the tank catches the light beautifully, with lotus-sellers and bathers moving against a backdrop of temple spires. Tarakeswar's most atmospheric moments occur in the evenings, especially during festivals, when the ghats are lit up by oil lamps and candles.
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