More Of Temple Architecture In Bengal

The first part of the trip is here

We then headed towards other temples in the group. 

We crossed the roofless brick build Ras Mancha which, when illuminated looks spectacular. During Kalna Porjoton Utsab which is organized every winter, the entire temple complex is decorated with lights and the Ras Mancha is key highlight that evening.

Ras Manch

Lalaji Mandir

This is the oldest in group here. This brick built panchavimsati ratna temple was erected in 1739. It is situated in a closed compound. The natamandapa is in front of the temple and the temple inside is known as Girigovardhana temple.  This temple is  also decorated with rich terracotta ornamentation.

Standing in front of a Structure that is 280 years old

We were advised by the custodian here to see the 108 Narayan Shila placed in the same premises.

Narayan Shilas

Pancharatna Temple

These atchala brick built temples are of varying size standing in a row on low platforms. These are collectively and popularly known as Pancharatna temples which were built in 19^th century AD

Pancharatna Temple

Krishnachandraji Temple

This  magnificient brick built panchabimsati-ratna temple. This temples comes with an elongated chala type verandah in front with three-arched entrances.  The boards say it was constructed in 1751 – 55 AD. Its facades are also embellished with  beautiful Terracotta ornamentation.

The Calm Atmosphere Beckons..

Vijay Vaidyanath Temple

This brick build atchala temple raised on high platform is having a sanctum cella fronted by a verandah with triple arched entrances. The frontal façade is decorated with variety of terracotta plaques

The View From The Temple Verandah

We covered Ram Sita Mandir and walked a few minutes to Shyam Sundar Mandir. There were a few singing devotional songs which definitely added to our happy mood.

How to reach:

If you board a local train from Howrah or Sealdah, you need to get down in Ambika Kalna. By road, this temple town can be accessed from Krishnanagar, Katwa, Bandel, Pandua, Boinchi, Memari and Bardhaman

Ambika Kalna, popularly called just Kalna is part of Bardhamanr district of West Bengal, however it is near the border with Nadia and Hooghly District.

Other two famous pilgrims close to Kalna are Nabadwip, the abode of Sri Chaitanya and Mayapur, famous for the centre of ISKCON.

We will go there again to cover the rest of Kalna's Temple architecture - most probably in the last Saturday of the Bengali Month of Baisakh (May 2019) when there is special puja in Debi Bhabani's temple, popularized by Sage Bhaba Pagla

Pathuria Mahal Ghat which is used as a Ferry Ghat

Siddeshwari Temple that houses Goddess Ambika, built by the King of Bardhaman, Chitra Sen in 1740

250 years old Anantabasudev Mandir in Shyamrai Para that was renovated by Maharaj Bahktipromode Puri Goswami, roughly 60 years back that is now taken care by his relatives, mostly nephews and nieces

The oldest Buddhist temple in Bara Mitra Para, approximately four decades old which is looked after by a small Buddhist community.

And the train ride to Kalna, will continue a few more times. As I had a senior with me, I kept it limited to just a few temples this time. 

I am not sure if I can wait till May 2019. I might just board the same local train next month with a larger group.