Puthia Temple Complex, Rajshahi
Built by the Puthia Raj family, this complex has the largest number of historic temples in Bangladesh, rich in terracotta.
Last checked: Β· 1 sources
Where, and who built it
The complex is in Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi District, about 23 km east of Rajshahi city. Wikipedia says it has the largest number of historic temples in Bangladesh. They were built by the Hindu zamindar rajas of the Puthia Raj family. (Source: Wikipedia, Puthia Temple Complex)
The temples surround the Shyam Sagar lake, and a moat called Shiv Sagar encloses the complex. They are built in terracotta, mixing the Jor-bangla style with other influences. The Rajbari palace and Dol Mancha are part of it. (Source: Wikipedia, Puthia Temple Complex)
The big Shiva temple and Jagannath temple
The Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple (Boro Shiv Mandir) was built in 1823 by Rani Bhubonmoyee Devi, widow of Raja Jagat Narayan Roy. It is described as the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh, with a very large black basalt Shiva linga. Its five-spire Pancha Ratna design has 108 sub-pinnacles on the central spire. The carvings were damaged in 1971, and it is now a protected monument. (Source: Wikipedia, Puthia Temple Complex)
The Jagannath Temple (Rath Mandir) stands next to the Shiva temple and is two-storied and octagonal. (Source: Wikipedia, Puthia Temple Complex)
Govinda temple and the others
The Pancha Ratna Govinda Temple (Boro Govindo Mandir) is dedicated to Krishna, built in the mid-19th century by the queen of Puthia, and known for terracotta of Krishna and Radha. Wikipedia also gives a conflicting range of 1823 to 1895 for its construction. It notes that a nearby college and lack of conservation threaten the temple. (Source: Wikipedia, Puthia Temple Complex)
- Choto Govinda Mandir: Char Chala style, believed to date from the 1790s to 1800s. Its southern facade has terracotta panels of Vishnu's avatars, a Ramayana episode and Radha-Krishna scenes.
- Bara Anhik Mandir: a central do chala flanked by two char chala structures, facing east. Wikipedia says the only similar temple in Bangladesh is the Rajaram Mandir in Faridpur.
- Chota Anhik Mandir: a small do chala temple near the Govinda temple.
- Choto Shiv Mandir: a small Char Chala temple behind the Puthia Rajbari with intricate terracotta on its front.
π‘ The complex takes time to walk around, so wear comfortable shoes. Do not touch the terracotta panels.
π‘ We found no official source for opening hours or tickets, so check before you go.
Questions
- Where is Puthia temple complex?
- In Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi District, about 23 km east of Rajshahi city.
- Which is the biggest temple in Puthia?
- The Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, built in 1823 by Rani Bhubonmoyee Devi, described as the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh.
- What is special about Puthia Govinda temple?
- Its terracotta of Krishna and Radha. It is a Pancha Ratna style temple.
See also
Kantajew TempleDhakeshwari TempleShivratri 2027Calendar 2027