Keshta-raya Temple of Bishnupur

A temple formed on the combination of two temple, is what depicts the true style of the Jor-Bangla architecture. Two such temples are found in Bishnupur, but only one of them remains in a preserved state. The second one is in ruins. The former and conserved one is the Jor-Bangla or Keshta-Raya Temple, and the other one known as Mahaprabhu temple.

The Keshta-Raya Temple is famous for its structural configuration and exclusive terracotta sculptures. According to the dilapidated inscriptional records, the temple is said to have been erected by Raghunatha Singha in 1655 AD. The structural pattern is unique in itself. It resembles the union of two hut-like structures, having two angled roofs combined to form a single architecture, installed with a char-chala tower on the crown.

Facing the southward direction, the temple has a base-platform measuring 11.8 m in length and 11.7 m in breadth, the stature being 10.7 m. The temple has some of the most exquisite terracotta works on all three sides of the porch facades. Except the stucco Shadbhuja (Six-Handed) figure of Sri Chaitanya (not worshipped nowadays), there is no other image or décor found inside the temple. Outer terracotta panels depict scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Krishna-Lila and other social themes. Exceptionally ornamented terracotta art places this temple high among all Bishnupur Temples.

The Mahaprabhu temple, as mentioned earlier, is in the Jor-Bangla group. It stands out to be probably constructed in 1734-35 AD, during the rule of Gopala Singha.

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Shakti Peeth - NalateshwariTemple

Nalateshwari Temple located in the Nalhati town of Birbhum district, is a nearby temple attraction to Tarapith. The town Nalhati is named after Nalateshwari temple, one of the 51 Sakti Peethas. It is only 16 km from Ram­purhat. The town is sanctified by the river Brahmani and Maa Nalateshwari, the Holy Goddess.

This temple is believed to be erected at a spot where the ‘Nala’, (Vocal chord with part of the tracheae), the throat of Goddess Sati (Sakti) had fallen .it is also believed that Debi’s ‘lalat’ (forehead) had fallen there. So she is called as ‘Nalateshwari’ .The temple is dedicated to the Kali form of Goddess Devi. It is located on a small & beautiful hillock.

Rani Bhabani had built a small temple over the Peetha of Sri Parbati Mata, later on or about the 1890s Maharaja Ranajit Singha of Nashipur built the temple and Dharamshala as we see it today.

The main temple of the town is that of Maa Nalateshwari’s temple. She is believed to be present in a big mounted rock, dipped with vermillion, She is adorned with a gold crown and three golden eyes. She has a beautiful silver arch on her crown with the images of Maa Durga, Maa kali and lord Shiva. Special rituals are held here during the kali Puja and on Amavasya (new moon) with yagna and also on every Tuesday of the ‘Jaishtya’ (mid may- mid June) month of the Bengali calendar. On every Saturday, ‘aarati’ is done with 108 ‘pradeeps’ (lamp) of pure ghee.

On daily basis, Maa is offered with fruits, sweets and ‘Chhana’ in the morning ,Later she is offered with ‘anna-bhog’(rice ), ‘sabji’s , 5 types of fries, fish and ‘payesh’ on the noon and finally ‘halua’, luchi and sweets in the night. The temple remains opened from 6 am to 10 pm daily. Sri Ranjan Chakraborty, the priest of the temple has shared this information.

Like all Sakti Peethas, this Mandir has an adjoining Shiva Mandir within the compound. Here the Shiva is known as Yogesh Bhairav and Sakti is Kalika Devi.

Unlike other Sakti Peethas, one can take snap of Devi Maa.

There is a huge sacred tree where the devotees bind red and yellow threads to fulfill their wishes.

Beside the main temple, Lord Ganesha is seated in another temple.. The temple walls are designed with beautiful panels of terracotta.

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