Ananta Basudeba Krishna Temple, Hoogly
Ananta Basudeba Krishna
Temple is a famous temple of West Bengal dedicated to Sri Krishna. It is
located in Bansberia in the Hoogly district of West Bengal. Bansberia is famous
for two ancient temples. One is of 17th century, ancient Ananta
Basudeba Krishna Temple and the other is the more recent Hangseshwari Temple.
In fact, they are located beside each other in the same temple complex.
HISTORY
Raghab Duttaroy was the
zamindar of the place which is Bansberia today, appointed by the Mughal emperor
of that time. This zamindar's son, Rameshwar Dutta built a fort in this area,
clearing a section of a bamboo forest. 'Baansh' in Bengali translates to
bamboo. Thus this place was named Bansberia. Rameshwar Dutta was a devout Vaishnav
or devotee of Lord Krishna. Rameshwar Dutta took the initiative to construct
the Ananta Basudeba Temple. Thus in 1679, the temple came up in honor of Lord
Krishna.
THE TEMPLE
The exquisite beauty of the temple lies in the intricate terracotta work. The walls are adorned with terracotta art depicting stories and scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and also various stories from the life of Krishna, like his deeds as a naughty child or as the eternal lover. The walls with the detailed art are a treat for the eyes and its beauty attracts tourists all the year.
Anant_Vishnu_Mandir_and_Hanseswari_Mandir_Bansberia_Hooghly |
Lord Krishna is the most
worshipped deity in India. He is the Supreme Being and also the main
character in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. The philosophy that he imparts
to Arjuna forms the crux of the holy Bhagvad Gita. The Vaishnavis consider
Lord Krishna and Shri Ram to be avatars of Lord Vishnu. Krishna is seen
playing the flute and is dark in colour. He was born to Vasudeva, the person
in command of the Yadavas and Devki. Thus he was named Vasudeva's Krishna,
pronounced as Vaasudeva. This form was the earliest forms to be worshipped
according to Vaishnavism. |