Puthia Temple Complex, Bangladesh

Puthia Temple Complex  

Puthia Temple Complex  is a cluster of centuries-old Hindu temples some 23 kilometres to the east of Rajshahi city in Bangladesh.

The temples were built by Hindu Zamindars of the Puthia Raj family. They were noted philanthropists and followers of Vaishnavism mainly.  Some 17 large and small temples still exist at Puthia now. The temples are laid out around lakes Shyam Sarobar & Gobind Sarobar with a sprawling lawn.

Puthia Dol Mandir

A large four storey structure coated with white plaster towering above the surrounding lakes, bazaar and all other buildings and guards the entrance to the palace precinct. This square shaped fortress like building is actually the largest temple of the Puthia temple complex. Housing ancient black-stone statues of the holy Hindu couple Krishna and Radha. According to an inscription Dol-Govinda-Mandir was constructed in 1778 by the Panch Ani Raja Vubanendra Narayan.

Puthia Punchratna Govinda Temple.

In the palace courtyard lies another impressive offering to the divine lovers Radha and Krishna which is called Bara Govinda temple. Placed on a high stone carved platform, this gigantic brick built structure is famous for its exquisite terracotta ornamentation. The outer wall of the temple has gracefully depicted the legends of Ramayan, Radha-Krishna. It is assumed from its architectural style that it was built in the second of half of 17th century. Puthia royal family was converted to Vaishnavism by Radhamohana Thakura.

Puthia Ahnik Temple and (Small) Chota Govinda Temple

The palace courtyard is studded with many small beautiful and exquisite terracotta shrines belonging to many deities. Just a few metres across, beside the treasury house of the palace, situated a complex of four temples. These four historic temples are Boro Ahnik temple, Chhoto Ahnik temple, Chhoto Govinda temple and Gopal temple. Chhoto Govinda temple is believed to date to 1790-1800s period.

Chhota Ahnik Mandir

Chhota Ahnik Mandir : Its inner are highly decorated with terracotta plaques depicting Radha-krishna-Balram legends, the episode of Ramayana and floral motifs like the Bara Govinda Mandir. The whole structure is covered by a do-chala roof with curved cornice. The date of construction is unknown to us. But it is assumed that it may be erected during the last of 18th or the first decade of the 19th century.

 

Puthia Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple within the complex.

Puthia Gopal Mandir

Gopal Mandir : It is a flat roof Dalan temple, situated near the Chhota Govinda Mandir also known as Radhakanta Mandir. This south facing and two storied building is placed on a high platform. There is a staircase on the west to reach the platform. It is a very simple structure. Structurally it may be called one ratna temple. Inner and outer wall surfaces of the whole structure are covered with plaster only. It is the building of 20th century.

Puthia Shiva Temple

On the other side of the lakes, there are two massive but a bit isolated temples. One is called temple of Tara and another is temple of Shiva. The first one is almost destroyed and engulfed by trees and shrubs. However, the latter is well preserved and highly revered by the Hindus as it is considered as the largest Shiva temple of Bangladesh. There is a large black basalt Shiva Linga in the central cell. The temple was built by Rani Vobonmoyee in 1823-1830 and it is said that three millions of taka were expended for the construction of this temple.  During the liberation war in 1971, Pakistani army attempted to destroy the "Shiva Linga," but was unable to move it.

Puthia Temple Complex