Neglected Temples of Bengal : (4) Durgeswar Shiv Temple

Durgeswar Shiv Temple

An example of the deviation from customary style of Atchala (8 roofed) tri-arched   Temple is Durgeswar Shiv Temple at Md. Ramjan Lane at Nimtala. Built in 1794,  this temple is west facing. Compared to its area coverage, the height is much out     of proportion, keeping with the massive size of the deity(Shivalinga).

     Info: Temple Architecture by Tarapada Santra

terracotta artwork on temple wall and entrance

full view of the temple

temple entrance

Neglected Temples of Bengal : (3) Pirha Deul Shiv Temple

Pirha Deul of Shyambazar Street

Pirha Deul means a temple with serrated top.

The best example of this style is Puri’s Jagannath Temple. Only one such sample exists in Kolkata, at 81, Shyambazar Street, named Bishwanath Shiv Temple.

Architecturally, it is estimated to have been built by first half of the 19th Century.

(Info courtesy Temple Architecture of Kolkata by Tarapada Santra)

Pirha Deul temple

Neglected Temples of Bengal : (2) Rameswar Shiv Temple

Rameswar Shiv Temple, Shovabazar

Builders of most of the 18th century big eight-roofed temples were very rich. One such specimen of Undistorted form of traditional atchala temple stands at 51, Nandaram  Sen Street, Shovabazar.

The Temple carries five stone plaques. Two stone tablets at the entrance of the temple carry the inscription which reads: “Bengali San 1061 date 30 Chaitra” i.e. 1655 A.D. Sri Purna Chandra De mentions that this date is erratic. It has been estimated from the architectural point of view that the temple had been built sometimes around mid 18th century.

(From the book “Temple Architecture of Kolkata” by Tarapada Santra)

Neglected Temples of Bengal : (1) Baneswar Shiv Temple

Baneswar Shiv Temple

Probably the best example of Terracotta work on Temple walls in Kolkata is Baneswar Shiv Temple built by Banamali Sarkar. Situated at 2/5, Banamali Sarkar Street in Kumartuli, this south facing temple has a single entrance and eight roofed (Atchala). Its original entrance has been blocked by a wall built later. Thus ruining the lower part of the Terracotta plaques .However, a part of the three rows of terracotta  plaques places on the curved cornice still exists in dilapidated condition.

The wall above the original entrance carries few slim plaques carrying multiplication signs placed in a curved horizontal row. At both ends of the curved cornice are placed a peacock holding snake with its beak. The next row has a row of plaques in the form of twisted rope. Notwithstanding the massive size of the temple, its height is proportional to its area coverage.  

(Info: Temple Architecture by Tarapada Santra)