Stories
Discovering the Hidden Temples of Bengal Beyond Durga Puja
M
Moneycontrol•19-10-2026, 16:08
Discovering the Hidden Temples of Bengal Beyond Durga Puja
- •Durga Puja in Kolkata is vibrant, but travelers can extend their trips to explore lesser-known temple towns across West Bengal.
- •The Hanseswari Temple in Bansberia features a unique medieval castle-like design with thirteen lotus-topped towers.
- •Kalna is home to the Nava Kailasha Temples, featuring 108 shrines arranged in two concentric circles with alternating Shiva lingas.
- •The Pratapeshwar Temple in Kalna and the Gokulchand Temple in Gokulnagar showcase magnificent terracotta and laterite stone architecture.
- •Regions like Bankura, Puruliya, and Hooghly offer a rich historical heritage trail for travelers willing to venture off the beaten path.
Key Questions Answered
The Hanseswari Temple features thirteen towers with lotus-shaped tops, blending temple architecture with a medieval European castle. Its five-storey design follows Tantric principles to depict the human body's structure in the 'Ratna' style.
The Nava Kailasha Temples feature 108 shrines built in two concentric circles. The outer circle contains 74 shrines with alternating black granite and white marble Shiva lingas, while the inner circle holds 34 white shrines.
Built in 1643, the Gokulchand Temple in Gokulnagar is distinctive for being constructed with dark, laterite stone rather than the regional red terracotta. Despite past neglect and plundering, it features a massive, five-pinnacled shrine with fine lines and elegant form.
