Navaratna Terracotta Temple Duttapara in Joypur Bankura

From Depara Temple we moved on to Duttapara Temple, hardly few 100m away, very much within walking distance. We were on a hunt for terracotta temples in remote parts of West Bengal India.

Dodging the cows set free in the lanes of Duttapara we managed to reach our destination. It seemed to struggle for some breathing space, wedged between tin roofed houses. Add to that the tightening grip of trees on the walls and roof of the temple.

Navaratna Terracotta Temple Duttapara in Joypur Bankura

Navaratna Terracotta Temple Duttapara

Nabaratna Damodar Mandir is a 9 pinnacled terracotta Temple 300 years old, dedicated to Lord Damodar. This too belonged to zamindar (landlord) family who flourished well in cloth business once.

The navaratna style of temple architecture here is very evident. It incorporates 2 levels, each with 4 spires in corners – that makes 8. Then there is a central pavilion above, thus a total of 9 spires. (Nava means 9 and ratna here means spire.)

This terracotta temple appeared to be in an even more dilapidated worn down condition. As I walked past the temple I couldn’t believe this was once the most revered temple of the area. The family has fallen into hard times and that explains the neglect of this beautiful temple.
9 pinnacled terracotta Temple duttapara
This is the view one gets from the road. You have to walk through the small passage on the left to get to front of the temple, it is in the courtyard of Dutta Family’s house.

The southern facade with elaborate terracotta work somehow being maintained. It has some quality works that has withstood the deteriorating effect of time. I had to dedicate a blogpost for the facade art alone. There are similar three arched structure on all sides of the temple.

More pictures. See Duttapara Terracotta Temple in Joypur near Bishnupur India

Roof of Navaratna damodar temple duttapara Joypur

Front Facade on Roof of Duttapara Temple

Arch on roof back facade of Duttapara Temple

Terracotta work on Back facade of roof of Duttapara Temple

How the village localities are named in West Bengal India

You must have noticed the term para common in both Depara and Duttapara. Both are localities in Joypur village of Bankura district. Very often these localities were named after the richest zamindar (landlord) who was also the most reputed there.

So the name Duttapara indicates zamindar with Dutta as their surname flourished there. And in Depara, zamindar with De as surname held authority. Para – translates to locality.

Locally these temples are called Bishnu Mandir or Damodar Mandir. (Bengalis pronounce V as B.) But since they are located in these 2 localities they are called Depara Temple and Duttapara Temple.

Nabaratna Damodar Mandir Duttapara Joypur

How to reach Duttapara Temple

Duttapara Temple is located in Joypur village of Bankura district. Joypur is 15km east of Bishnupur. You can avail private taxis or state run buses to reach Duttapara. Once there you will have to ask for directions from locals to reach the temple finally. They are helpful and are used to answering tourists coming in search of the temples.

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