Laterite Temple of Gokulnagar, West Bengal

Gokulchand temple in Gokulnagar is another jewel in the list of stone temples of West Bengal. This is made of laterite stones and is the largest one in Bankura district. After seeing so many temples of West Bengal in my blog, I am sure you have easily recognized this as pancha ratna (five pinnacled) temple. The dimensions measure: 64ft. in height and the area of temple complex is 23,500 sq. ft.

The Gokuleswar temple was constructed by the Malla King Raghunath Simha I in 1643. Not much is known about the temple through books. Legend has it that over a thousand years ago:

a ruler of the area built three giant temples within a radius of 4km, dedicated to Gokuleshwar, Gandheshwar and Bhubaneshwar. Only the Gokuleshwar temple has survived.

Laterite temple of Gokulnagar

5 pinnacles Gokulchand Temple in Gokulnagar West Bengal.

There are triple arched entrance on all 4 sides of the Gokulchand Temple. A circum-ambulatory path goes around the temple. It has just a photograph of the idol that was originally there inside. The original idol is now in a palace in Bishnupur and is brought to the temple only during main festivals like Holi, Janmashtami.
3 arched entrance to Gokulchand Temple

3 arched entrance to Gokulchand Temple Gokulnagar

The walls have motifs of 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu; many of them have eroded off, yet they are picture worthy.

Wall of Gokulchand Temple

Worn out sculpted forms in the walls of Gokulchand Temple, Gokulnagar

Worn off Narasimha Avtar of Lord Vishnu in Gokulchand Temple

Worn off Narasimha Avtar of Lord Vishnu in Gokulchand Temple

The purohit (priest) of the temple preparing bhog (daily offerings to God).

Purohit at Gokulchand Temple, Gokulnagar.

Purohit at Gokulchand Temple, Gokulnagar.

Okay, that is me working hard to take a good frame for you all.

Natyamandir and Tulsimanch in Gokulchand Temple Gokulnagar

Natyamandir and Tulsimanch in Gokulchand Temple Gokulnagar

How to reach Laterite Temple of Gokulnagar

From Kolkata the shortest route is via Ahilyabai Holkar Road. This distance of 134kms can be done in 4hours. The route has tolls. The longer circuitous road through NH17  measures 172kms. Alternately you can take a bus or train to Bishnupur and then hire a taxi from there to Laterite Temple of Gokulnagar. Time to cover this distance is 40minutes approx.

You can read more here: Next weekend you can be at … Gokulnagar

Gokulchand Temple, Laterite Temple of Gokulnagar, West Bengal
Photograph the Sunset in Bishnupur Incredible India

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