4 Terracotta Temples of Guptipara in West Bengal, a Photo Essay
My first halt of Terracotta Temple Trail in West Bengal was at Guptipara Temple complex. The temple complex is known as Brindaban Chandra’s Math.
Guptipara Temple complex has 4 Vaishnava temples (dedicated to Lord Vishnu/Krishna). All the 4 temples here belong to medieval era, 17th to 18th century. They have beautiful terracotta ornamentation on their facades.
A good boundary wall around these temples has kept the place free of anti social elements or encroachment by land sharks. We were the first ones to visit, a little later the purohit of the temples walked in.
Entrance to Guptipara Temple complex
4 Terracotta Temples of Guptipara
Entering in to the complex was like entering a terracotta world with wonderful creations in natural materials.
To identify: as you enter you face the Brindavan Chandra Temple, to its right is Ramachandra Temple which has the maximum terracotta work on its facade. To the left is Krishnachandra Temple. To left of Krishna Chandraji temple is the Chaitanyadev Temple.
Here are some pictures of Guptipara terracotta temple facades, medieval Temples of Brindavan Chandra Math (17th – 18th century). The first two temples are Brindavan Chandraji’s temple and Krishna Chandraji’s temple, known as atchala (8 roofed) temples.
Krishna Chandra Mandir
As soon as you enter the math, meaning temple complex, you will find Krishna Chandra Mandir to your left.
Notice the roof style? It has 8 slopes, 4 in two layers of roofs. Hence the architecture style is called aat chala mandir – meaning 8 roofed temple.
Guptipara Terracotta Temple Facades – Krishna Chandra ji Mandir
Brindvan Chandra Mandir
This is the main temple of the 4 terracotta temples of Guptipara. In fact the complex is named after this temple. Do you notice the similarity? Yes Brindavan Chandra Mandir too is aat chala style of Bengal architecture. The facade is plain.
Here is a more elaborate post: Brindavan Chandra Mandir Guptipara
Guptipara Terracotta Temple Facades – Brindavan Chandra ji Mandir
Ram Chandraji’s Temple Guptipara
Among the 4 Terracotta Temples of Guptipara Ram Chandra Mandir is the most beautiful one. The sight Ramachandra Temple facade Adorned with terracotta human and animal figures was worth the effort I took to search out the temple complex.
Ramachandra Temple known by its turret, it is the Ekratna style temple (meaning single turret temple). This temple was constructed by the king of Sheorafuli, Harishchandra Ray.
Octagonal Turret of Ram Chandra Mandir Guptipara
Chaitanya Deva Temple
Yet another temple exists in this complex. It is the Chaitanya Deva temple. Bishwar Roy built this temple in the mid-sixteenth century. This is the oldest of the four temples, you can find it at left side, interior part of the fortified complex. You will find a few statues displayed here.
The temple seemed uncared and that made me feel sad. One more disappointing fact was that most part of the facade was cemented covering the precious terracotta designs and tiles.
Chaitanya Deva Temple at the extreme corner
Chaitanya Deva Temple facade
A little away outside the temple complex was the colorfully painted Gutipara Rath. This was the ceremonial chariot for carrying the temple idols during festivals.
Guptipara Rath
Tickets and Timings
No tickets are need to visit these 4 Guptipara Terracotta temple complex. During festival time there are separate timings for the temple. On all other days the temple is open by 8am.
Pin this for later
Beautiful! Seeing such shapes of the temples for the first time. How I wish ti see these. Will do some time!
I read all the posts on Guptipara and am really really interested… I love bishnupur and go there as often as i can (having my grandad living there is a bonus ofcourse!!)
and I want to visit terracotta temples beyond bishnupur now…and you have provided me the first place 🙂
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com/
I am looking fwd to c sunderbans pics!
Wonderful Indrani! I should have seen all these this January, but my trip to Sunderbans was cancelled at the last minute 🙁 Hope to see it all soon!
Beautiful temples. I have heard about them but not seen.
These temples are incredibly beautiful!
They're wonderful!
This temple looks unique in structure! Beautiful coverage
Beautiful structures!!! Love those roofs.
Hugs
SueAnn
great
Lovely…been there, seen all that–so the post made me nostalgic. Fascinating clay-craft and pics!
It was lovely talking to you, Indrani!:)
Interesting architecture. You have captured it well.
beautiful. am planning on seeing sunderbans via bangladesh next time we go back.
I like so much these fascinating temples, Indrani! A beautiful post.
Great shots of the temple. Must have been a fascinating trip.
Incredible and gorgeous indeed, Indrani, I do love the terracotta!! Marvelous captures as always! Enjoy your weekend!
These are beautiful temples.
just gorgeous structures!