Brindavanchandra Mandir Guptipara Terracotta Temple
There are 4 great Vaishnava Temples: Chaitanya, Brindaban Chandra, Ramchandra, and Krishnachandra temples in Guptipara Temple Complex. All are terracotta temples.
This post is on the main temple: Brindavan Chandra Mandir. To its left is Krishna Chandraji’s Temple and one on the right is Ramchandra Temple. When we reached after road trip from Kalyani to Guptipara only Brindavanchandra Temple was open. The purohit (priest) was offering morning prayers.
Meet the purohit here: Faces of India 105- Purohit of Brindavanchandra Math
Brindavanchandra Mandir Guptipara West Bengal
Brindavan Chandra Temple Story
There is an interesting story of why Brindavanchandra Temple was made.
During the regime of nawab Alibardi Khan, it was brought to his notice that tax was not paid for a long time for a plot of land in the name of Shri Brindaban Chandra. So he immediately ordered the offender, Shri Brindaban Chandra, to be brought to his court. Little did he know that Brindavan Chandra was none other than Lord Krishna!
His worshipers made a replica of Brindaban Chandra and took it to the court. Alibardi Khan was surprised to see the deity. Guilty and ashamed he cancelled all tax dues and gave permission to build the temple of Brindaban Chandra. And thus the temple came to existence!
Vessels for Puja
Brindavan Chandra Mandir Guptipara
Brindavan Chandra Temple houses idols of Lord Jaganath, Balarama and Subhadra. Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is the most celebrated festival here. Idols are carried in rath (chariot) to Masir Badi (aunt’s house), Gopal Temple at Burrabazar, Guptipara, on this day.
For 7 days the idols are worshiped in this temple. After that the idols are brought back to the home temple, that is Brindavan Chandra Mandir. This part of the festival is called ulto rath.
Sharing with you some more pictures of Brindavan Chandra Math Guptipara. While the facades are covered with simple but beautiful terracotta panels, the interiors have beautiful frescoes.
Saddest part is since the terracotta panels are wearing away a coat of cement has been applied on them. So most parts of the facade has a dull gray shade in contrast to the bright red facade of the nearby Ramchandra Mandir.
This temple is of the aat chala style (8 roofs) of Bengal architecture in temples.
Interior of Brindavanchandra Mandir Guptipara
Most of the patterns and paintings exist from 17th century and are faint and the place is dimly lit. Photography here can be a little tricky.
Fine paintings adorn the walls and ceilings of this temple. Surprisingly the space around is very narrow… just two to three feet in distance. The ceiling is arched in this part and walls right up to ceiling are covered with scenes from Lord Krishna’s life story.
Sadly most of it is fading away. The temple definitely requires a restoration work. I wish the West Bengal tourism department took up the work of restoration and renovation seriously and quickly.
Narrow ceiling of Brindavan Chandra Mandir Guptipara
ceiling fan for summers
Narrow door inside Brindavanchandra Mandir
Tickets and Timings
No tickets are need to visit this temple complex. During festival time there are separate timings for the temple. On all other days the temple is open by 8am.
How to visit Brindabanchandra Math
There are plenty of state transport buses, private taxis and trains from Howrah to Guptipara. It takes less than 2 hours by road or rail. Nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose airport in Kolkata. Guptipara is an ideal weekend destination from Kolkata.
Pin this for later
Lovely colourful pictures as always Indrani
Nice Coverage in Pics!
As usual, Nics photos and information of the Guptipara Temple complex.
Nice photos of Shri Krishna
Beautiful pictures…how old are these temples, Indrani? Who looks after them?
A rich heritage is reflected in the art. Hope the authorities prevent further erosion
So much of our heritage is falling into ruins because of apathy! Disheartening.
Nice write packed with useful info and lovely pictures.
nice pics…. please add alt text and title to your pics.
Amazing and beautiful post.. just bookmarked it I love coming here ….. again..
thnks
What a fine ceiling!
Wonderful shots of an interesting place.
What a beautiful celing!
Indrani, Your posts are great. A fantastic photographs.
I love coming here and poznawć beauty of the world!
Regards
Lucia
Yes, there are some wonderful paintings that need protection.
Liebe Indrani, vielen Dank für diese wunderbaren Bilder…
Umarmung und Grüsse aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter
Nice captures of the paintings.
It is sad that our old temples remain uncared for.Are they under the control of the state government?There must be philantropists who would be willing to restore the temple to its pristine glory.
Lovely and colorful and wonderful captures as always. Hope your week is going well, Indrani!
Good to know and lovely pics Indrani.