Lalji Temple, the Oldest Terracotta Temple of Kalna, West Bengal
Lalji Temple is protected within a separate enclosure inside temple complex of Kalna. It is the oldest among the several terracotta temples here.
Yet another interesting fact of Lalji terracotta temple is that, like the Pratapeshwar Temple, this too was built by a woman. It was built by Braja Kishori Devi, the wife of Maharaja Jagat Ram in 1739.
Lalji Mandir in Ambkika Kalna Bengal
History of Terracotta Temples in Kalna
Lalji Temple history is very interesting. But before that a bit about Ambika Kalna which is reputed to be the temple town of Bardhaman district of West Bengal. Kalna town’s history dates back to the Gupta Dynasty which ruled this region between 3rd and 5th century AD.
During medieval times Hindu Kings ruled over the place. When the kings of Bardhaman wanted to construct temples they faced this acute shortage of stone for construction. It is located in banks of River Ganges so the artisans procured clay from the banks of the river, made bricks and to adorn them they made terracotta panels.
The skilled artisans decorated these terracotta panels with human figures, animals, symmetric geometric designs and lot of stories from Puranas and Hindu mythological texts.
Lalji Temple, Natyamandapa and Giri Govardhan Temple
Legend of Lalji Temple
Here is a legend how the temple got the name – Lalji Temple.
A poor sadhu, called Lalji, had halted in Kalna seeking alms. He had this beautiful idol of Lord Krishna. Brajakishori Devi took fascination for the idol and requested him to leave the idol with her. Initially the sadhu was hesitant but when Braja Kishori Devi suggested marriage of his idol of Krishna with her idol of Radha the sadhu relented.
Thus the idols were married and installed inside the temple. Lalji then stayed back in Ambika Kalna to continue worshiping his Lord Krishna. After his death due to old age the locals fondly called the temple by his name – Lalji Mandir.
Architecture of Lalji Temple
It is built of bricks covered with terracotta panels. Sadly parts of the facade is now covered with a layer of cement hiding the worn out details. Here and there some parts of the terracotta peeps out giving a burst of color to the otherwise dull cemented background. Nevertheless what remains amazed me beyond words.
The peculiar feature of this temple is the 25 peaks on the roof, for this reason these type of temples are known as are known as Panchabinsati-Ratna Mandir (25 peaks). Lalji Temple looks very beautiful from a distance.
Count the peaks carefully there are 12 peaks/pinnacles in first layer, 3 in each corner. Next layer has 8 peaks with 2 in each corner, the third layer has 4 pinnacles and finally a single big pinnacle at the centre; totaling to 25 pinnacles.
Natamandapa (hall for dancers) Lalji Temple
There is a Natamandapa (hall for dancers) in the enclosure, which may have been built for dance performances during festivals and important days as the name suggests. Each pillar of the structure is elaborately decorated with terracotta figures.
Natamandapa (hall for dances) Lalji Temple Kalna Bengal
Lalji Temple Facade Details
Lalji Oldest Terracotta Temple of Kalna is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. Idols of Krishna and Radha in picture below. Oh! the flute is missing!
Girigovardhan Temple, Kalna
Within the same enclosure, just opposite to Lalji Temple is Giri Govardhan temple which has a very different architecture. The roof is designed like a mountain with crocodiles, peacocks, a huge snake, meditating saints and an idol of Lord Ganesha too. This style too belongs to Bengal school of architecture but of much later period.
Location of Lalji Temple Kalna
Lalji Temple is within an enclosure inside the temple complex of Kalna.
Kalna is known as the temple town of Bardhaman. It is 6o km from the district headquarters of Bardhman. Bardhman is 100 km approx. north of Kolkata, West Bengal. Modes of transport available are: train, bus, private taxis.
Temple Timings
Lalji Oldest Terracotta Temple of Kalna is open on all days 6.30am to 7pm through out the year. No tickets are required to visit the temple.
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Beautiful ! Serene !! Joi Maa Kaali !
In the beautiful pictures of the post I seem to hear the voice of history with divine passion.
amazing photos !
the temple looks magnificent
beautiful shot 🙂
Beautiful and seems so historic!
Nice capture.This monument is a testimony to the marvels of ancient engineering.
Great shot of the temple. Would love to visit it.
Temple looks like a palace 🙂
Beautiful temple nicely captured
Lalji Temple is Beautiful!
Truly amazing… love it indrani.
Indrani, beautiful photos of your temple. The peaks are amazing. Have a happy weekend!
it's amazing that terra cotta can withstand the elements and test of time. a beautiful temple.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful temple. I'm sure it has been a place of great inspiration over the years.
Beautiful building
Amazing shot!
Greetings from Poland:-)
This temple is another piece of marvel! Interesting architecture and great capture from your.
These temples are great, workmanship. Well caught Indrani.
Interesting works on the outer. Nice captures.
entirely different temple look…
thanks
Amazing work!!
Beautiful.. The architecture of West Bengal n Orissa temples are so very different from our South Indian temples….
Terrific architecture.
What an incredible place.
That 25 peaks on the top is really eye catching, and its so symmetrical.
The roof of this temple is amazing. The entire temple is beautiful.
wow! magnificent!
What a beautiful architecture !
Wonderful post and photos, Indrani, and what a magnificent temple it is!! Thanks for sharing, as always!!
What a beautiful building
Hugs
SUeAnn
It is truly magnificent Indrani. Thank you for sharing this wonder!
@Indrani Nice to read your post on Lalji Temple , So Beautiful photos,Thanks for sharing.