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.
5 pinnacles Gokulchand Temple in Gokulnagar West Bengal.
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.
Worn out sculpted forms in the walls of Gokulchand Temple, Gokulnagar
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.
Okay, that is me working hard to take a good frame for you all.
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
The temples and their architecture is always amazing.
That’s one more connection between Kerala and West Bengal – the laterite stones!!! That’s a beautiful temple! Did you manage to taste the Bhog?
i love ancient temples!! Your shots are really amazing!
This temple is stunning! I like how you photographed it from so many different angles. It was also interesting to see the priest at work. I hope to see this for myself some day!
I love the architecture in India, and how every temple is different than the other. It’s simply astonishing how much work the architects have put into carving all the details into the walls.
I still have to explore Bishnupur and the entire region around it, so this post is very useful. The temple is well preserved. Is it a working temple, because I don’t see worshippers, yet the priest is offering Bhog.
What a gorgoeus temples! Still so
Many details are preserved! It is wise to keep this protected. Thanks for sharing!
It’s amazing how it’s intact. Everything is well preserved. Good job on the photos!
Hey Indrani, though you're not a professional photographer but just pursue it as a hobby, the good thing is that you capture and bring to fore those places which are unpopular and unfamiliar….even if 1 person go to this temple, drawn by your pics and backstory narration, I think it will be a job well done
Beautiful structure…it's a pleasure visiting your blog for these hidden gems..
Does Bhog also consist of fish at the temples? I know for Durga Puja they offer it, but is it a daily thing?
Absolutely incredible!
Perfect clicks! Looks like a really ancient temples. The stones work is just amazingly beautiful.
You know what? We need to highlight all such hidden gems & get the tourists. Then only Incredible India can be "seen" 🙂
Beautiful terracotta work..
..and thanks for the Telegraph link..:-)
Sigh. Places of worship always have the best architecture. Beautiful pictures, Indrani!
Wonderful structure and nice captures…
Absolutely a worth visiting place! Wonderful captures and details
Great job Indrani 🙂
Lovely temple,beautiful architecture & bas reliefs.
Indrani, it is a beautiful temple. Thanks for sharing, have a happy day!
Beautiful temple.
Wow! Another Jewel. Kudos to your research to dig uo such jewels
Loved the pics of the temple, who is the photographer who caught you and your hardwork so well?
your cultural heritage is so rich; these temples are gems of architecture.
This is another beautiful temple, and your photos have captured all the wonderful details.
Thanks for these lovely photos!
What lovely shots – such an ancient temple.
This is a pretty good temple. But seems like it can do with a bit of restoration.
Such a gorgeous temple and incredible carvings, Indrani!! Your captures are wonderful as always and the next best thing to being there myself!! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Hope you have a great new week!
Sylvia
a beautiful structure!
Lovely architecture. Nice post.
i think i also have one of those odd shots like the last one. ^0^
i just love looking at those intricate details and how sacredly beautiful they are.
very rustic architecture…well captured
That's a gorgeous temple. Still lots of beautiful details to see.