Navaratna Terracotta Temple Duttapara in Joypur Bankura
From Depara Temple we moved on to Duttapara Temple, hardly few 100m away, very much within walking distance. We were on a hunt for terracotta temples in remote parts of West Bengal India.
Dodging the cows set free in the lanes of Duttapara we managed to reach our destination. It seemed to struggle for some breathing space, wedged between tin roofed houses. Add to that the tightening grip of trees on the walls and roof of the temple.
Navaratna Terracotta Temple Duttapara
Nabaratna Damodar Mandir is a 9 pinnacled terracotta Temple 300 years old, dedicated to Lord Damodar. This too belonged to zamindar (landlord) family who flourished well in cloth business once.
The navaratna style of temple architecture here is very evident. It incorporates 2 levels, each with 4 spires in corners – that makes 8. Then there is a central pavilion above, thus a total of 9 spires. (Nava means 9 and ratna here means spire.)
This terracotta temple appeared to be in an even more dilapidated worn down condition. As I walked past the temple I couldn’t believe this was once the most revered temple of the area. The family has fallen into hard times and that explains the neglect of this beautiful temple.
This is the view one gets from the road. You have to walk through the small passage on the left to get to front of the temple, it is in the courtyard of Dutta Family’s house.
The southern facade with elaborate terracotta work somehow being maintained. It has some quality works that has withstood the deteriorating effect of time. I had to dedicate a blogpost for the facade art alone. There are similar three arched structure on all sides of the temple.
More pictures. See Duttapara Terracotta Temple in Joypur near Bishnupur India
Front Facade on Roof of Duttapara Temple
Terracotta work on Back facade of roof of Duttapara Temple
How the village localities are named in West Bengal India
You must have noticed the term para common in both Depara and Duttapara. Both are localities in Joypur village of Bankura district. Very often these localities were named after the richest zamindar (landlord) who was also the most reputed there.
So the name Duttapara indicates zamindar with Dutta as their surname flourished there. And in Depara, zamindar with De as surname held authority. Para – translates to locality.
Locally these temples are called Bishnu Mandir or Damodar Mandir. (Bengalis pronounce V as B.) But since they are located in these 2 localities they are called Depara Temple and Duttapara Temple.
How to reach Duttapara Temple
Duttapara Temple is located in Joypur village of Bankura district. Joypur is 15km east of Bishnupur. You can avail private taxis or state run buses to reach Duttapara. Once there you will have to ask for directions from locals to reach the temple finally. They are helpful and are used to answering tourists coming in search of the temples.
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Again beautiful capture and lovely meeting you
Beautiful structures. I love the terracotta works in second picture.
another place unrevealed in your blog. great pic
Beautiful architecture..
Exquisite captures of an architectural beauty. 🙂
Characteristic architecture 🙂
Beautiful 🙂
Lovely structure and such a nice capture !
Thanks to you I am getting to see many such marvelous structures.
Nice one Indrani
Intricate architecture but so neglected.
Beautiful details on this temple, lovely photos! Thanks for sharing, have a happy weekend!
In its glory it must have been absolutely splendid. Still beautiful.
I'm glad that this temple is being somewhat maintained. The details in your second photo are beautiful.
Its really sad that they are not maintained
Lovely shots! Esp the second one.
Great shots of that old temple.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend.
Lovely architecture!
Such intricate artistry, how beautiful Indrani!
beautiful structure!
Marvelous photos!
Beautiful temples. Sad to see the poor maintenance 🙁
One awesome building, hope they will do some maintenance and preserve it.
What amazing workmanship! Lovely shots.
The tales it has to tell!!
beautiful!
Such interesting architecture!
so much charm to this temple. i love it.
The spires remind me of the famous Kali Temple of Kolkata! Thanks for sharing.
another marvelous structure. 🙂