Pratapeswar Temple in Kalna, West Bengal India
Pratapeswar Temple, a precious Terracotta Jewel of India
Pratapeswar Temple may look tiny, but only when you start to explore the terracotta art work on its facade you realize how vast a canvas it has! The number of terracotta figures on its facade runs in to hundreds! And the details are mind blowing.
Architectural wonder of the late medieval period, it was built in 1849 by Maharani Shiyari Kumari. She was the wife of Maharaja Pratap Chand of Bardhaman in the town Kalna situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi. Pratapeswar Temple is in the prestigious list of temples in India made by a woman!
Pratapeswar Temple in Kalna, West Bengal is a Shiva Temple and houses a black Shiv Lingam inside. You can’t miss this especially if you are anywhere close to 108 Shiva Temples of Ambica Kalna.
Pratapeswar Temple in Kalna Bengal
Kalna’s King and Queen
Pratapeswar Temple Facade Details
Like I mentioned above, the innumerable figures on the facade, you will loose track of time once you start examining the details. Though some have worn away, majority of them still have sharp features.
Black Shiva Ling worshiped in Pratapeshwar Temple Kalna
I was surprised to see the picture of woman in English gown playing a violin, that too on a temple facade. This clearly shows the influence of ruling British on the local artisans. Scroll down to see the picture. The clarity of the minutest details of the figures, their hair style, folds in cloths leaves one speechless!
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The board put up by the Archeological Society of India reads: “Raised on a high podium this temple is a very good specimen of the 19th century Rekha Deul with curvilinear Sikhara and a single arched entrance.”
The temples here are known as ‘deuls’. They are fine examples of Bengali Hindu architecture. The most attractive work on facade of Pratapeswar Temple is that of: The panel of Durga in Mahisasurmardini (slaying the demon Mahisasur) on the side wall atop the arch. This panel is flanked on either side by Ram and Ravan engaged in war against each other.
Lord Krishna in one of the niches
Other Things to do in Kalna
Kalna is famous for weaving tangail and gorgeous jamdani sarees. Kalna is like a town of temples. The place has cluster of temples both old and new. Here are some of the popular ones.
- Temple of Debi Bhabani, popularised by sage Pagla Baba. The temple holds a special puja on the last Saturday Baisakh month of lunar calendar.
- Sri Gauranga Mandir – it houses Sri Chaitanya’s manuscripts and personal belongings.
- 800 years old Siddheshwari Temple dedicated to Ambika Debi. The town is named after her.
- 108 Shiva Temples in one enclosure
- Krishna Chandra Mandir with 25 steeples made in 18th century.
Worn out terracotta images calling out for care and attention.
One of the terracotta figures partially damaged
How to reach Pratapeshwar Temple in Kalna
Kalna is well connected by road and rail. This temple town is located at the junction of 3 districts Bardhaman, Hooghly and Nadia in West Bengal India. All are easily accessible by rail and road from Kolkata. After you arrive at the Ambika Kalna railway station there are cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws that you can hire to the temple complex.
We were on a road trip through top tourist attractions of West Bengal with special focus on Terracotta Temples in West Bengal. We finished the tour of 4 terracotta temples of Guptipara, 7 km by road.
See all posts on Kalna here: My Kalna Tour
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One more beautiful and informative post !! Possibly will be there in this March.
The women look very serene and sure.
wonderful clicks Indrani
Very nice indeed, the workmanship is outstanding. Well done Indrani.
Nice Post, Good Details. . .
Beautiful details, Indrani!
Great photo's…
Warm greetings,
Anna
My gosh, look at that details! It's just amazing and intricate..
The figurines look very different from the ones I have seen so far in India. Is it typical for the area where the temple is located?
I love all the details and color of this gorgeous place, wonderful
come and link up with us on Travel photo Mondays….
This may be a small temple, but it is certainly beautiful. The figurines are amazing.
Wonderful shots of the temple.
Fabulous carving!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Excellent architecture!
I am always intrigued by and in admiration of the intricate carvings on Indian temples.
Indrani, the details are beautiful. A gorgeous temple with amazing carvings and statues. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing your world.
Wow! It’s hard to appreciate the marvel etched on walls! Fabulous details and remarkable capture.
a lot of craftsmanchip here.
Brilliant terracotta work. You have captured it nicely!
So unique! So beautiful!
Nice post, Indrani. The architecture looks great, especially the dome in the first picture.
I think Kalna must be close to Kolkata.I missed seeing all these exquisite places unaware of their proximity.Thanks to you we could get a glimpse of the rich treasure.
beautiful temple… with terracotta…
nice info
thanks
Lovely terracotta temples! Are they preserved monuments yet?
Amazing architecture with great details..
human ingenuity awes!
ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3
Wow amazing is the word!!
I have to say the same thing: amazing details. Beautiful.
wow! very, very impressive!
The details are amazing. I cannot imagine how many men and how many years it took to construct this!
What an incredible place and, yes, these took my breath away, too!! The details are amazing! Terrific captures for the day as always, Indrani!! Hope you have a great week!