Terracotta Temple Trail to Guptipara, West Bengal
We are on the second day of our road trip through top places of attraction in West Bengal. The first night halt was in Kalyani and we set off very early in the morning on terracotta temple trail to Guptipara.
After almost an hour’s ride from Kalyani we reached Guptipara, the distance of approximately 40 km. On the way we halted for few minutes to capture the rising sun over the River Ganges.
Terracotta Temple Trail to Guptipara
But arriving at Guptipara wasn’t enough, it was herculean task to find the exact location of the terracotta temples. Approach lanes to Brindavan Chandra math were in poor condition, but locals were really helpful. With their directions we managed to reach the terracotta temple complex – Brindavan Chandra Math.
There were a series of entrance gates before we actually reached the temples. A bright green door, clinging on to old hinges of the door frame greeted us. A seating arrangement within the arched complex spoke volumes of it was a hotspot during the medieval times. Guards must have sat here then monitoring the people going in and out.
Entrance – Road Trip Kalyani to Guptipara
Just inside the first layer there were a series of houses which seemed like residential quarters for the purohits serving the temple. A neat protected garden seemed to be the source of flowers offered in prayers in the temples here.
Residences of the purohits Guptipara
After this there was one small gate, crossing it we were into one protected and enclosed area. A cemented narrow track led us to another gate which was the main entrance to the enclosure of the 4 terracotta temples.
Why Terracotta Panels for Temples?
In Bengal temples were rarely made of stone this is due to scarcity of stone. Also due to abundant availability of good alluvial soil and clayey soil in river banks Bengal temples were built with well-fired bricks.
Guptipara West Bengal
Guptipara, the name comes from “Gupta Brindavan” meaning secret garden! I reached quite early in the morning when there was no other tourist. The purohit (temple priest) was conducting the morning puja. Seeing our interest he took up the role of being a guide and explained whatever he knew of the temple.
Here are a few pictures from my first halt at Guptipara, a site with four terracotta temples. The temples are of one room kind of structure, the outline like a thatched hut.
The arches and facades are covered with designs and pictorial representations of epics. Some of them are crumbling, definite sharp features are lost. It is obvious they are getting worn off due to exposure to heat and rain for years. These temples date back to 17th and 18th century.
Terracotta Panel in Krishna Chandra Temple Guptipara
Other than the terracotta temples, Guptipara is famous for:
Bengal’s first Barowari (publicly organized) Durga Puja. In the 1760s, a group of men were stopped from taking part in the household Durga Puja of the ruling Sen family. In retaliation, twelve of these men formed a committee and organised a modern club culture called “Barowari (Baro meaning 12 and yari meaning friends) Puja.”
The Guptipara ratha (ceremonial chariot for carrying idols) is one of the tallest and oldest rathas in West Bengal. It covers the second longest distance in India after that of Puri.
Guptipara is the home of the first branded Bengali “Gupo sandesh,” a special kind of sweet dish.
Hope you enjoy seeing the pictures, I am half way through my tour, managed to take out some time to upload the pictures here.
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Unique element in this architecture is the use of local material, Clay, which is in abundance. Another aspect is the replication of vernacular architecture of hut with curvilinear thatch roof.
There is lot to learn from this living example for modern Indian architects, who imitate so-called International Architecture began in the west.
Truly beautiful…wish I could visit these places! Waiting for such posts!
beautiful shot
wow! it's lovely
This is in my list since so many years, Indrani. Now I am seeing it thru your eyes.
And no hurries, enjoy your trip. 🙂
Very neat work.
The colours of the brick and the sculptures are truly amazing.
Beautiful details, Indra!
Great captures…
Warm greetings from Holland,
Anna :))
Stunning architecture. Have a wonderful rest of your week!
'The outline like a thatched hut'
I have seen similar terracotta temples at Bishnupur. I remember being so excited on seeing them. I had gone on a short visit to be with my husband who was posted there and this was an unexpected bonus.
amazing craftsmanship and architecture. the terra cotta glows in the light.
Nice pictures ! Such a rich culture -enjoy your time!
They look magnificent! Some day I would love to visit WB.
The temples you pictured are very different, but both beautiful.
Beautiful patterns and color! How special to visit and to experience the puja!
This building is pure poetry.
The architectural is simply terrific. I find it very romantic too, the ones I've seen with my own eyes. It makes one daydream of days gone by.
IT IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL !
I admire your beautiful photos.
They are great. Beautiful details.
I send greetings.
Lucia
Incredible architecture.
So beautiful post & captures. Thanks
The bricks, the details – all so very gorgeous!
Wow…so impressive. What a gorgeous building. Such details.
Hugs
SueAnn
Wow.. Temple is really beautiful!
Looks so impressive temples to check! I enjoyed the first two shots with marvelous details.
Have a great time!
Awesome architecture. Nice clicks Indrani.
Lovely temples .
Incredible place and your captures really took my breath away!! So different from anything we have here in the states. Your photos are the next best thing to being there, Indrani! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!
it is really beautiful!