Let us explore Terracotta temples. Bishnupur comes to our mind when we speak of such temples. Few know of the small ancient town, Ambika Kalna ( Ambika is another name for Goddess Kali). There is a temple of Ma Ambica. The name of Kalna is taken from the temple. . Kalna is situated in Burdhaman District. The town has over 40 temples and a few Mashids. Located on the bank of the Bhagirathi river, Kalna is considered one of the top spiritual places of West Bengal. From the temple, one can visit the river bank of the Bhagirathi river. The other side with vegetation is visible.
Ghat on the Bhagirathi river with the idol of Baba Lokanth
108 Shiva Temples
There are 108 Shiva Lingas or Shiva Idols. There are both white and black colour Lingas inside the temples. The temple is on the list of the Archeological Survey of India. There is an outer circle consisting of 74 temples and an inner circle of 34 temples. The 108 temples are a feast for the eyes. The temple site was built by Maharaja Teja Chandra Bahadur a few centuries ago. It took about 3 hours to reach the place. Distance from Howrah is 81 km.
Rajbaris of Kalna
Traditional lamp at Rajbari
The photo above is the picture of two friends. They are two good friends who both have a passion to explore new places. Every new site tells a different story. I walked into the green ground of the palace. There was flower all around before the old buildings and temples. The place has many terracotta temples like Krishna Charan Temple, Lalji Temple and so on. All are worth exploring.
Lalji temple
We went inside the temple but could not see the idol of Radha Krishna as it was afternoon. . However, we were blessed to have Bhog Prasad which the priest of the temple offered. Palkis were used by the aristocrats in Bengal during earlier times.
Extra-ordinary Terracotta Design on the Wall of Lalji Temple
The Wall of the Lalji temple has the stories of Mahabharata on Lalji Temple. It was made in 1739 AD. Lalji temple is an example of unique terracotta work which is getting extinct. We need to explore and preserve it.
Pratapeswar Temple
A glimpse of Pratapeswar Temple
Pratapeswar Temple On a small podium this terracotta temple stands. It dates back to the 19th century. The temple has a curved “Sikara” or peak point.
Siddheswari Kali Temple
Siddheswari Kali Temple is dedicated to Siddeshwari Kali or Godess Kali. The idol of Goddess Kali resembles Adya Maa Idol. It is believed Maa Kali removes obstacles so all flock here for her blessings. It is a small red Terracotta Temple more than 735 years old. The unique 8 steps with curved design leading to the idol remain in my mind. When we got darshan of the divine Mother our minds became peaceful.
Raja Chitra Sen Rai dreamt of Maa Kali and that is how the temple was built and the name Siddheswari Temple became popular. There were 5 Shiva Linga in the temple. Ambika Maa kali becomes a symbol of devotion for the people living in the village of kalna. People worship divine Kali with devotion. Mother fulfils everybody’s wish if it is from the heart.
Bhaba Pagla Baba Ashram of Kalna
Idol of Bhaba Pagla
Bhaba Pangla ( known as mad Saint). He was born in the small village of Amta (Dakha) in Bangladesh. He then settled at Kalna. He became a spiritual leader for his power of healing without medicine. Bhaba Pagla Baba was a famous composer and lyrist of Bengali folk songs. He said, “ if we don’t do our duty then the beauty of work won’t increase”
He spread Kirtan and the message of the Bhagavad Gita to the world. He sacrificed his life for service the of God. He was in deep meditation under the Neem Tree. The impression of his scared feet remains in this place as a blessing. I stopped there to see the huge tree my mind got elevated.
Mahaprabhu Chaitanya Deva’s Feet Below the Tree. Lord Chaitanya stayed in Kalna in his childhood days. His marriage took place in Kalna. Chaitanadeva made the world learn the sixteen words, ` Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Ram, Hare Ram, Ram, Ram, Hare Hare.’ The world swings with these words. Bengal is fortunate to have been associated with its origin. The footprint will remain to remind the world of the place of origin.
Mahaprabhu Chaitanya Deva’s feet
Three hours journey through the streets of Kalna gives a look into heritage Bengal.
Written By Saheli Pal
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