|
Among
several temples built for Sakti, Vishnu and Siva in the twenty four
parganas of Bengal, particularly in the villages of Bhatpara,
Kumarabatta and Halisahar, a large number of Siva temples deserve
mention and visitation for adoration. Though this region was under
the strong influence
of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the staunch Vaishnavate of Bengal, Saivism
was not completely thrown out. There are many Siva temples though
found in decadent condition now, are testifying to the glory of
Saivism in their heyday. Their superb execution and masterly finish
with sculptural adornments on the walls and ceilings, speak volumes
of the builders' magnanimity and adorers' preference for Siva and
Saivate gods. Moreover, this area was a great centre of Hindu
culture and deemed highly advanced in learning, especially in the
ancient lore treasured up in the Sanskrit language. The temples too
were built in the extent models of charchala, pancharatna and
Navaratna types,- and their grandeur and imposing statures wring
veneration. Besides these Siva temples, this whole region is
scattered with temples built for Sakti and Vaishnavate gods.
Those
temples are accessible by four wheelers from Calcutta commanding
every transport facility round the clock.
|
