Vishupur
- Ras Mancha Mandir
The
Bengali temples present a characteristic style, although bereft of
sky-high towers, imposing dimensions, enclosing in their vast
campus, several mini-shrines beautified with sculptured murals.
Their architectural style is refreshingly simple and emotionally
sublime. The dominating feature that strikes the eye is the
terracota reliefs of the adorable gods and goddess involving
themselves in various activities either jointly with humans, or
singly by themselves. Many of the temples testify to their
simplicity exuding divinity.
Among
such temples, the Ras Mancha can be singled for its characteristic
unostentatious style, but with a difference. Despite sharing the
essential features of Bengali type, of architecture, it resembles
the dwar-sized pyramid. It is a uniqueness worthy of mention. This
archamurti, of course, is their favourite God-Krishna, who with
enchanting features lifts the souls of viewers at first sight
itself. This was built as far bark as in 1857 by a devout
philanthropist called Bir Hambir. Their traditions and ritualistic
worship following a set pattern widely differ from the South Indian
style. This temple in particular has certain hoary traditions that
compel attention. Among them, this was intended to be the meeting
place of all the Vaishnavate deities of the surrounding temples.
They are brought here in majestic procession with blowing of
trumpets and playing of several musical instruments on the day of
annual Ras festival celebrated with great pomp and splendour. The
lusty participation of huge crowds in several activities reflects
its devotional fervour meriting emulation.
This
lies at 3 km off Vishnupur, linked by all kinds of transport
facilities from Calcutta.
Vishupur
- Madanmohan Mandir
This
is a characteristic type of Bengali mandir, proudly displaying
several terracota panels, illustrating many awesome episodes from
the epics of great renown. This was built by Durjan, a king towards
the end of seventeenth century to be, precise in 1694. The presiding
deity is Lord Krishna in his bewitching form tastefully adorned with
dazzling jewels and colourful garlands. This incidentally, is the
largest, well-built and much frequented temple at Vishnupur, the
premier seat of Vaishnavism dotted with over a dozen Hindu temples
beckoning ardent attention. Regular worship is offered with rituals
due. The annual festivals lure thousands of Krishna bhaktas and
their devotional zeal merits adoration. This temple is of modest
dimensions stands on a 16 meter square plinth and is adorned with 12
meter facade quite decent to look.
This
lies in Vishnupur, connected by four wheelers from Calcutta.
Vishupur
- Lalji Mandir
This
much-frequented holy mandir of laterite construction has an
attractive tall Sikhar beckoning attention for miles afar. It
partakes a combination of commendable styles, the unique models of
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This is the precious gift
by the pious Mall kings to Hinduism, whose patronage of fine arts
received monumental encomiums from art-critics and historians as
well. It was built in the 18th century. The Presiding deity -
Krishna adorned with colourful costumes and glittering ornaments
costs a spell on the devotees and with his characteristic sweet
smile establishes communion at first sight itself. This forms one of
the very popular Murali Mohan, Radheshyam, Madanagopal group of
temples and enjoys a steady stream of devotees on all days. The
annual festivals draw huge congregations of pious theists, who
lustily participate in several prayer services.
In
lies in Vishnupur, linked with neighbouring towns, like Digha and
Dargapur by four wheelers.
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