Bansberia - Vasudeva Mandir

Bengal, the land renowned for its Sakti cult and Radha Madhav creed, has very few temples for other gods of highest standing. Even Lord Mahadev, the dear spouse of that fierce Kali is relegated to secondary position giving the nick-name of Bhola Shankar. Chaitanya Prabhu's influence converted the people to considerable extent and turned them to the path of Vaishnavism. In consequence, some pious feudal lords and philanthropists built some mandirs for Vaishnava gods, like Krishna, Vasudev etc. They had magnetic pull due to patronage by ruling class. Among such temples, this Vasudev mandir at Bansberia deserves mention and veneration. The builder spent lavishly to make it splendid by adorning the whole structure with figures of gods and goddesses. The walls are richly beautified with innumerable divine images. The excellent terracota carvings on the walls received wide publicity and high appreciation of the critics and devotees as well. The image of the archamurti Vasudev, another honorific name for Krishna affords a royal banquet to the eyes of the beholder. The decoration in the characteristic Bengali style enchants and detains the devotees longer period than expected. Regular puja is offered everyday and the Janmashtami is celebrated on a grand scale. It lures huge congregations who lustily participate in singing and dancing programmes.

It lies in Bansberia town 47 km off Calcutta, accessible by four wheelers.

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