Kalna- the ‘Temple City’ of Bardhaman. Lalji Temple episode.

The Lalji temple was built in the year 1739AD under Mrs. Braja Kumari, the queen of Maharaj Kirti Chand of Bardhaman. There are Twenty Five peaks on the temple. This type of temples are known as Panchabinsati-Ratna (পঞ্চবিংশতি রত্ন). There is a Natmancha (নাটমঞ্চ) at front of the temple. Built in a enclosed compound, this temple is the oldest of it’s kind.

 

The terracotta artwork and other ornamentations on the walls of the temple are magnificent. It’s a kind of dream for a photographer to witness this beauty and having the opportunity to shoot.

 

The temple is pretty old and time is taking its troll in fading the artworks. Although the Archaeological Department is trying to protect but recreating those beauties is simply impossible.

 







 

Kalna- the Temple City of Bardhaman. Rasmancha episode

Rasmancha is a structure to celebrate the festival of Ras and Holi. During those festivals the members of Royal family of Bardhaman enjoyed themselves here.

The structure is of Roof-less variety with openings on the sides.

There is a dome like structure in the middle of the Rasmancha. This part was used to place the idols during the festivals.

The structure was almost destroyed, but the Archaeological Department reconstructed  it and since then preserved it.

Kalna- the ‘Temple City’ of Bardhaman. Pratapeswar Temple episode.

Maharani Shiyari Kumari, wife of Maharaja Pratap Chand of Bardhaman ordered to built this magnificent temple in the year 1849. Raised on a high podium this temple is a very good specimen of the 19th Century Rekha Deul (রেখ দেউল) with curvilinear Sikhara (শিখর) and a single arched entrance. The temple is decorated with rich terracotta artwork depicting various rituals and ceremonies of the contemporary time.

Below are some photos of the magnificent artwork along with some full picture of the temple.

The Archaeological Department of India has preserved the temple compound and they are maintaining it well. The temple is surrounded with a nicely maintained garden. The lush greenery bring a fresh and soothing effect to the eyes.

This is the entrance to the temple. The podium on which the temple is situated is clearly seen.

 

A side wall of the temple. The wall is full of beautiful terracotta artwork.

 

The violinist.

 

These four are the terracotta ornamentations on the four side of the arched entrances. The temple has one door in the front and three door-like designs on the other three sides.

If you are interested in other temples and historical monuments of Bardhaman the head over to this link: Our Bardhaman.

30 Days through my Camera

I had started a project to shoot and upload photos for 30 days. Not all the photos are up to the standards or quality was high. But it was all I was able to shoot. Here are the results:

 

Day 1

 

 

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

 

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

 

Day 10

 

Day 11

 

Day 12

 

Day 13

 

Day 14

 













Day 15

 

Day 16

 

Day 17

 

Day 18

 

Day 19

 

Day 20

 

Day 21

 

Day 22

 

Day 23

 

Day 24

 

Day 25

 

Day 26

 

Day 27

 

Day 28

 

Day 29

 

Day 30