Rarheshwar Temple, Arra, West Bengal

Rarheshwar Temple, Arra, West Bengal

Rarheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Arra Town in the Kanksa CD block in the Durgapur subdivision of the Paschim Bardhaman District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per legend, it is said that Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of a local King who was suffering from an incurable disease. Lord Shiva instructed him to build a temple for relief from the disease. As instructed, the king build temple and named it as Rarheshwar Shiva Temple.

History

The temple is believed to be built by King Ballal Sen of the Rarh dynasty in 12^th century CE. His kingdom was called as Rarh Desh. Hence, the Shiva Linga came to be called as Rarheshwar. The temple was extensively renovated at a later period. It is one of the important sites preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India according to the Archaeological Act of 1958.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built over a raised platform. The temple consists of a sanctum, antrala and an entrance porch. The sanctum is saptaratha on plan and follows pidha vimana of Kalingan style. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity Rarheshwar in the form of Shiva Linga.

Festivals

Devotees flock this temple during the month of Shravan.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Muchipara Bus Stop, 9 Kms from Durgapur Railway Station, 11 Kms from Durgapur Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Durgapur Airport, 49 Kms from Asansol, 50 Kms from Bankura, 68 Kms from Bardhaman, 170 Kms from Kolkata Airport and 171 Kms from Kolkata. The temple is situated at the outskirts of Durgapur on Durgapur to Bardhaman route.

Location