Jatar Deul, Kanakan Dighi, West Bengal

Jatar Deul, Kanakan Dighi, West Bengal

Jatar Deul is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kanakan Dighi  Village near Raidighi Town in the Mathurapur II Community Development Block in the Diamond Harbour subdivision of the South 24 Parganas District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Temple stands on a small hill in the landscape of the southern Sundarbans settlements. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE due to a copper plate inscription of Raja Joychandra discovered in the area in 1875 CE. However, the copper plate inscription did not refer to this temple. Some of the scholars put the construction into the 17^th Century CE. However, the ASI board at the temple site places construction around 11^th century CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and follows Kalingan style of architecture. The temple is built over a raised platform. The Temple consisted of rekha deula and jagamohana. Only the rekha deula in intact. The foundation of the jagamohana can be seen in front of the rekha deula. The rekha deula is about 30 metres tall. The sanctum is square on plan.

It has an arched gateway leading to the sanctum. The sanctum is situated below the ground level. The sanctum houses Lingas, pictures and idols of various gods & goddesses of Hindu pantheon. The walls of the temple were intricately decorated with decorative bricks, but sadly most of it is lost due to unplanned reconstruction.

Festivals

A fair is held, and a horse race is organised on 2^nd Baisakh (mid-April) every year near the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Raidighi Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Raidighi, 25 Kms from Mathurapur, 28 Kms from Mathurapur Road Railway Station, 52 Kms from Baruipur, 57 Kms from Kakdwip, 81 Kms from Kolkata and 91 Kms from Kolkata Airport. The temple is located at about 25 Kms from Mathurapur off the Kolkata to Kakdwip route via Baruipur.

Location