Brindaban Chandra Math, Guptipara – History

Brindaban Chandra Math, Guptipara – History

The temple complex was built around the 17^th – 18^th century CE. The Jor Bangla temple of Chaitanya in the temple complex is considered as the earliest Bangla style temple. The temple was built by King Bishwar Roy during the reign of Emperor Akbar (1542 – 1605 CE). The Krishna Chandra Temple was constructed in 1745 during the rule of Nawab Alibardi Khan (1740 – 1756 CE). The Brindaban Chandra Temple was built under the patronage of Zamindar Ganga Narayan Sarkar of Bagbazar in 1810 CE.

The Rama Chandra Temple was constructed in late 18^th century CE by Harishchandra Roy, the king of Sheraphuli. The temple complex faced an invasion from Kalapahar, a Muslim general of Sulaiman Khan Karrani of Karrani dynasty during 16^th century CE. The idol of Brindaban Chandra was hidden inside a secret chamber in the ceiling of the temple concealed by fresco paintings in order to avoid the desecration at the hands of Kalapahar. The fresco paintings can be still seen in this temple.

As the idol was hidden (gupt), the place came to be called as Guptipara (concealed quarters). It is also said that the name Guptipara originated from Guptopalli (an old settlement) mentioned in ancient scriptures dating back to 8^th century CE. During the reign of Alibardi Khan, Nawab of Bengal (1740 – 1756 CE), it was brought to his notice that the tax was not paid for a plot of land in the name of Brindaban Chandra for long time.

As he did not knew that Brindaban Chandra was an idol, he ordered Brindaban Chandra to be brought to his court for trial. The devotees of Brindaban Chandra made a replica of the deity and took it to the court. Alibardi Khan was surprised to see the deity and cancelled all tax dues. Further, he gave permission to build the temple of Brindaban Chandra. The temple complex is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.