Brindaban Chandra Math, Guptipara – The Temple Complex

Brindaban Chandra Math, Guptipara – The Temple Complex

The temple complex consists of four temples namely Brindaban Chandra Temple, Krishna Chandra Temple, Rama Chandra Temple and Chaitanya Dev Temple. The Brindaban Chandra Temple & Krishna Chandra Temple follows Atchala style of architecture, Rama Chandra Temple follows Eka Ratna style of architecture and Chaitanya Dev Temple follows Jor Bangla style of architecture. All these temples are enclosed with in a high wall. All the four temples stands over a raised platform and are interconnected through narrow pathways. The huge wooden Ratha (chariot) is kept behind the temple complex. This rath is taken out during the Rath Yatra festival.

Brindaban Chandra Temple:

This temple is considered as the biggest temple in the temple complex. The Temple is situated in between the Rama Chandra Temple and Krishna Chandra Temple. The temple follows atchala style of architecture. The atchala style is similar to the four-sided char chala temple style, but with a small replica of the base temple on top. The temple is about 60 feet tall and stands over a raised platform.

The temple consists of sanctum and a verandah with triple arched entrance. The sanctum enshrines the images of Radha Krishna, Jagannath, Subhadra and Balarama. There are three decorative finials at the top. The temple did not have rich terracotta ornamentation, but it is gifted with rich frescos on the columns, ceilings, external and interior walls.

Krishna Chandra Temple:

The temple follows atchala style of architecture. The atchala style is similar to the four-sided char chala temple style, but with a small replica of the base temple on top. The temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum and verandah with triple arched entrance.

The temple also two archways on the northern and southern side. There are no terracotta ornamentation in this temple. A Tulsi plant can be seen in front of the temple. The sanctum enshrines an ashta dhatu (mixture of eight metals) idol of Krishna Chandra. The original idol was stolen and has been replaced by a similar idol.

Chaitanya Dev Temple:

The Chaitanya Dev Temple is considered as the oldest temple in the temple complex. The temple is situated in between the Krishna Chandra Temple and Brindaban Chandra Temple. The temple follows Jor Bangla style of architecture and stands over a raised platform. This style involves two structures that resemble the traditional thatched village huts of Bengal, one serves as a porch in the front and other serves as the sanctum. Each structure has a roof of the ek-bangla (do-chala) style, with two curved segments that meet at a curved ridge. The sanctum enshrines an image of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. 

Rama Chandra Temple:

The temple follows eka ratna style of architecture. The temple has a square flat roof with curved cornices and a pinnacle over the top. The temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum and a verandah with triple arched entrance. The temple also two archways on the northern and southern side.

The sanctum enshrines images of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. The external walls and the façade are decorated with rich terracotta ornamentation depicting the legends from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela, royal processions, naval voyages and social life.