Pathra Group of Temples – The Temples

Pathra Group of Temples – The Temples

The temples of Pathra can be classified into three complex, namely Navaratna Temple Complex, Kalachand Temple Complex and Bandopadhyay Temple Complex. Apart from these temple complexes, there are few individual temples namely Dharmaraj Temple, Shitala Temple, Durgeshwar Temple and Das Mahavidya Temple. Pathra also houses several ruined structures and dilapidated temples. The temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Sakthi.

Most of the temples follow Bengal School of Architecture with Islamic influences. The terracotta sculptures from these temples depict the images of deities from Hindu pantheon, legends from Mahabharata & Ramayana, Dashavatar, Krishnalila, hunting scenes, Chaitanya, royal processions, social life, erotic scenes, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Navaratna Temple Complex:

The Navaratna Temple Complex consists of Navaratna Temple of Majumdar family, three square flat roofed Temples and one atchala brick-built Temple. This Temple Complex is situated opposite to the Kalachand Temple Complex.  The Navaratna Temple is the only nine pinnacle temple of Pathra and the tallest of all the temples in the town.

This temple is believed to be built in 18^th century CE by Majumdar family. This temple is facing towards west. The temple stands over a raised platform and can be entered via triple arched entrance. The façade of the entrance is richly decorated with terracotta ornamentation. The temple is about 55 feet tall and each of the nine ratna (pinnacle) are about 10 feet tall.

The exterior is richly decorated with terracotta panels depicting various legends from Puranas, Mahabharata and Ramayana. This temple complex also houses four flat roof Shiva temples. All these Shiva temples are rectangular in shape. It also has small decorative Tulsi Mancha. The temple complex also houses a small atchala temple built in 1816 CE.

Kalachand Temple Complex:

The temple complex is considered as the most elaborate of the temple complex in the Pathra village. The temple complex is situated on the northern side of the river embankment opposite to Navaratna Temple complex. It is situated on the left side of the pathway towards the Pathra village from Midnapore town. The major temple is a rectangular flat roofed structure (Dalan style of architecture) with decorative pillars supporting five arched gateways. The sanctum enshrines an image of Lakshmi Janardan / Kalachand.

The temple is devoid of terracotta decorations. There are three aatchala style (8 sloped roof) Shiva Temples and a Pancha Ratna (five pinnacle) style temple behind the temple complex. The dilapidated mansion of erstwhile Zamindar can be seen next to the three aatchala temples. The staircase of the mansion still exists and provide access to the roof. Apart from these structures, the complex also houses several ruined structures completely covered with vegetation.

Dharmaraja Temple:

This temple is facing towards south and situated on the northern bank of the Kansai river. This temple was built in the 19th century CE. The temple follows pancha ratna style of architecture. The temple has a square flat roof with curved cornices with a pinnacle at the centre flanked by four smaller pinnacles at the corner of the roof. The temple consists of sanctum and a verandah with triple arched entrances resting on columns.

The ceiling of the sanctum is dome shaped and above the verandah it is vaulted. The shikaras (pinnacles) follows rekha deula style. The main shikara is on saptaratha on plan while the corner shikaras are triratha on plan. The exterior is devoid of any terracotta ornamentation except the floral and geometrical stucco designs.

Durga Mandapa:

The Durga Mandapa is a rectangular roofless laterite structure fronted by a verandah. It is situated close to Kalachand Temple. This mandapa was the place of annual worship of Goddess Durga. The worship was discontinued for a longer period of time and after a gap of about 200 years puja (worship) has been started recently by the local people with the permission and participation of the descendants of the Zamindar family.

Shitala Temple:

The temple is famously called as Buri Maar Than. The temple is believed to be built in the 18^th century CE. The temple is about 40 feet high and stands over a raised platform. The temple follows rekha deula style of architecture. It is the only deul style temple in Pathra. The temple is saptaratha on plan. The entrance door frame is slightly projected and is embellished with makara torana motif. The sanctum enshrines an image of Shitala, the family deity of Majumdar (Ghosal). There is a Kalasa on top of the shikhara. There is a ruined structure totally covered in vegetation next to the temple.

Raj Attalika:

Raj Attalika is a two storied structure (Mansion / Palace of erstwhile Zamindar). It is situated in front of the Rasmancha and next to the Durga Mandapa. The structure is in dilapidated condition and the roof has been completely collapsed and many portions of its walls are damaged. The staircase of the mansion still exists and provide access to the roof.

Bandopadhyay Temple Complex:

The temple complex was built by the Bandopadhyay family, another branch of the Zamindar family. The Temple complex consists of three Pancharatna Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rasmancha, Kacharibari and two minor Shiva Temples. The three Pancharatna temples (five pinnacled) stands over a raised platform. The temples are decorated with rich terracotta ornamentation on their walls. Sculptures of Dvarapalas can be seen at the entrance of each temple.

Rasmancha:

The Rasamancha is an octagonal structure with nine pinnacles over its roof. The structure was built in 1832 CE by Bandyopadhyay family, another branch of the Zamindar family. The structure is situated beyond the Kalachand Temple complex and opposite to Raj Attalika.

Durgeshwar Temple:

This temple is situated at the northern end of the temple complex. the walls of the temple are decorated with images of incarnations of Lord Vishnu and erotic scenes. There are few inscriptions in this temple which includes its foundation inscription also.

Dasmahavidya Temple:

This temple was constructed by the Mukhopadhyay family, one of the branch of the Zamindar family. The temple is still in worship. The temple walls has beautiful terracotta panels depicting the goddesses Kali, Tara, Shodashi, Chinnamasta, Dhumabati, Durga, Bhubaneswari and Bhairavi.