Anantabasudev Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Anantabasudev Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Anantabasudev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kalna Town in Purba Bardhaman District in the Indian state of West Bengal. The temple was originally called as Baikunthanath Temple. The temple is situated on the banks of Hooghly river. The temple is situated at Shyamrai Para near to the Siddheshwari Kali Temple.

History

The temple was originally called as Baikunthanath Temple and was constructed by Trilokchand Rai, nephew of Chitrasen Rai. It is said that Trilokchand Rai built this temple in memory of Brajakishori Devi, the grandmother of  Chitrasen Rai in 1754 CE. Most of the original terracotta ornamentation of the temple was lost due to the ravages of the time. The temple was renovated in 1964 by the Birla Trust.

The Temple

The temple follows atchala style of architecture and is about 60 feet tall. 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 stands over a raised platform of about 5 feet tall. The temple consists of sanctum and verandah with triple arches. The temple can be accessed through the central arch. The sanctum enshrines a four feet tall black stone image of Ananta Basudev. The idol is flanked by idol of Saraswathi and Lakshmi on either side. The original terracotta ornamentation is completely except a few panels.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Kalna Old Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Kalna New Bus Stand and 2 Kms from Kalna Railway Station. Kalna is located at about 22 Kms from Pandua, 23 Kms from Boinchi, 26 Kms from Nabadwip, 26 Kms from Ranaghat, 27 Kms from Satgachia, 30 Kms from Krishnanagar, 33 Kms from Memari, 34 Kms from Purbasthali, 44 Kms from Bandel, 59 Kms from Burdwan, 63 Kms from Katwa, 95 Kms from Kolkata and 95 Kms from Kolkata Airport. Ambika Kalna Railway Station is situated on the Bandel – Katwa railway line.

There are many local trains (EMU) and a few express & passenger trains from Howrah and Sealdah Railway Stations. Kalna is well connected to Pandua, Boinchi, Memari, Krishnanagar, Katwa, Bandel, Bardhaman, Purbasthali and Kolkata. The main bus stand is situated beside the STKK Road (SH 6). Many private local and long route express buses are available. There is a Government bus depot operated by South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) for long distance buses. Autos and Rickshaws are available for exploring this town. 

Location