Lalji Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Lalji Temple, Kalna, West Bengal

Lalji 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 is considered as the oldest temple in the complex and situated at the front of the first gate of Rajbari complex. This temple is considered as one of the five Panchabimsati Ratna temples in West Bengal. The temple is situated on the banks of Hooghly river.

Legends

As per legend, a saint named Lalji took a halt in Kalna seeking alms during his pilgrimage. He had a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna with him. Brajakishori Devi, the wife of Maharaja Jagat Ram of Bardhaman Raj was fascinated with the idol of Lord Krishna and requested the saint to leave the idol with her. Initially, the saint was reluctant to part with his idol but  when she proposed a marriage between his idol of Krishna with her idol of Radha, the saint acceded to the proposal. Thus, the idols got married and installed in this temple. Even, the saint Lalji stayed permanently in Kalna and continued his worship of Lord Krishna. The temple came to be called as Lalji Mandir after his death.

History

The temple was built by Raja Kritichand Rai of Bardhaman Raj for his mother Brajakishori Devi in 1739 CE.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards south and enclosed within the compound wall. This temple follows the Panchabimsati Ratna style of architecture. The Panchabimsati Ratna temple has 25 pinnacles. It consists of three stories with three pinnacles each at the four corners of the first storey (12 pinnacles), two pinnacles each at the four corners of second storey (8 pinnacles), one pinnacle each at the four corners of the of the third storey (4 pinnacles) and a central pinnacle.

There is a dome shaped charchala (four sloped roofs) natamandir in front of the temple. Each pillar of the natamandir is elaborately decorated with terracotta figures. The Panchabimsati Ratna temple consists of sanctum and porch with triple arched entrances. The sanctum enshrines the image of Radha and Krishna. Garuda can be found facing towards the sanctum.

The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with rich terracotta ornamentation depicting the Krishna Leela, puranic scenes, hunting scenes and social life of the ancient times. The temple complex also houses the Giri Gobardhan Temple. Three statues of horses can be seen at the entrance of the complex.

Religious Significance

This temple is considered as one of the five Panchabimsati Ratna temples in West Bengal. The temples are;

1.    Krishna Chandra Temple, Kalna

2.    Gopalji Temple, Kalna

3.    Lalji Temple, Kalna

4.    Sridhar Temple, Sonamukhi

5.    Ananda Bhairabi Temple, Sukharia

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kalna Old Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Kalna New Bus Stand and 2.5 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