Char Bangla Mandir

Friday, 20 February 2015

Just north of Azimganj is the village of Baranagar. It is noted for it's unique temple complex, Char Bangla Mandir ("Four Bengal Temples").

The temple complex as seen from outside. The temples have a curved two-piece (front and back) roof over three doors, each containing a Shiva lingam.

The four temples are arranged around a small square, as shown in this Google Maps image.

The north temple is the oldest and most elaborate. It is covered with detailed terra cotta tiles.

Tiles over the center door.

Corner detail.

A battle scene from the bottom frieze.

Another terra cotta panel.

This is a Shiva temple complex, so Nandi must be present!

The west temple, again covered with terra cotta tiles.

A closer view of the art over the center door.

The south temple. Still terra cotta, but less richly decorated.

The artwork over this center door is much less detailed.

The final, east, temple was covered with stucco rather than terra cotta. Apparently funds were running out, and less expensive materials had to be used to finish it.