Kantaji temple, Kantaji Mandir

Kantaji Temple (Kantaji Mandir) is one of the most beautiful ancient temples not only in Bangladesh but also in South Asia. It has gained eminence as an outstanding monument in Bengal for its fabulous terra cotta embellishments. This Nava-Ratna Hindu temple, now stripped of its original nine spires atop its corners during the devastating earthquake of 1897, exhibits the exuberance of terracotta art at its best in Bangladesh.

History: According to sources in 1704, King Pran Nath started the construction work of this temple. In spite of having a lot of interest, King Pran Nath could not finish the construction work of this temple. When King Pran Nath died in 1722, his adopted son, King Ram Nath, started his work again. There is information on the history and people are reminded that hundreds of workers completed 48 years of work and completed the construction of the temple in 1752.

Location: Kantaji mandir built in the 18th century. The temple is 20 kilometers north of Dinajpur town of Bangladesh and 7 kilometers south of Kahorol Upazila Sadar in the Sundarpur union on the west side of Dinajpur-Tentulia highway on the banks of the river Dendampa, an ancient temple located in Kantanagar.

Kantaji Temple is famous for the architectural features of Bengal, one of the main reasons for this temple is that the stories of mythology have been enhanced on the walls of terracotta ornaments. The original nine peaks were destroyed in the earthquake of 1897. 

Construction: There is an inscription attached in the eastern corner in Sanskrit language, according to the inscription, the Maharaja of Dinajpur Pran Nath started the construction of the temple. After his death, his adopted son Ramnath completed the construction of the temple.

Architectural detail: This magnificent pyramid-shaped temple has moved above three steps, and there are nine ornamental peaks or gems above the three-legged corners, which seem like a huge ornate rope standing on a high base. There is an open archway around the temple so that from any point of view the devotees see the image of God placed in the inner sanctuary.The square temple is set on a rectangular courtyard.

There is a place of worshipers sitting in the center of the area which is covered by corrugated. The entire building is centered around the main square of the plaza. The height of the temple standing on stone base is more than 50 feet. It is believed that it was built by bringing construction materials from the ruins of Bannagar near Gangarampur (Dinajpur).The outer side has been linked to three quadrangular chambers constructed high. This type of design has strengthened the central committee, so it is possible that the upper chamber can be retained for this cell.

 

Characteristics: A common aspect of the beautiful terra cotta ornamentation of the Kantaji temple is that it has described the social history of that time, no adult scene described on the terracottas.Terracotta work across the entire wall of the temple. There is a continuity of Terracotta tradition. 

Ramayana, Mahabharata and various myths have been described here. The legends of the four Shastra, truth, Treta, the Dapor and the kali are painted on the four walls of the temple.The terracotta of Kantaji temple will take you in medieval Bengal, and will present a mythological story. The temple has the highest number of best terra cotta in Bangladesh.

Read terracotta decoration of Kantaji Temple and also visit Ramsagor of Dinajpur.

Rash Purnima Mela was organized in Kantaji Mandir premises in November every year. A large number of visitors and pilgrims gathered at the fair throughout the month. The architectural style, texture, artistic beauty make the overall view of the temple so much soothing that it is the most beautiful temple in Bangladesh. The Department of Archeology Department is responsible for the maintenance of the Kantaji temple.