Madan Gopal Temple of Mellak is not only the oldest temple of Howrah district but it is also one of the two state protected monuments along with Dadhimadhav Temple, Amragiri, Howrah.
This brick-built south-facing aatchala temple was built in 1651 A.D by Zamindar Mukunda Prasad Roychowdhury. The temple happened to be situated on the banks of river Rupnarayan but at present the river has receded. This temple enjoys the distinction of one of the largest aatchala temples of Bengal. This temple is placed on a higher pedestal at a height of about five feet. It seems to me that as the temple is by the side of the river, so in order to protect it in times of floods and also during tides the height is maintained. As usual the temple has a triple arched entrance with terracotta decoration on the panels and also on the sides.
It seemed that the temple has rich terracotta decorations in the past but owing to time many got damaged. At present the panels above the arches contain lesser number of such decorations and some have faded completely. Some floral motifs including that of lotus can be seen. The columns also has some art work. During my visit to the temple in the month of March this year I found that the door leading to the inner sanctum was closed. I reached there in the morning with the intention of having a darshan of Madan Gopalji. But as the priest has not arrived by that time I couldn’t see the deities.
The corner elements have some floral decorations as compared to the wall panels. The two wall panels has a total of six large lotus medallions in a plain wall. The entrance frames as well as the cornices has lotus medallions, floral motifs and geometric figures. The temple is well maintained.
The temple is situated in a large open grassy area with trees on both sides. A blue signboard on the right side of the temple of Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Information and Cultural Affairs Department of West Bengal Government declared this temple as a protected monument. It also states that restoration and conservation of this temple has been carried out by the government.
The most striking thing of this temple and which will normally draw anybody’s attention is of a stone idol of Garura facing the temple in the middle of the raised platform. Another thing which I would like to comment is about the approach road to the temple which is rather narrow and not in good shape. There is also an embankment a little away from the temple and I was informed by the toto driver who took me to the temple that it was done to facilitate farming in the area and at one time it was connected with Rupnarayan river. I was further told that Dolyatra and Janmastami are the main festivals here. The temple is situated near the house of great Bengali writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Going there:
The best way to go is to take either the morning Panskura or Medinipur local (South Eastern Railway) from Howrah station and get down at Deulti. Walk for about ten minutes through Deulti Station Road and come to the crossing. You will find Chennai – Kolkata Highway overhead. Near Deulti underpass you can hire a toto and reach the temple. The temple can also be reached by car from Kolkata.
References:
- Brick Temples of Bengal – David McCutchion
- Howrah Jelar Purakirti – Tarapada Santra
Date of posting: 28th May, 2023.
Blog of Kinjal Bose 