Palpara in Kalyani subdivision of Nadia district houses a spectacular charchala brick-built temple which is currently under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Kolkata Circle.
Chala is one of the forms of Bengal’s temple architecture. We are familiar with aatchala temples which we see in plenty. But chala can be subdivided into charchala, aatchala and barochala.
Of these charchala and barochala temples are very rare. Mention may be made of a flat-roofed temple with charchala superstructure dedicated to Goddess Anandamoyee Kali Temple, Krishnanagar . Another charchala temple which I would like to mention is Raghunath Temple at Ghurisa in Birbhum.
The south-facing temple at Palpara “stands on a raised plinth” with a flight of stairs in the middle. There is no foundation stone and, therefore it is not known for sure who built the temple and when. The temple has terracotta decorations on its facade. It is needless to say that this temple has one of the finest terracotta decorations in the district. It was said that previously this temple had decorations on the entire frontal side. That apart one will also come across geometric and floral designs apart from “lotus medallions of varying sizes”.
The terracotta panel at the facade shows the fighting scene of Rama and Ravana along with other figures. A close look will reveal the intricate terracotta decorations on the surviving structures though many have lost with the passage of time. But thanks to the restoration work done to protect the surviving figures. The temple is currently well maintained.
An interesting thing here is the appearance of two snakes looking at each other and you will notice this dragon motif in the frontal part of the temple. There are a total of six such motifs – one on each side and four in the centre. That apart the rear side of the temple has terracotta motifs and floral designs of varying shapes and sizes. I also noticed one trisul or trident at the top of the temple.
Going there:
The best way to visit Palpara Temple is to take any train from Sealdah passing through Palpara (Sealdah – Gede / Sealdah – Shantipur / Sealdah – Krishnanagar / Sealdah – Ranaghat). Get down at Palpara station and walk for five to seven minutes towards the western side until you find a T shaped crossing. Turn left from there and you will see the temple. The 62 kilometre distance from Sealdah to Palpara can be covered in about one hour and thirty minutes.
References:
Nadia Jelar Purakirti – Mohit Roy
Date of posting: 29th March, 2024.
Blog of Kinjal Bose 