Ukhra in Paschim Barddhaman district of West Bengal has a number of temples. One of them is Ram Chandra Jiu Temple.
The temple was built by Meru Chandra Handa in 1739 following his move to Shergarh (presently Ukhra) from Murshidabad with his family.
This pancha-ratna or five pinnacled temple is a modification of the “Bishnupur Type” with a façade broader than the height of the structure. The temple is built on a 3.5 feet platform above the ground and it covers an area of 1050 sq ft.
There are four spires on the four sides with the central spire measuring at a height of 45 feet located directly above the temple sanctum.
This mandir is located in the temple complex of Gopinath Jiu, the family deity of the Handas. The temple of Gopinath Jiu is built by Meru Chandra’s son Bakhtar Singh Handa in the year 1801 when he brought the idol of Gopinath Jiu from Daihat.
Daily worship along with bhog and aarati is performed here though special puja is held during Ram Nabami, Hanuman Jayanti, Deepabali and Durga Puja.
Rathayatra is also famous here. It was started in 1763 Sakabda i.e., 1841 as per English calendar by Late Sambhunath Lal Singh Handa.
Special thanks to Shri Sandip Hunday
Date of posting: 27th March, 2025
Blog of Kinjal Bose 