Ambika Kalna, also known as Kalna, is a town located in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It is situated on the western banks of the Bhagirathi River.
The place is known as “The Temple Town,” as it is famous for its glorious terracotta temples built in the 18th century. The Kalna Rajbari Complex is one of the top cultural tourism spots in Kalna in addition to the famous Siddheswari Kalibari and 108 Shiv Mandir.
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The complex houses several temples that are of cultural and religious importance.
In this article, you will get everything you need to know about the Kalna Rajabri Complex.
This includes,
So let’s explore these points about Kalna Rajbari in detail.
How to reach Kalna Rajbari Complex
Kalna or Ambika Kalna is located approximately 83 kilometers from Howrah on the Bandel – Katwa Line. You can take any Howrah-Katwa Local or Sealdah-Katwa Local train to reach Ambika Kalna.
It would cost only Rs.25-30 to reach by the local trains from Kolkata.
We explored the Kalna Rajbari Complex as part of your Kalna trip. You can do it as a day trip from Kolkata. However, keep in mind that some of the temples inside the complex remain closed from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. So plan your trip accordingly.
Recommended trains for morning trip:
| Train | Dept | Arr at ABKA |
|---|---|---|
| Howrah – Katwa local | 08:00 | 09:43 |
| Sealdah – Katwa local | 08:06 | 10:14 |
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Recommended trains for evening trip:
| Train | Dept | Arr at ABKA |
|---|---|---|
| Howrah – Katwa local | 14:30 | 16:10 |
| Bandel – Katwa local | 14:35 | 15:18 |
From Ambika Kalna rail station, you can take Totos to reach the Rajbari Complex. It will cost Rs.10 per person. (May Vary).
It will take around 1-1.5 hours to stroll along the entire picturesque complex. You can also take a Toto to explore other attractions in the town.
Recommended trains to return to Kolkata:
| Train | Dept at ABKA | Arr |
|---|---|---|
| Katwa – Sealdah local | 16:59 | 19:30 |
| Katwa – Bandel local | 18:44 | 19:40 |
About the Kalna Rajbari Complex
The Kalna Rajbari Complex represents the glorious past of Ambika Kalna. During the 18th century, several magnificent temples were built under the Maharajas of Bardhaman.
The blend of the rich cultural aspects consisting of temples spread along with the large green complex, with well-manicured lawns and gardens, and the blue skies make it an ideal tourist spot.
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You can spend an entire day strolling and watching the panoramic views of the temple complex. The perfect finishing touch of the sculptures is a thing of beauty to cherish!
Popular Temples at Kalna Rajbari Complex
The entire Kalna Rajbari Complex consists of a series of eye-catching temples with stunning architecture. The Pratapeshwar Temple, Ras Mancha, Pancharatna Temple, Lalji Temple, Vijay Vidyanath Temple, and Krishna Chamdraji Temple are some of them.
This array of temples, located just opposite the Naba Kailash Temple, was built more than a hundred years ago.
1. Pratapeswar Temple
As you enter the Rajabari Complex, the Pratapeswar Temple will be the first temple that will draw your attention. It is situated to the left of the entrance. This is one of the most elaborate temples in the area and stands on a high platform.
The temple was completed in 1849. It was constructed in the Rekha Deul architecture, with a curvilinear shikhara and a single-arched entrance. The four sides of the temple contain terracotta decorations displaying figures of gods and goddesses. Designs of Sia Ram, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Vaishnavas as well as scenes from the major epics are also depicted.
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It also includes terracotta panels with finely carved figures representing battle scenarios of Ram and Ravana, Krishna Leela scenes, and images from everyday life. The flawless detailing exemplifies how richly talented the artists were at that time.
2. Ras Mancha
Next, you will come across the Ras Mancha. It has one dome pinnacle with two other sections. The outer section has 24 arched gateways and the inner one has 8 gateways.
During the auspicious Ras Festival, local people narrate the story of Lalji and Madan Gopalji here.
3. Lalji Temple
After you cross Ras Mancha, go straight and you will find Lalji temple, surrounded by a high-walled compound. It is the oldest temple in the Rajbari complex and was built by Braja Kishori Devi, the wife of Maharaja Jagat Ram. A graceful idol of Radha Krishna is present here.
Lalji Temple was built in the Panchabinsati Ratna architectural style and has 25 pinnacles. West Bengal has just five Panchabinsati Ratna temples, three of which are in Ambika Kalna. Out of these three, two are in the Rajbari Complex.
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Unlike the usual Panchabimsati Ratna temple, the Lalji Temple’s second floor is octagonal, with a pinnacle at each of the eight corners. The temple formerly featured exquisite terracotta panels, but just a few remain now. There is also evidence of intricate limestone stucco ornamentation of old Hunting scenarios on the temple.
A Char-Chala (four sloping roofs) mandap stands directly in front of the Lalji Shrine and serves as a meeting area for worshippers visiting the temple. The compound also includes the Giri Govardhan Temple, which resembles a mountain.
4. Krishna Chandraji Temple
A left turn from the Lalji Complex leads to the Krishna Chandraji Temple. It is the Rajbari Complex’s second Panchabinsati Ratna temple.
The Krishna Chandraji Temple complex, like the Lalji Temple complex, is located in a distinct compound and includes numerous additional temples, including the Vijay Vidyanath Temple.
The temple was constructed between 1751 and 1755 and features three arched entrances on all sides. It has beautiful limestone stucco works featuring animals and floral motifs. It also includes beautiful terracotta decoration on its front facade and the nat mandir, which depicts themes from mythology, epics, and even everyday life.
The Vijay Vidyanath temple, also situated in the complex, is a massive Aat-Chala temple located to the left of the entrance; however, it lacks terracotta adornment. Gopalbari Temple, the third Panchabinsati Ratna temple, is outside the Rajbari Complex. A beautiful flat-roofed edifice known as Rupeshwar Temple and the Panchratna Temple is also located nearby.
5. Panchratna Temple
As you come out of the Lalji Temple compound, you will come across the Pancharatna Temple. It is not a temple with five pinnacles, but rather a collection of five Aat Chala (eight-sloping roofs) temples of varying sizes.
Despite the fact that all five temples adhere to the Aat-Chala system, the shapes of each of them differ from the others.
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Other attractions near Kalna Rajbari Complex
There are many other top attractions to visit in Kalna.
Worth mentioning that “Ambika” is the other name of Goddess Kali. So do not miss out on the Siddheswari Kali Temple which is a ‘Jor Bangla Styled Temple’ in Ambika Kalna. It is also the oldest temple in Ambika Kalna.
Apart from it, you can also cover the other temples like Mahaprabhu Barui, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, and Shyamsundar Mandir.
Places to stay near Kalna Rajbari Complex
Hotel Maa Ambika and Hotel Priyadarshini are some of the popular hotels in Kalna located close to the Kalna Rajbari Complex. You can get access to good quality food and staying options in these hotels.
Restaurants near Kalna Rajbari Complex
Some of the popular restaurants where you can have lunch near Kalna Rajbari Complex are Ahar Hotel & Restaurant, Milan Cabin, and Royal Family Restaurant.
Thus, the Rajbari Complex temples, together with other attractions in Ambika Kalna, may serve as a unique destination for a weekend tour or a day trip.
Other places to visit in West Bengal
- Ramdhura (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Daragaon, Burmaik (Kalimpong) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Ghurni – Exploring Krishnanagar’s Hidden Gem And Its Clay Dolls
- Mim Tea Garden (Darjeeling) – 5 Points You Must Know About
- Bandel Church (Hooghly) | The Basilica of the Holy Rosary
- Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) – 5 Things To Know
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