Ambika Kalna, also known as Kalna, is a city situated in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. It is located on the western banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Kalna is known as “The Temple City”, as this place is famous for its glorious terracotta temples built in the 18th century.
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Kalna Rajbari complex is one of the top cultural tourism spots in Kalna in addition to the Famous Lalji Mandir and 108 shiv mandir.
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…
Kalna Rajbari Location
Kalna or Ambika Kalna is located approximately 83 kilometers from Howrah on the Bandel – Katwa Line.
You can take any Howrah – Katwa Local train to reach Ambika Kalna.
It would cost only Rs 25-30 to reach by the local trains.
| Train | Dept at HWH | Arr at ABKA |
|---|---|---|
| Howrah – Katwa local | 08:00 | 09:43 |
| Sealdah – Katwa local | 08:06 | 10:14 |
From Ambika Kalna rail station, you can take rickshaws to reach the Rajbari Complex.
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It will take hardly 2.5-3 hours to stroll along with the entire picturesque complex.
You can also take a rickshaw or Toto to view the entire beauty of the area.
About the Kalna Rajbari
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.
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!
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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
The Pratapeswar Temple welcomes guests to the Rajbari Complex and is located to the left of the entrance.
It is the smallest but the most elaborated temple in the Rajbari Complex and stands on a high platform.
This temple was completed in 1849.
The Temple is constructed in the Rekha Deul architecture, with a curvilinear shikhara and a single arched entrance.
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The four sides of the temple are richly ornamented with terracotta decoration 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.
It also includes terracotta panels with finely carved figures representing battle scenarios of Ram and Ravana, Krishna Leela scenes, as well as images from everyday life.
The flawless detailing exemplifies how richly talented the artists were at that time!
A cannon lies to the left of the Pratapeswar Temple, while a Ras Mancha, whose roof has long collapsed, stands to the right.
2. Ras Mancha
The Ras Mancha at Kalna Rajbari complex 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
The Lalji temple is located further along with the Rajbari Compound, surrounded by a high-walled complex.
It is the oldest temple in the complex that was built by Braja Kishori Devi, the wife of Maharaja Jagat Ram.
A graceful idol of Radha Krishna is present in the Lalji temple complex.
Lalji Temple is 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 Lalji 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.
A left turn from the Lalji Complex leads to the Krishna Chandraji Temple.
4. Krishna Chandraji Temple
The Krishna Chandraji Temple is the Rajbari Complex’s second Panchabinsati Ratna temple.
The Krishna Chandraji Temple complex, like the Lalji Temple complex, is located in a distinct complex and includes numerous additional temples, including the Vijay Vidyanath Temple.
It has beautiful limestone stucco works featuring animals and floral motifs.
The beautiful temple was constructed between 1751 and 1755 and features three arched entrances on all sides.
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It also includes beautiful terracotta decoration on its front facade and the nat mandir, which depicts themes from mythology, epics, and even everyday life.
Gopalbari Temple, the third Panchabinsati Ratna temple, is located outside the Rajbari Complex.
A beautiful flat-roofed edifice known as Rupeshwar Temple and the Panchratna Temple is also located nearby.
5. Panchratna Temple
The Pancharatna Temple 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.
The Vijay Vidyanath temple is a massive Aat-Chala temple located to the left of the entrance; however, it lacks terracotta adornment.
The tall Krishna Chandraji Temple, with its 25 pinnacles, stands just next to it.
Places to visit 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 the “Jor Bangla Styled Temple” in Ambika Kalna.
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It is 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, Hotel Priyadarshini, Ahar Hotel, and Restaurant 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 and restaurants.
Thus, the Rajbari Complex temples, together with other temples in Ambika Kalna, may serve as a unique weekend trip destination.
Cover Pic: Paramanu Sarkar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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