Temples and Rajbari of Gurap, West Bengal
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/Y-QQTscE8qk
Gurap, a rural village in West Bengal's Hooghly district, is
renowned for its rich heritage, specifically numerous old Hindu
temples, including several jor-bangla style
temples. The area, often frequented by researchers for its architecture,
hosts several traditional structures featuring intricate terracotta work and
historical significance in the region.
Gurap is a hidden gem, home to ancient terracotta artwork and
remarkable temples. The name
"Gurap" is believed to be derived from two words—‘Gur’ (meaning
jaggery or palm sugar in Bengali) and ‘Ap’ (an ancient Sanskrit word meaning water).
According to a local legend, when Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya Dev was passing
through this village, someone offered him gur and jal (water), and thus the
name "Gurap" came into being.
The historic house of K.C. Nag, whose mathematics books we
all used in school is located in Gurap, which is also his birthplace. Born on
July 10, 1893, he was also a disciple of Sri Sarada Devi, a participant in the
Quit India Movement, and was even imprisoned for his involvement. He was also a
close friend of Swami Visuddhanandaji.
Gurap is home to many ancient Hindu religious structures
especially terracotta temples which include: Nanadulal temple, Rasmancha,
Gopeshwar Temple, Jora Mandir Tala, Jora Shib Mandir, Bakul Mandir, newly built
Nandadulal temple, Gaureshwar temple, and Pancharatha temple, most of which
were built by the Nag jamidars of Gurap.
The famous Nandadulal Temple, built in 1751 by Zamindar
Ramdev Nag of Gurap in Bengal’s traditional Achala style. This temple has
brought great renown to Gurap and is now a state-protected monument. Within the
temple complex, apart from the main temple, are the Gopeshwar Shiva Temple, the
Nat Mandir, and nearby, the Ras Mancha—all featuring exquisite terracotta work
that is truly mesmerizing.
Let me walk you through the amazing temples and the historic
buildings at Gurap.
How to
Reach
By Rail: The
nearest railway station to Gurap is Gurap
Railway Station (GRAE) itself, located directly within the town
in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. It is a station on the Howrah–Bardhaman
chord line, well-connected by local EMU trains, such as the Masagram-Howrah
local.
By Bus: The
nearest bus stand to Gurap, Hooghly, is generally the local bus
stop situated near the town center and Gurap
Railway Station, which provides connectivity to neighboring areas in West
Bengal. Several private bus services operate in the vicinity, including local
routes, and major SBSTC buses operate through the broader Hooghly district
By Air: The
nearest major airport to Gurap in the Hooghly district of West Bengal is
the Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata. It is
located approximately 50-60 km away from Gurap, acting as the primary aviation
hub for the region
Major Religious
Festivals
·
Dolyatra
(Dol Purnima): This is
considered a main festival, particularly at the Sree Sree Nandadulal
Jew Sreemandir. The idols of Nandadulal (Krishna) and Radhika are placed in
a decorated dolmancha (chariot) to celebrate.
·
Durga
Puja: Celebrated with
grandeur throughout the village. Notable spots include Hasampur Durga
Tala and Burima Durga Temple. The local Ramakrishna
Mission Ashrama also conducts elaborate Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Annapurna
Puja, culminating in a traditional immersion procession.
·
Annapurna
Puja: A special
celebration at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Gurap, featuring traditional
rituals, homa, and a grand Nara-Narayan Seva (offering food to
thousands).
·
Kali
Puja & Lakshmi Puja: Prominently
celebrated across various baroyari (community) committees, including the Dutta
Para Baroyari Tola.
·
Saraswati
Puja: Highly celebrated
by students and youth, often held at local temples like Panchanantala
Photography
and Parking
Photography is allowed everywhere. Drones can also be used
freely.
There are no dedicated parkings anywhere. Vehicles need to be
parked outside the temples and the Rajbari on the narrow roads. Normally there
are no issues with parking.
Our next destination: exploring the beautiful village of
Kulingram and the few terracotta temples situated there. It’s a beautiful road
towards Kulingram through the rural Bengal. . The route, often accessed via the
Mogra-Gurap Road near the Gurap Railway Station, moves from the rail hub
toward quieter, local areas, highlighting the agricultural scenery of the
Hooghly district.
Kulingram
Kulingram is a
historically significant village in the Jamalpur CD block of the Purba
Bardhaman district in West Bengal, India,
known for its deep-rooted Vaishnava culture. It is often associated with the
Vaishnava saint Haridas Thakur and holds a rich, blended heritage of Jain,
Buddhist, and Hindu traditions.
The area is renowned for its Vaishnava history,
particularly the Kulingram Haridas Thakur Pat Bari, a
significant spot associated with the saint. It is also known as a site with
ancient cultural roots, including Jain and Buddhist influences.
Kulingram is around 15 KMs from Gurap. The beautiful drive
towards Kulingram through the paddy fields is mesmerizing. The village itself
is very beautiful with scattered terracotta temples here and there with an old
Aatchala Shib Mandir, Rath situtated along with one newly built or renovated
terracotta temple and one very old terracotta temple with its roof completely
vegetated. All the temples seem to be from around 19th century.