Sonatapal Sun Temple- West Bengal

Address

Sonatapal Sun Temple- Bankura town, Bankura district West Bengal 722174

Diety

Surya

Introduction

Sonatapal Sun temple is dedicated to Lord Surya, located 3.2 kilometers (2.0 mi) north-east of Ekteswar, near Bankura town, on the banks of Dwarakeswar River in Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Sonatapal contains a large temple ascribed to the Rajas of Bishnupur. It is a remarkably solid and tall brick temple. Close to the temple, and on the low ground, which is under water during floods, are several mounds.

Puranic Significance

David J. Mc Cutchion says that the pre-dominant traditional architectural style for temples in the western areas of Bengal in the pre-Muslim period is the tall curvilinear rekha deul and it went on developing from the late 7th century or early 8th century to around the 12th century, increasing its complexity and height but retaining its basic features. Such temples had “curvilinear shikhara with chaitya mesh decoration, surmounted by a large amalaka and kalasa finial. Example of such dilapidated deulas is still standing at Satdeula (in Bardhaman). This ancient Sun Temple is in ruins in Bankura near Dwarakeshwar River.