Ghutgarya Radha Damodar Temple, West Bengal

Address

Ghutgarya Radha Damodar Temple, Ghutgoria, West Bengal 722168

Diety

Vishnu

Introduction

The Radha Damodar Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is situated in the Ghutgarya Town in the Bankura Sadar subdivision of the Bankura District in the state of West Bengal, India.

Historical Background: The Radha Damodar Temple dates back to the 17th century CE, making it a historical and culturally significant structure.
Monument of National Importance: The temple has been recognized and classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), underscoring its historical and architectural significance.
Architectural Style: The temple follows the rekha deula style of Kalinga architecture, which is a traditional architectural style associated with the Kalinga region, particularly in the state of Odisha.
Plan and Height: The temple is described as pancharatha on plan, which typically means it has a five-fold architectural design. It reaches a height of about 40 feet.
Architectural Elements: The top of the shikara (tower) of the temple is adorned with four rampant lions and is crowned by an amalaka and Kalasha, which are common architectural features in many Indian temples.
Sculptures: Sculptures can be observed on the top of the facade, indicating the presence of decorative and ornamental elements on the temple’s exterior.
Deity: It’s noteworthy that there is no deity enshrined in the sanctum of the temple at present.
Exterior: The exterior of the temple is largely described as plain, suggesting that it may not be as elaborately adorned with sculptural elements as some other temples.

The Radha Damodar Temple, despite the absence of a deity, stands as an architectural and historical testament to the cultural heritage of the region. Its classification as a Monument of National Importance underscores its significance, and the architectural style and elements make it of interest to those exploring the rich heritage of West Bengal.