Nanoor Group of Temples, West Bengal

Address

Nanoor Group of Temples, West Bengal

Nanoor, Bolpur subdivision,

Birbhum District,

West Bengal 731301

Moolavar

Shiva

Amman

Sakthi

Introduction

The Nanoor Group of Temples is a remarkable cluster of several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. These temples are located in Nanoor Village, situated in the Nanoor CD block within the Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum District, West Bengal.

1. Historical Significance: Nanoor is known as the birthplace of the 14th-century lyric poet Chandidas, famous for his Vaishnava Padavali. These temples are culturally significant and have historical associations.
2. Number of Temples: The group consists of sixteen temples, each contributing to the rich religious and architectural heritage of the region.
3. Origin: These temples were built in the 17th century CE by a local Zamindar. They are considered to stand over the mound of the ancestral house of the poet Boru Chandidas, also known as Chandibhita.
4. Prominent Shrine – Bishalakshmi Temple: The most prominent shrine in this group is the Bishalakshmi Temple, which is also known as the Basuli Temple. This temple faces south and is located on a low raised platform. It comprises a sanctum and a mukha mandapa with a triple-arched entrance. The temple houses an image of Bishalakshmi/Basuli/Bagisree, seated on a wooden throne. The original deity has been lost. The temple is characterized by its flat roof and a nagara-style shikhara adorned with five brass kalasas (pinnacles) and trisulas (tridents).
5. Temple Variety: Within the group, you’ll find various temple architectures, including aatchala temples, char chala temples, and flat-roofed structures. These temples exhibit different styles and stucco work.
6. Terracotta Ornamentation: While some temples have a plain external facade, the twin aatchala temples boast intricate terracotta ornamentation on their walls. The terracotta panels depict a wide range of subjects, including images of Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardini (Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon), Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Kartik, Ganesha, Krishna Leela (episodes from Lord Krishna’s life), royal processions, war scenes, hunting scenes, social life, and various geometrical patterns.
7. Durga Dalan: There’s also a Durga Dalan, a place where the goddess Durga is worshiped during Durga Puja.

Century/Period

17th century CE

Managed By

Department of Archaeology (DOA)

Nearest Bus Station

Kirnahar

Nearest Railway Station

Kirnahar Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Kolkata

Location on Map

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