Khardah 26 Shiva Temples, West Bengal

Address

Khardah 26 Shiva Temples, Ram Hari Biswas Ghat Rd, Khardaha, West Bengal 700116

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

The 26 Shiva Temples in Khardah, located near Kolkata in the North 24 Parganas District of West Bengal, India, are a remarkable group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are situated on the banks of the Hooghly River and are recognized as protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India, Kolkata circle.

1. Location: The temple complex is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from Khardah Bus Stand, 2 kilometers from Khardah Railway Station, and 19 kilometers from Kolkata Airport. Its proximity to Kolkata makes it accessible to visitors.
2. Construction History: The 26 Shiva Temples were constructed in the early 19th century CE by Ramhari Biswas and Prankrishna Biswas, who were the landlords of Khardah at the time. These temples are not only places of worship but also significant examples of architectural and cultural heritage.
3. Temple Complex: The temple complex is divided into two groups. The first, larger group consists of 20 temples, which are arranged in a rectangular fashion. Six temples are placed on one side, and four on the other side, facing each other. The entrance to this group of temples is flanked by two temples on each side of the gate.
4. Second Group: The second group comprises six temples located towards the right side of the ghat. All six temples in this group are placed in a single row, facing the Hooghly River.
5. Architecture: The temples in this complex follow the Aatchaalaa (eight roofed) style of architecture. Each temple houses a Shiva Linga as the central deity. The walls of these temples are adorned with ornate designs featuring creepers, flowers, niches, and plasterwork, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

The 26 Shiva Temples in Khardah are not only a place of religious significance but also a testament to the artistic and architectural legacy of the region. Their protected status by the Archaeological Survey of India underscores their value as cultural heritage sites.

Festivals

Nil puja on Bengali month of Chaitra is celebrated here with much fanfare.

Century/Period/Age

19th Century CE.

Managed By

Department of Archaeology – West Bengal

Nearest Bus Station

Khardah

Nearest Railway Station

Khardah Station

Nearest Airport

Kolkata

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