Madangopal Jiu Temple
| Madangopal Jiu Temple | |
|---|---|
গোপালের মন্দির | |
 Madangopal Jiu Temple | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Radha and Madangopala |
| Festivals | |
| Location | |
| Location | Mellak |
| State | West Bengal |
| Country |  India |
  Location in West Bengal | |
| Geographic coordinates | 22°28′00″N 87°54′21″E / 22.4668°N 87.9057°E |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 17th-century CE: 1651 |
| Specifications | |
| Temple(s) | 1 |
| Monument(s) | 1 |
Madangopal Jiu Temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Mellak, near Samta, Deulti, in Howrah district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Also known as the Gopaler Mandir ("Temple of Gopala"), it is dedicated to the Hindu deities Radha and Madangopala.[1]
One of the oldest temples in Howrah district, it is one of the two state protected monuments along with the Dadhimadhav Temple in Amragiri, Howrah. It is located close to the traditional house of novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.[2]
History
[edit]Madangopal Jiu Temple is a teracotta temple dedicated to Hindu deities Radha and Madangopala. The idols are made up of "ashtadhatu". Situated on the banks of Rupnarayan River, originally the river used to flow beside the temple but with time, it changed its course and shifted away from the temple.
It was established in 1651 AD by wrestler Mukundaprasad Roychowdhury of Mandalghat Pargana. He belonged from the family of the Roy zamindars, who used to rule the village of Mellak at that time.[3]
The road to the temple was connected to a barrage. Mukundaprasad would carry two heavy stone dumbbells in his arms to the temple, crossing a small wooden bridge. One of those stones is still present in the complex of temple and can be seen by the visitors.[4]
Architecture
[edit]One of the largest "ath-chala" temples in West Bengal, characterised by its roof with eight slopes.[5] Made with the teracotta style of architecture, the temple has a main entrance with three arches facing south. There is an additional entrance facing the east direction.[6]
Since it was located close to the river, the temple was built on a five feet tall pedestal to protect it from floods and high tides. Although much of the teracotta decorations have faded, some floral motifs, lotus medallions and columns engraved with artwork are still present.[7]
Temple complex
[edit]The temple is located in a large green grassy area, bordered by trees on all sides. In the middle of a raised platform in front of the temple, there is a stone idol of Garuda facing the temple. Although it has been slightly worn out over the years, it is still recognisable from its posture and vahana.[7]
Renovation
[edit]The state government started renovation work in 2010 to fix its dilapidated state and was completed many years later. It is being done by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Information and Cultural Affairs Department of West Bengal Government. During that period, the idols were moved to a nearby house. Presently, the temple is maintained and the idols are being cared and worshipped by the locals. The temple opens everyday at 6 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Exploring the heritage architectural treasures of Deulti in West Bengal". The Telegraph. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "Madanmohan Jiu Temple, Mellak". Temples of India. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "An Archive of Cultural Heritage of Bengal - HOWRAH" (PDF). Directorate of Culture, Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
Madan Gopal Jiu temple :- The 450-year-old temple located at Mellok village near Samata in Deulti town of Howrah district is locally known as Gopal's Temple. The temple is terracotta ornamented and built in the ath-chala style, referring to the eight slopes of its roof. It was built in the 16th century by Mukunda Prasad Roychowdhury, a member of the Roychowdhury family, then Zamindars of Mellak. Hindu festivals including Dol Yatra and Janmashtami are celebrated at the temple
- ^ Purohit, Temple. "Madanmohan-Jiu Temple, Samta". Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "Introduction to Temple Typology". Religious Architecture of Bengal. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ a b Temples, Light Up (6 December 2022). "Mellock Madangopal Jiu Temple – West Bengal". Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ a b "Madan Gopal Temple, Mellak, Howrah". 28 May 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Madangopaljiu temple, Mellock at Wikimedia Commons
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