Lalji Mandir — Attraction in West Bengal

Lalji Temple, the oldest structure within the Rajbari temple complex at Ambika Kalna, was erected by Maharaja Kirti Chand Rai in honor of his mother, Braja Kishori Devi (wife of Maharaja Jagat Ram). This architectural masterpiece was constructed in 1739 CE, showcasing the uncommon Panchabimsati (twenty-five pinnacles or peaks) style. In West Bengal, there are only five Panchabimsati Ratna temples; three of these are situated in Ambika Kalna - Lalji Temple, Krishna Chandra Temple, and Gopalji Temple, with two located within the Rajbari temple complex. The remaining two are the Sridhar Temple in Sonamukhi in Bankura district and the Ananda Bhairavi Temple in Sukharia village in Hooghly district. A Panchabimsati Ratna temple features three stories, each adorned with pinnacles. The first story has three pinnacles at each of its four corners, totaling twelve. The octagonal second story has one pinnacle at each corner, for a total of eight. The third story has one pinnacle at each of its four corners, making four. Finally, a single central pinnacle completes the structure. Therefore, there are twenty-five pinnacles in total. This temple, along with the Giri Govardhan Temple, is situated within a separate enclosure in the Rajbari complex. Three wooden horse statues are positioned above the entrance to this enclosure. The horse is considered the emblem of the Bardhaman Raj. The temple grounds are enclosed by a 4.5-meter-high wall. The main section of the temple is elevated on a platform. The north wall of the temple measures approximately 6.5 meters in height, while the south wall is approximately 5.5 meters high. Just south of the temple is a Natmandir, featuring a characteristic char-chala style roof. The Natmandir has five entrances on each side, with a triple-arched entrance facing south. The aesthetically pleasing painted terracotta panels adorning all the walls feature intricate floral designs, depictions of Shiva Linga, scenes from the Lanka Yudh, Goddess Durga, Dakshinakali, Balagopala, Jagadhatri Devi, Krishna Leela, and scenes of Europeans with their cavalry, horsemen, ships, and hunting scenes. The temple roof boasts stunning panels of elephants with floral designs. Many panels also depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. On the outer corners of the temple, where the walls meet, are vertical friezes known as mrityulata (death-vine or creeper of death). A mrityulata is a vertical terracotta panel featuring a series of human and animal figures, each poised to attack the figure below. Sometimes, the same panel is repeated along the entire length of the temple side; other times, the scenes are arranged in a more...

Lalji temple is beautiful oldest temple in the Rajbari temple complex. This temple was founded by Rajkumari Brojokishori Debi, mother of Maharaja Kirtichandra of Bardhaman in 1739 .This specific temple in the kalna Rajbari ground has its unique charm. the environment here is very peaceful and soothing. it will calm you from your inside. the very architecture of this temple has a unique antique touch and it also has a touch of Terracotta. the walls of the temple are inscribed. this temple is run by the local pandits.Beautiful panchavimsati ratna (25 spire) vishnu temple with a natmandap in the front. The oldest amongst the temples within the rajbari complex. Adorned with exquisite and unique terracotta art on its walls. Probably the most beautiful temple in all of Kalna. A must visit destination.A great and megnatic terracotta Temple which is more than 200 years older. Lord Krishna and Radha are worship here. This temple is in the temple complex ground of Ambika Kalna.This temple is Pancha vingsati ratna style with one Natmandapa in front.Pancha vingsati ratna style means large standard three-storied type arranges its shikharas in group of three at each corner of the first storey , two at each corner of the second and one at each corner of the third storey surmounted by the top most shikhara. The temple has a cutaway corners with projecting angles to support the...

Lalji Mandir of Kalna

Maharaja Kirtichandra was the ruler of Bardhaman. One day Rajmata Brajakishori came to Kalna for Gangasnan ( Bath in the sacred Ganga River). There were a lot of Naga Sadhus near the river. While passing their tents the Rajmata heard the voice of a little boy. She became curious. But there was no little boy inside the tent. One Sadhu was seating holding an idol of Kanai (Child Krishna). The Rajmata brought the idol and the sadhu to the Rajbari. She built a beautiful 25 Ratna temple for Krishna in 1661. This is Lalji Temple.

The temple is south facing and it has Jagmohan and Natmandir also. The distribution of 25 Ratnas are 12 in the first level, 8 in the second level, 4 in the third level and 1 in the top. Sri Krishna and Radha is offered seba 8 times daily. Different festivals such as Rathajatra, Janmastami, Raasjatra, Bindhyabasini Puja etc also...