MANDIRS IN PANCHETGARH
Sri Sri Kishorai Jiue Mandir & adjoining Jhulan Mandir : Architectural and Historical Importance.
The family established the deities of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha of Sri Sri Kishorai Jiue and built a grand Temple based on the Shikhara Deula architecture of Orissa. Sri Sri Kishorai Jieu is now the family deity in Panchetgarh.
Architectural Style :
This temple complex comprises of one main Mandir structure and one adjoining Jagmohana or Assembly Hall here in called "Jhulan Mandir". Although the two temples are architecturally different, they are constructed in axial alignment and interconnected so as to form an integral pattern.
Sri Sri Kishorai Jieu Mandir is a classical example of the Orissa Rath- Deula style or even known as the Kalinga architecture. Where in the main temple is on a elevated platform and consists of the garba-griha or the sanctum, enshrining the diety, above which stands the Sikhara or the rekha-deula (above shrine). This Sikhara or the Rekha -deula is capped by the kalash, which is the top most portion of the garba-griha.
The Jhulan Mandir, which is built on a elevated rectangular platform is a pidha temple, ie: its roof consists of pidhas which are horizontal platforms arranged successively so as to constitute a superstructure. The roof of the Jhulan Mandir is an example of the Hakra Style of Temple Architecture where in the roof resembles an overturned boat.
This Jhulan mandir is the place where festivals like Janmasthami and Rash Leela are performed.
This Temple complex is built with red fired bricks with mortar binding of chun-surki.
This Temple complex is now a declared Heritage structure.
Pancheswar Shiva Temple of Panchetgarh and its historical facts.
Built during the period 1897 to 1907.
Founded and established by members of the Chaudhury / Dasmohapatra family.
The main driving force behind this Temple was the eldest son of the family, Late Chaudhury Brajendra Nandan Dasmohapatra ( popularly known as the Raja Babu ) and his other two brothers Chaudhury Jadabendra Nandan Dasmohapatra and Chaudhury Upendra Nandan Dasmohapatra.
Chaudhury Upendra Nandan was a deeply religious person who was also responsible for the upkeep of all Mandirs and Deb Seba. He was also a very well known practitioner of Ayurveda.
Chaudhury Jadabendra Nandan was a great sitar player and a disciple of Ustad Ujir Khan. He was also a connoisseur of art and culture and established a Theater stage in Panchetgarh.
Architectural Style :
It is a South Indian Style of Mandir Architecture made of fired Red bricks and Chun surki mortar binding. It has very beautiful arches and ornamental facade.
This Temple complex is now a declared Heritage site.
Sitala Devi Pancharatna Mandir
Period and History: Constructed in the year around 1900-1903 by the Chaudhury/Dasmohapatra family the then Zamindars of the Pataspur parganna. As per folklore and as explained to me by my Grandmother Chaudhurain Tilottama Deie, the women members of the family wanted to have a Sitala mandir as the Guardian protector God at the entrance to the Raj Bari complex.
Architectural style : It is a classic example of Jor-Bangla style/ ek-bangla or the-Do-chala style.
Our Sitala Debi Pancharatna Mandir is an example of the Pinnacled style or the "ratna" style design under the Jor- Bangla influence. Here in there is a single central tower called -Eka-Ratna which is surrounded by four more towers. Thus the name "Pancharatna".
It is established on a squre base, made up of fried red bricks and chun-surki binding as mortar. The facade of the mandir is decorated with many contemporary motifs and designs.
This Temple complex is now a declared Heritage structure.
