Jiaganj Azimganj

Jiaganj Azimganj is a city in the central region of West Bengal and the result of the amalgamation of Jiaganj and Azimganj, on opposite sides of the Bhagirathi River. Jiaganj is located north of Murshidabad and Azimganj lies on the opposite bank of Bhagarati River. Both Jiaganj and Azimganj are known for their Jain heritage and houses a number of Jain temples. To the north of Azimganj lies Boronagar, known for its temples with terracotta and stucco ornamentation.

Understand

Char Bangla Mandir

Before the Battle of Plasey Murshidabad was the leading trade centre of India. It attracted a host of traders from different parts of India and beyond. The twin cities of Jiaganj and Azimganj served as the settlement for the marwari traders who migrated from Rajasthan. These traders built huge mansions and temples. Today one of these mansions has been converted into a heritage boutique hotel. Apart from the hotel guest the twin towns are also visited by day trippers from Murshidabad.

Get in

By train

• 1 Azimganj City railway station. (updated Oct 2022)
• 2 Azimganj Junction railway station. (updated Aug 2022)
• 3 Jiaganj railway station. (updated Aug 2022)

Get around

Bhavaniswar Mandir

The twin cities of Jiaganj and Azimganj, along with the temple town of Boronagar, are mostly explored from a day trip from Murshidabad. Hotels in Murshidabad can arrange for totos for the trip. There are no bridges across the river. There is an active ferry service, which also transports vehicles. Barikothi, a heritage boutique hotel in Azimganj provides specially curated tours for their guests.

See

• 1 Char Bangla Temple. The temple complex houses four temples of "Do chala" or 'Bangla' style of architecture, hence the name "Char Bangla". The outer walls of two temples are decorated with intricate terracotta ornamentation. The temples were constructed by Rani Bhabani of Natore in 18th century. (updated Oct 2019)
• 2 Gangeshwar Temple. Just north of the Char Bangla Complex, the Gangeshwar Temple follows the Jor Bangla style of architecture and also has rich terracotta ornamentation. (updated Sep 2022)
• 3 Bhabaniswar Mandir. This octagonal temple lacks terracotta ornamentation but it is largely compensated by beautiful stucco work, It was built by Tarasundari (daughter of Rani Bhabani) in 1755. (updated Oct 2019)
• 4 Panchamukhi Shiv Temple. The temple follows the do-chala style architecture. The linga housed inside the temple has five faces and hence the name. (updated Sep 2024)

• 5 Jiaganj Museum. (updated Aug 2022)

Buy

Saree: Jiaganj and Azimganj are hubs of weaving activity. They are known for the production of Murshidabadi silk. Visitors can buy directly from the weavers. However, the prices are almost the same as retail outlets. However, bargaining is possible.

Eat

The heritage boutique hotel Bari Kothi offers a lunch package of Sheherwali cuisine. It is a veg cuisine combining culinary traditions from Rajasthan and Bengal. The lunch also includes a property tour of the heritage hotel.

Sleep

Bari Kothi, Azimganj

• 1 Bari Kothi, Jain Patty, Azimganj, ☏ +91 9051200800, info@barikothi.com. A 300-year-old heritage mansion converted into a boutique heritage hotel. It serves vegetarian food and specilizes on Sheherwali cuisine Price on request. (updated Oct 2022)