Puthia
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Puthia (pronounced pou-tee-ah) is a village in the Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh. It is known for its elaborate Hindu temple complex housing several temples complete with towering spires and intricate terracotta ornamentations. A moat surrounds the complex. The complex also has a pond in the middle. The complex also houses the colonial-styled mansion of the Puthia Zamindar (landlord) family.
Understand
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The Puthia Raj family, of which the town is named, eventually came to own the area some time in the 16th century. The head of the family, Bhatsacharya, was given the title of a zamindar (wealthy Hindu land-owner) by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Their family built a number of temples and palaces on the site, surrounding the lake with a sprawling lawn. The Puthia estate flourished, and it went on to become the second-largest and wealthiest zamindary in all the Indian subcontinent. After the partition of India, the new Pakistan government revoked all zamindars of their titles and land, and the family fled to India soon after.
Today, the site has been fairly well-preserved. There are a number of Hindu temples in the area, as well as the imposing Puthia Palace, which also houses a museum. It is unlikely you'll come across any other Western tourists, but given its sheer magnificence and amazing history, the site is sure to become a traveller's wonderland as Bangladesh's tourist industry develops. Puthia is also located close to the district headquarters Rajshahi and can be explored on a day trip.
Get in
editPuthia is located 23km east of the city of Rajshahi, and 16km west of Natore. The village itself is about 1km south of the Rajshahi - Natore highway. Several buses ply the 30 minute route between the two towns for Tk 20; it is possible to simply ask to get off at Puthia, and walk the short distance into town. Another option is to catch a CNG auto-rickshaw to Puthia from one of the major towns. Puthia can be explored in a day trip from Rajshai and hotels in Rajshahi can arrange for cars.
Get around
editPuthia is a small place, so walking is a simple and enjoyable way of getting around. Otherwise, hail a passing rickshaw who will happily take you to the sites. It's possible to hire out the driver for a number of hours or even the entire day; if you're lucky, he might speak English and give you a nice little tour of the area, historical information included! The temples and the mansions of Puthia is surrounded by a moat 1 Shiv Sagar.. At the centre of the man-made island is a lake called 2 Shyam Sagar. The temples and mansions are all located round the Shyam Sagar and can we explored on foot.
See
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- 1 Pancha Ratna Shiv Temple (Bhubaneswar Shiva Mandir or Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple). It is the largest shiv temple in Bangladesh. The temple consists of five spires and hence the name. Each of the spires consists of several sub-spires. The corner spires each have 17 sub-spires, while the large central spire consists of 108 sub-spires. The temple was constructed by Rani Bhuban Mayi Devi, the widow of Raja Jagat Narayan Ray, jamindar of Puthia. The temple was completed in 1830. Today the temple is approached by a long flight of stairs from the south side. The northern side also has a pair of curved stair cases leading down to the ghat of Shiv Sagar.
- 2 Rath Mandir (Jaganath Mandir) (Located next to Pancha Ratna Shiv Temple). Like the nearby Pancha Ratna Shiv Temple this temple was also constructed by Bhuban Mayi Devi. The date of construction is 1823 (another opinion 18390). It is dedicated to Lord Jaganath. Although much shorter than its neighbouring temple the Rath Temple has its share of elegance. The octagonal two-storied temple is topped with a dome-like structure topped with a finial. The white-coloured temple has beautiful stucco work.
- 3 Dol Mandir (Dol Mandav) (Puthia Market Area). Built in 1778 the four-storied structure stands on a square base. Each stories reduces proportionally. The first stage has 7 arches on each side, the second stage has 5 arches on each side and the third stage has three arches on each side. The topmost stage has a single arch on each side and is topped with a dome.
- 4 Puthia Rajbari (Panch ani palace). Puthia Rajbari or Palace is a two-storey colonial-style mansion following the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture style. The place came up in 1895. It was an initiative of Hemanta Kumari Devi and was built in honor of her mother-in-law Sarat Sundari devi. The palace faces north and has a large open space (now used as a football and cricket ground) in front of it. Fluted Corinthian columns support the front face of the building, which also comes in with a central ornamental pediment. The palace houses a museum showcasing the rich history of the Puthia and beyond.
- 5 Pancharatna Gobinda Mandir (Boro Gobinda Mandir). This is one of the most spectacular terracotta temples of Bangladesh. The temple is located within the Putia Rajbari Complex. The temple consists of five pinnacles (locally known as ratnas) and hence the name. The 18th-century temple was built by one of the queens of the Puthia zamindar family. The temple has a triple arch entrance complete with elaborate and intricate terracotta ornamentation.
- 6 Rani Hemanta Kumari Residence (Located behind Puthia Rajbari). This was the private residence of Hemanta Kumari Devi, the lady who built the Puthia Rajbari.
- 7 Rani Ghat (Infront of Rani Hemanta Kumari Residence). This is a private bathing ghat for the queen. It is located on Shiv Sagar and is a enclosed space used for private bathing for women.
- 8 Choto Annik Mandir (Located behind Puthia Rajbari). This is a small temple following the do chala style of Bengal temple architecture. The front facade has a triple arch entrance with elaborate terracotta ornamentation.
- 9 Choto Shiv Mandir (South east corner of Shiv Sagar). This is a very small temple following the char chala style of architecture. The front facade has elaborate terracotta ornamentation.
- 10 Char Ani Palace (South west corner of Shiv Sagar). In 1744 the Puthia Zamindari was divided among the 4 brothers. The brothers were identified by the shares they received. One of these four brothers, who got a char ani share built this mansion. But, unlike the Puthia Rajbari (also known as panch ani) this is in utter ruins. The complex is approached through a gate. Large portions of the mansions including the roof has long collapsed. A few pillars and arches are all that remains of the mansion.
- 11 Gopal Temple. Just north of the char ani mansion and on the west bank of Shyam Sagar lies a small temple complex housing three temples. These are Gopal Temple, Choto Gobindo Temple and Boro Annik Mandir. The Gobindo Temple is located on the left of the entrance, It is a two-storied temple without any ornamentation.
- 12 Choto Gobindo Mandir (Char Chala Gobindo Mandir). This is located next to the Gopal Mandir and as the name suggest follows the char chala style of Bengal temple architecture. The front faced has a triple-arched entrance complete with elaborate terracotta ornamentation.
- 13 Boro Annik Mandir. The east facing temple follows a mixed style of Bengal temple architecture. The central part follows the do chala style and is flanked on both sides by two char chala structures. The front faced of the do chala section has a triple-arched entrance. The two char chala sections have a single arched entrance. The front face of the temple has elaborate terracotta ornamentation.
Do
editApart from exploring the temples and mansions there is nothing much to do.
Buy
editThere are no opportunities for Puthia-themed souvenirs. Some interesting stores may exist in the village though.
Eat
editThere are a number of small establishments and street-food sellers in the centre of the village. Jhal Muri (spicy puffed rice) is a popular food. It comes in with crumbled vegetable fitters along with a dash of mustard oil and chili (extremely spicy).