Description
Hoogly Ananta Basudeba Krishna Temple is a famous temple of West Bengal dedicated to Sri Krishna. It is located in a place called Bansberia in the Hoogly district of West Bengal. Bansberia is famous for two ancient temples. One is the Hangseshwari Temple and the other is this Ananta Basudeba Krishna Temple. In fact, it is located just beside the Hangseshwari temple in the same temple complex, though the Hangseshwari Devi Temple was built much later. The temple is easier to reach by trains. You can avail local trains from Howrah station or Sealdah station and cycle rickshaws will easily make you reach the famous temple. By road, you have to take National Highway No.2 in order to reach Bansberia.
History
The history of Bansberia is rich enough. A person called Raghab Duttaroy was made the zamindar of the place which is Bansberia today, by the Mughal emperor who was ruling at that time. This zamindar's son, Rameshwar Dutta built a fort in this area, clearing a section of a bamboo forest. 'Baansh' in Bengali translates to bamboo. So this place was named Bansberia. It is also known that this same person, Rameshwar Dutta took the initiative to construct the Ananta Basudeba Temple because he was a devout follower of Vaishavism. The Vaishnavis are devoted to Lord Krishna and worship him as the Supreme Lord of the universe. So in 1679, the temple came up in honour of Lord Krishna.
Importance/Significance
The exquisite beauty of the temple lies in the intricate terracotta work. The walls are adorned with terracotta art depicting stories and scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and also various stories from the life of Krishna, like his deeds as a naughty child or as the eternal lover. The temple is made in a traditional style called the ekratna style and the cornices are curved. On the top of the temple is a tower that is octagonal in shape. Two styles of Bengali architecture are combined in this temple which is commendable. The walls with the detailed art are a treat for the eyes and is a must watch for visitors. The beauty of the art form attracts plenty of tourists all over the year.
Facts/Mythology
Lord Krishna is an important God among the Hindus and perhaps the most worshipped one in India. He is the Supreme Being and also the main character in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. His guidance and philosophy that he imparts to Arjuna forms the crux of the holy Bhagvad Gita of the Hindus. The Vaishnavis consider Lord Krishna to be an avatar or a form of Lord Vishnu. He is seen playing the flute and is dark in colour. He was born to Vasudeba, the person in command of the Yadavas and Devki. Thus he was named Vasudeva's Krishna, pronounced as Vaasudeva. This form was the earliest forms to be worshipped according to Vaishnavism.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
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