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Banda Temple
- Banda,West Bengal
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Overview
The village Banda (aka Deulghera) is located in Raghunathpur II P.S. (1km from Cheliama). The Solitary temple present at the site is said to be built in the 11th century AD. The abandoned temple suffered damage under the Muslim invasion but contains a large amount of information pertaining to the History of West Bengal. The site holds no inscriptions or evidence thus making it unclear as to who built the temple.
About The Temple
The temple was constructed in the Rekha style and is considered to be 75 feet long. The plan consists of tri-ratha. In each wall is a 13’ square with very simple base mouldings and plain squared pilasters on either side of a niche. The central projection is adorned by interconnected chaityas and foliated scrolls. The tower also has Bhumi-amalakas which head up the corners. Between the corners and the scrolls are two separate vertical rows of projecting chaityas.
The southern side of the central projection symbolizes the Middle Eastern Islamic influence having a large interwoven leaf structure below which is a lattice like design. The door is a carved structure depicting boys on a wave blowing horns bordered by foliated scrolls which is double bordered by floral lozenges. A single square cell (6.6') has a projecting shelf of 31/3ft. None of the Idols in the temple faces north. The temple has a largely damaged mandapa with eight pillars that still support the croosbeam. The mandapa is followed by a water outlet on the east which is also known as Makara head.
How to Reach
Airport
The nearest airport to Purulia is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport (Kolkata) which is a national and international Airport.
Railways
Purilia district has its own Railway station which is a renowned railway station in West Bengal. Direct trains connect the district to all parts of India including Delhi, Orissa, and KolkataAsansol, Chakradharpur, Burdwan and Kharagpur. The Puraliya express runs on all days from howrah except on Saturday.
Road
Puralia is a popular tourist spot and has an excellent road transport system including private and government buses along with taxi services.
Temple Address
Banda Temple,
Banda, Purulia District,
West Bengal, India.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Destruction of Evil
- Fertility
- Healthy Progeny
- Good Spouse
Shlokas
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.