Puthia Temple
Type: Temple
Contributed By: Nayeem ,Lonely Traveler
Brief
Puthia Temple Complex consists of a cluster of notable old Hindu temples in Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. Located 23 km to the east of Rajshahi city, it has the largest number of historic temples in Bangladesh. The temples were built by Hindu Zamindars Rajas of the Puthia Raj family who were noted philanthropists of Rajshahi. The temples have been built in terracotta in a variety of styles combining the typical Jor-bangla architecture with other influences. The Rajbari or Palace of the Raja of Puthia and the Dol Mancha are part of the complex. The temples are laid out around a lake with a sprawling lawn.
The Puthia Raj family was established by a holy man named Bhatsacharya, who lived in the 16th century. Raja Man Singh, governor of the Mughal emperor Akbar, confiscated the Jagir of the refractory pathan jagirdar of Rajshahi named Lashker Khan and bestowed the Zamindary on the saintly Bhatsacharya for his learning, but he declined. However, his son Pitambar was granted the Lashkarpur estate permanently. On his death, his son Nilambar received the title of Raja from Emperor Jahangir. The Puthia Royal Family estate was the second largest zamindary and the wealthiest in British Bengal. After India’s partition, the then Pakistani government abolished the zamindary system and confiscated all Hindu properties. The Royal Family migrated to India shortly afterwards.
How to go
This is very easy to visit the Puthia(পুঠিয়া) from Rajshahi town. There is a bus stand near the railway station. You can use the local bus from there for Puthia(পুঠিয়া). Its around 20 taka per person. You have to get down from the bus at Puthia Bazar(পুঠিয়া বাজার). From Puthia Bazar(পুঠিয়া বাজার), its 4 taka van fare to reach at the main premise. It is approximately 27.3 km away from the main Rajshahi town. After heading to Rajshahi you may take buses or CNG auto rickshaw to reach there. For directions from Rajshahi to Puthia see http://bit.ly/1ntO6fW
How To Reach: Rajshahi District
It is approximately 261 km away from Dhaka. Bus, Train and Air Plane are available as transportation service from and to Rajshahi districts.
Transportation in Rajshahi is very good. There is bus service; taxi cabs, three-wheeler auto rickshaw and horse-driven tomtom are available to move within the city. Rajshahi is well connected to the rest of country through roads, air, rail and water.
There are two intercity bus terminals in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital. A number of bus services, including air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses, are available to and from Dhaka. Bus services to other major cities and district’s headquarter are also available from Rajshahi.
Bangladesh Railway’s western zone head office is located in this city. Three Inter-City train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, named “Silk City Express” “Padma Express” and “Dhumketu Express” between Dhaka and Rajshahi regularly. There are other inter-city, mail and local trains operated from here to connect Khulna city and other part of the country.
Shah Makhdum Airport is the primary airport serving the city. It is named after the Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city. Domestic flights from Dhaka and Saidpur are available.
NAME OF SERVICE DEPARTURE TIME Phone No.
Green Line (Volvo) 08:30AM, 03:15PM, 11:30PM 01730-060080
Hanif Enterprise 04:30AM to 11:30PM (with every 30 minutes interval) 0173-402670
Shyamoli Paribahan 05:00AM to 12:00Pm (with every 1 hour interval) 02-900331, 02-8034275.
Modern Enterprise 06:00AM to 12:00Pm (with every 1 hour interval) 9123743, 327293, 806099
Train name: Silkcity Express
Train Number: 753
Train Route: Dhaka – Rajshahi – Dhaka
Starting Station: Dhaka
Starting Time: 1440
Destination Station: Rajshahi
Arrival Time: 2050
Time Taken: 6 Hours 10 Minutes
Facilities:
⇒ Prayer Place
⇒ Government defined foods and drinks with defined prices
⇒ Public Toilet
⇒ Booklets and magazines (have to buy)
⇒ Walking facilities between one compertment to another if needed
⇒ Government Railway Police (GRP) gaurd all the time
⇒ Very less chance to accident
⇒ Different Class for luxery or saving money
⇒ You can see the natural beauty by the window beside you
⇒ Cheap than any service
Where to Stay
1. Hotel Red Castle
Hotel Red Castle is a nice guest house for accommodation. It is situated at the centre point of Rajshahi district. The river Padma is very near from the hotel. Anyone can easily go anywhere in the city from the hotel. Moreover the rent of the hotel is also very cheap. It has 13 rooms in 2 floors. Room Fare: Single A/C BDT 1,000/-, Double A/C BDT 2,200/- to BDT 3,200/- Have to add 15% VAT and 5% Service charge. Address: Serushar Para, College Road, Boalia,Rajshahi.
2. Hotel Sukarna International
কাপড় পট্টির গলি Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Phone: 0721-771817
3. Haq’s Inn
Extra Facilities: Boiled water, Television, Car Parking, Attached Bath
Address: Bir Srestha Captain Mohiuddin Zahangir Sarani, Shiroil, Rajshahi-6100.
Phone: 810420, 810421
Email: Hotel.nice@yahoo.com
Email: haqsinn@librabd.net
Rates: 250 to 1400 BDT
4. Hotel Dalas International
Extra Facilities: Boiled Water, Television for Each Room, Car Parking, Attached Bath.
Phone: 811470, 773839,
Mobile: 0171-802387
Address: Bindur More, Rail Gate, Rajshahi
Rates: 350 to 1600 BDT
5. Hotel Mukta International
Extra Facilities: Boiled Water, Television for Each Room, Car Parking, Attached Bath.
Address: Ganakpara, Shaheb Bazar, Rajshahi
Phone: 771100, 771200
Rates: 250 to 1500 BDT
6. Hotel Mid Town International
Extra Facilities: Boiled water, Television, Telephone, Dining, Attached Bath
Address: Shaheb Bazar (Be side of Zero Point), Rajshahi
Phone: 774961, 811528
Mobile: 0173-704314
Rates: 300 to 900 BDT
Other accommodation facilities in Rajshahi are as follows:
Porjoton Motel (0721-775237), Hotel al Hasib (Ganokpara, Boalia), Hotel Moon (Shahebbazar, Boalia), Hotel Radar, Hotel hox Inn (Shroil, Boalia, Rajshahi), Hotel Jomjom (Hetmotha, Boalia), Hotel Prince (Ganokpara, Boalia), Hotel Saikat (Laxmipur mor), Islami Abasik Hotel (Laxmipur, Razpara), Hotel Sukanna International (Somobay Super Market), Hotel Nice International (Ganokpara), Hotel Sky (Molopara, Boalia), Hotel Heaven (Sharoil Bazar, Boalia), Hotel Elegent (Ganokpara, Boalia).
Things to do
- Observe the collection of temples.
- Take pictures for photographic collection.
- Very good place for architecture students who can learn from designs of the temples.
Eating Facilities
There are a number of notable restaurants in the region. Chinese, Thai and First food restaurants can be found here that serves delicious food to all class of people here.
