A tour of the Kantaji Temple can be the experience of a lifetime. Also known as the Kantajew Temple, it is one of the greatest architectural wonders in Bangladesh.
Location
The temple is located in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. This is a northern Bangladesh district. It is included in the Rangpur Division.
What to See
This complex is regarded as one of the finest instances of Terracotta architecture. It used to have 9 spires, but an earthquake destroyed them. The temple is 52 sq ft. It is set at a court oblong in shape.
A shed covers it and has a corrugated tin roof. The major fabric pivots at a nuclear square cell. It attains a height of 50 ft (15 m). There are extra three square outer shells that have been put in.
The Kantaji Temple has three entry points. These multi-cusped arched entry points are separated by intricate pillars of brick. There are square cells set at the four corners of the first floor and ground floor. They are used to support the octagonal corner towers.
At the ground floor you will see four rectangular alleys. These surround the prayer hall. The hall dimensions are 30 ft 8 in (9.35 m) by 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m).
History
This temple was completed around 1752 C.E. by Raja Ramnath. The actual construction started in 1702. By the time the temple was finished, it was during the rule of his son Maharaja Ramnath. The shrine was constructed in the nava-ratna (nine-spired) manner.
The temple was constructed so that the curved cornice at the ground floor drops at the edges and goes up in the center. It reaches a height of 25 ft 0 in (7.62 m). The first floor cornice on the other hand, goes up 15 feet. The second floor goes up 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m). The temple was built in honor of the deity Krishna.
Cost
There are many travel packages to Bangladesh. Prices range from 30 USD to 110 USD.
Other Info
There are 21 arched doorways at the ground level at the four shells. There are 27 at the first floor. The second level has three windows, three entrance doors but significantly smaller. At the second western corridor you will see a 2 ft 3 in (0.69 m) wide staircase.
The Kantaji Temple is impressive enough in architectural terms. However, the terracotta design outside the temple are just as enchanting. You will also see more of these designs close to the entrance.
