I am fascinated by temple architecture. The grandeur, intricate detail work, architectural design has always attracted me. Hangsesawri Temple was in my bucket list for so many years due to its distinctive design. I have visited so many temples in West Bengal, but haven’t seen such a unique castle like design. This is the finest example of Tantrik architecture.
Hangseswari temple is an immensely beautiful, castle like Hindu temple situated in Bansberia at Hoogly District of West Bengal, India. Bansberia is an industrial town located in between Bandel and Triben and besides holy river Ganga. It is around 1.5-2hrs drive from Kolkata.
The construction of the temple was started by Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy and after his demise; the incomplete construction was completed by his wife Rani Sankar on 1814.
The unique design of temple –
The architectural design of the temple is very distinctive and unique. The 05 storied structure has 13 minarets whose tops are designed like the blooming lotus buds.
Raja Nrisingha Deb Roy had affinity towards tantric cult and was an avid tantra sastra practitioner for many years and devoted his last few years to tantra sastra . So, this temple is dedicated to the basic ideas of human body according to “Tantrik Satchakrabhed”. This Tantrik architecture expresses the microcosm in the temple structure, which is a symbolic of Human Body.
The 05 storied has been made to represent the five parts of our human body such as Bajraksha, Ira, Chitrini, Pingala and Sushumna. The inner chamber acts as a brain of the temple which is well connected with 13 minarets through narrow passages. The narrow passages represent the nerves of human body.
Deity –
It is a temple of goddess Hangseswari and the deity worshipped here is manifestation of Kali Mata. The deity is standing on lotus flower and is made with neem-wood with 04 armed and blue in colour.
Kali Mata is standing on her right leg and the left leg is resting on her right thigh. To curb the demons, Mother is carrying a sword at her upper left hand and on her lower left hand; she is carrying a head of demon. Her upper right hand is posed in “Abhaya Mudra” which depicts her as a “Protector” of the world from all the evils and her lower right hand is set free and posed as she is blessing her devotees.
Other temple in the premises –
The temple premises also host Ananta Basudeba Temple which is standing adjacent to the main temple building.
It is a terracotta temple with intricate and exquisite terracotta detailed work in it. It is a perfect example of Bengal terracotta temple architecture.
The structure of the Hangseswari temple has a resemblance with St. Basil Cathedral, Moscow which was built in 1555-1561. It is a very famous cathedral with unique architectural style. It has 08 distinctive towered whose tops are onion shaped.
For proper illumination at night, the whole premise of the temple has intricate designed lampposts.
There is a big pond at the entrance of the temple and the entrance path leading to the temple is well decorated.
There is a big ancient property lying adjacent to the temple premise.
I got astonished when I first saw the two different architectural temple style i.e. the white coloured unique castle styled Hangseswari temple and red coloured pure Bengal terracotta temple, is standing adjacently. The designs of both the temples are beautifully done and both the temples are portraying their unique features.
The lush green landscape of the temple premises, the striking red and white colour contrast of both the temples, unique design makes the whole ambience very pleasant and serene.
The peaceful environment is very surreal. It is a worth visiting place. If you have affinity towards historical places with unique architectural design, then this temple is the perfect place for you.
Can be reached-
By Train- The nearest railway station is Bansberia. The station falls under Bandel(Jn)-Katwa Main Line. If you are travelling from Howrah or Sealdah, you have to board the Katwa bound main line train. Toto and rickshaws are available from Bansberia station to reach the temple.
By Road- It is 1.5-2 hrs. Drive from Kolkata via Kalyani express high way.
Nearby places you can also visit
For a one day tour in Hoogly district, along with Hangseswari Temple, you can also visit
i) Bandel Church- It is the oldest church in West Bengal. It is the basilica of Holy Rosary which is commonly known as Bandel church. It is just 6km from the Hangseswari temple. It is located in Bandel.
ii) Imambara – It is a Shia Muslim congregation hall and mosque in Bandel. IIt has a tall clock tower over the entrance gate. It is 7.5km from the Hangseswari temple
iii) Lal baba ashram – It is situated in Debanandapur, Manushpur village and is 8.5km from the Hangseswari temple.
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http://lifeisajourney.co.in/hangseswari-temple/