| Temples
in Coochbehar
 The
majority of the population being Hindus, Cooch Behar is the
pious land with lots of Temples and ancient myth, old structures
as well as monuments. Here is a quick look of different temples
as well as holy places.
Madan Mohan Bari
This is the most important temple situated in the heart of the
Cooch Behar town. Maharaja Nripendra Narayan constructed Modan
Mohan temple during 1885 to 1889. The deities in the temple
include Lord Madan Mohan, Ma Kali, Ma Tara and Ma Bhavani. On
the occasion of Raas Puja the traditional Raas Jatra Festival
along with Rass Mela is held in Cooch Behar, which is among
the biggest festivals of North Bengal.
 Baradebi
Bari
Situated at Debibari of Cooch Behar Town the Baradebi temple
was constructed with the influence of European architecture.
The temple holds the idol of Goddess Durga. Each year a big
fair is organized here during Durga Puja.
Brahmo Mandir
Established by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan during 1860 to 1880,
the Roman époque architecture of the temple is a rarity
in this area. The temple indicates the influence of Brahmo Samaj
on the Maharaja of Cooch Behar.
Kamteswari temple
Kamteswari temple is situated at a distance of about 8 km west
of Dinhata railway station. The original temple is now destroyed.
The present temple has been established by Maharaja Pran Narayan
in 1665. Inside the temple the throne of Debi is situated. Beside
the main temple 2 smaller temples also exist at the back-side
of the temple courtyard. At the gate a 'Tarakeswar Sivalinga'
exists. A large number of festivals are observed here of which
the Batha Festival of Debi in the month of Magh is worth mentioning.
 Baneswar
Siva temple
Situated at a distance of about 10 km to the North of Cooch
Behar town, the temple has a 'Shivalinga' 10 feet below the
plinth level. Also present in the temple is 'Gouripat'. By the
side of the main temple is another temple which has the statute
of 'Ardhanariswar' installed. On the occasions of Madan Chaturdashi
and Dol Purnima this statue is carried temporarily to the Madan
Mohan Temple of Cooch Behar town. This has given it the fame
as 'Movable Baneswar'. There is a big pond within the temple
campus having a large number of tortoise. Some of the tortoises
are very old and big in size .At Siva Chaturdashi a big mela
is held here for a week.
Siddheswari Kali Bari
Situated at a distance of 11 km from Cooch Behar town (one km
from Baneswar), it was constructed around 1830 by Maharaja Harendra
Narayan. The temple houses the idols of Goddess Siddheswari.
There is a holy tree by the side of the temple.
Madan Mohan temple, Mathabhanga
The temple is situated near the S.D.O.'s office of Mathabhanga
Sub-division. This temple is domed at the top. Statues of Krishna
and Balaram are established in the Temple. Ratha Jatra, Raas
Jatra, Janmastami and Dole Jatra are celebrated here every year.
 Siddhanath
Siva temple, Dhaluabari
Situated at a distance of 7 km from Cooch Behar Town on the
way from Cooch Behar to Dinhata, this beautiful temple epitomizing
terracotta as a mode of art. Constructed by Maharaja Harendra
Narayan and Maharaja Shibendra Narayan during 1799 to 1843 the
Temple has 5 dome-like peaks, but at present the largest middle
one has been damaged.
Madhupur Dham temple
In 1489, Shankaradeva performed his last journey to Cooch Behar
when Maharaja Nar Narayan requested him to preach the teachings
of the neo-Vaishnava cult. It was in his honour that the Madhupur
Dham was built in the 16th century. This place has a special
significance for the devotees of Acharya Shankaradeva.
Dangar Ayee Temple
Situated at Gunjabari in Cooch Behar town. Constructed by the
1st Queen i.e. Dangar Ayee, Kameswari Debi, of Maharaja Shibendra
Narayan during 1839 to 1847. It is famous as the 'Aunt's House'
of Lord Madan Mohan and hence the locality is known as Gunjabari. |
