Char Bangla Temples

The Char Bangla Temples are a group of four 18th-century Hindu temples located in Baranagar village on the west bank of the Bhagirathi River in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Built in 1760 by Rani Bhabani of Natore, the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are noted for their Ek-Bangla architectural style with curved chala roofs and extensive terracotta ornamentation depicting mythological scenes.

Visitors can expect a compact temple courtyard containing four nearly identical north-facing Ek-Bangla temples with triple arched entrances, curved roofs and rich terracotta panels on the facades. The complex is set in a quiet village environment near the Bhagirathi River, surrounded by other historic temples of Baranagar. Visitors can walk around the courtyard, observe detailed terracotta artwork, view Shiva lingams inside the sanctums, and photograph the exterior architecture.

The four temples were built in 1760 by Rani Bhabani (1716-1795), the widowed queen of Natore (now in Bangladesh), who was known for extensive temple building and philanthropy in Bengal. The temples represent the mature phase of Bengal's chala style architecture and terracotta temple art of the 18th century. Baranagar was developed as a temple town under her patronage, and the Char Bangla group is among the best-preserved examples of that period.

The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and remain an active place of worship, especially during Maha Shivratri. They exemplify Bengal's Ek-Bangla temple architecture and terracotta art tradition, illustrating mythological narratives and social life of the period. The complex is part of the larger Baranagar temple heritage that reflects the religious and artistic culture of 18th-century Bengal.