Telkupi Temple Ruins

Telkupi Temple Ruins is a group of ruined Hindu temples located at Telkupi village on the banks of the Damodar River in Purulia District, West Bengal. Submerged after the construction of Panchet Dam in 1959, the temples are visible when reservoir water recedes. Dating from the 10th to 13th century, they exhibit stone architecture and are noted as an important archaeological and heritage site in the region.

Visitors can expect to see scattered stone temple ruins on the riverbank and in the shallow waters of the Panchet Dam reservoir. The site consists of remains of several small temples with stone walls, pillars and carved fragments. During dry winter months when water level is low, more structures are exposed and accessible on foot. The surroundings are open riverine landscape with reservoir views, with no formal visitor complex.

The Telkupi temples were constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries, attributed to the Pala period and local rulers of the region. The complex originally comprised several Hindu temples, primarily dedicated to Shiva. Following the construction of Panchet Dam across the Damodar River in 1959, the village and temple complex were submerged, leaving only the ruins visible during low water levels. The site is recognized as an important archaeological remnant of medieval Bengal temple architecture.

The ruins represent the Hindu temple tradition of southeastern Bengal and are revered as remnants of Shaivite worship. The site reflects the architectural and sculptural styles of medieval Bengal and remains culturally significant for heritage interest and local historical identity.