Parvatinatha Temple

The Parvatinatha Temple (also spelled as Parbatinath) is a ''saptadasa-ratna'' (seventeen-pinnacled) temple, built in the 19th century at Chandrakona in Ghatal subdivision of Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal, India.

History

According to Binoy Ghosh, it is very difficult to penetrate the hazy clouds of imagination and mythology that surround the king named Chandraketu of Chandrakona. It is popular belief in Chandrakona that Bir Bhan of the Bhan dynasty (Chouhan dynasty) overthrew the last king of the Chandraketu dynasty and became the king of Chandrakona. An English translation of the Persian book ''Baharistan-i-Ghaibi'' has recently been published. (Binoy Ghosh visited Chandrakona in 1952.)Ghosh, Binoy, ''Paschim Banger Sanskriti'', , part II, 1976 edition, pages 95-97, Prakash Bhaban, Kolkata.

Binoy Ghosh writes that in ''Baharistan-i-Ghaibi'' it is mentioned that Bir Bhan succeeded Chandra Bhan. This change must have taken place around mid-17th century. It is possible that Chandra Bhan became Chandra Ketu as information spread amongst the people. The stone tablet in the Lalji temple mentions that the nava-ratna temple was established by the wife of Harinarayan, daughter-in-law of Bir Bhan, Mitrasen's mother, daughter of Holray, and sister of the Malla king (of Bishnupur) Srinarayan. The construction work started in 1571 Sakabda (1649 AD) and was completed in 1577 Shakabda (1655 AD).

It was the golden age of Chandrakona when the Bhan dynasty ruled in the 17th century. Chandrakona became famous for its ‘fiftytwo markets and fiftythree lanes’. The number of temples that are still there in Chandrakona is a matter of wonder.

Geography

The Parvatinatha temple is located at .

The temple

David J. McCutchion says that the roof of a ''ratna'' temple “is surmounted by one or more towers or pinnacles called ''ratna'' (jewel). The simplest form has a single central tower (''eka-ratna''), to which may be added four more at the corners (''pancha-ratna'')”. The number of towers or pinnacles can be increased up to a maximum of twentyfive. The ''ratna'' style came up in the 15th-16th century. McCutchion classifies the Parvatinatha temple as a standard ''saptadasa-ratna''. Built in the 19th century, it has rich terracotta and stucco decoration and measures 21’ 6” square.

Chandrakona town showcases a large 17-pinnacled Parvatinatha temple, built in 1871 and “reconstructed with no thought to its heritage value. In the process, several new plaques have been added.”

See also - Other temples at Chandrakona: Chandrakona Jorbangla Temple, Shantinatha Shiva Temple, Malleswara Shiva Temple

Parvatinatha temple picture gallery

File:17 pinnacled Parbatinath Temple in Raghunathpur area at Chandrakona Town In Paschim Medinipur district 11.jpg
File:17 pinnacled Parbatinath Temple in Raghunathpur area at Chandrakona Town In Paschim Medinipur district 10.jpg
File:17 pinnacled Parbatinath Temple in Raghunathpur area at Chandrakona Town In Paschim Medinipur district 04.jpg
File:17 pinnacled Parbatinath Temple in Raghunathpur area at Chandrakona Town In Paschim Medinipur district 02.jpg

References

External links

{{Hindu temples in West Bengal

Hindu temples in West Bengal
Tourist attractions in Paschim Medinipur district