The Temple Sanctuary of Puthia: Bangladesh's Crown Jewel of Hindu Architecture

Puthia is a culturally significant sub-district (Upazila) within the Rajshahi District of Bangladesh. This area hosts the largest concentration of important Hindu structures in the country and has become an intriguing destination for travelers eager to explore Bangladesh’s heritage. Many of these buildings are well-preserved, providing visitors with a window into the architectural and cultural history of the region.

History of Puthia

In the late 16th century of the Mughal era, General Man Singh—acting on behalf of Emperor Akbar—arrived in Bengal to suppress a rebellion orchestrated by local Subedars. He succeeded in his mission through the assistance of a Hindu Tantrik, Bhattacharya. When offered governance of Laskarpur in Rajshahi, Bhattacharya declined, but his son Pitambar accepted. Pitambar then appointed Puthia as his capital, dug canals to fortify the area, and established the Puthia royal family.

After Pitambar passed away without offspring, his brother Nilambar inherited the estate. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir conferred upon Nilambar the title of “Raja,” marking him as the first king of the Puthia royal lineage. Over subsequent generations, the royal family expanded its influence and constructed magnificent temples as well as a grand palace encircling a substantial pond in the center of Puthia.

During the partition of India in 1947, this region became part of the newly formed Pakistan, leading to the confiscation of Hindu-owned properties. Members of the Puthia royal family migrated to India. In 1950, the East Pakistan Estate Acquisition Act abolished the zamindari system, transforming the status of Puthia’s royal estates. Presently, the palace area and the majestic temples stand as protected monuments.

Important Structures in Puthia

A total of fourteen historically significant buildings in Puthia have been declared as protected sites, comprising one palace and thirteen temples. These religious edifices commonly combine Jor-Bangla design elements with Pancha Ratna (five-spire) architecture, exhibiting detailed terracotta artwork that depicts local cultural life, war scenes, religious iconography, and major Hindu epics.

Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple

Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh, was constructed between 1823 and 1830 by Rani Bhubonmoyee Devi. Overlooking a large pond named Shiv Sagar, it sits on a four-meter-high platform and features a square layout. Within the sanctum stands a massive black basalt Shiva Lingam that is regarded as the biggest in the country. 

Four smaller towers accent each corner of the temple roof, centering around a taller spire of about twenty meters. Frequent attempts during the 1971 Liberation War to remove or damage the Shiva Lingam were unsuccessful. Today, Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple is safeguarded as a notable archaeological site.

Pancharatna Gobinda Temple

Erected by the royal family between 1823 and 1895, Pancharatna Gobinda Temple exemplifies hybrid architecture that merges the five-spire design with a Jor-Bangla roof style. Situated inside the palace complex, this temple honors Lord Krishna and retains an active worship practice. 

A raised square platform elevates the structure, enclosing a central sanctuary flanked by smaller chambers at each corner. The external terracotta panels illustrate scenes from prominent Hindu epics as well as various aspects of everyday life. Historical earthquakes in the 19th century left this temple relatively unscathed, showcasing the robustness of its construction techniques. 

The Dol Temple

Built in 1778 by Jamindar Bhubanendra Roy, the Dol Temple commemorates Dol Purnima, also known as the Holi festival, which celebrates the playful spirit of Sri Krishna. With four stories that taper upward, this twenty-meter-tall structure assumes a pyramid-like silhouette. Each level boasts balconies opening to all four sides, allowing visitors to view the village layout below. 

Traditionally, this temple may have been central to vibrant Holi festivals, displaying deities to celebrants gathered at the base. Although time has left some of its parts worn, the Dol Temple continues to be a vital cultural emblem in Puthia.

Jagannath Temple

Commonly called the Roth Temple, Jagannath Temple is small yet visually compelling. Built in an octagonal style that resembles a Bengali bamboo hut, it features a single tower and basalt-framed entrances in the northern and eastern sides. Commissioned by Rani Bhubanmoyi Debi around 1830, it is now mostly inactive.

Though unassuming in size, the Jagannath Temple showcases intricate terracotta patterns and remains an intriguing stop for anyone visiting Puthia’s temple complex. 

Visiting Puthia

An excursion to Puthia typically involves exploring the palace and multiple temples in a single day, given their close proximity. Many travelers find the site particularly alluring during the cooler months, when the climate is more favorable for outdoor sightseeing.

Puthia has long fascinated visitors, both for its storied past and for its tangible artistic legacy. Each structure offers a different vantage point into Bengal’s layered history, making the temple complex a must-see for those interested in the cultural richness of Bangladesh. 

Additional Thoughts

Many travelers consider Puthia an essential destination while touring the Rajshahi region. Its palatial remains, grand temples, and community ponds reflect a vibrant blend of architectural innovation and religious tradition. If you have ever visited Puthia, consider which site left the deepest impression. From the grandeur of the Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple to the vivid terracotta narratives at Gobinda Temple, there is plenty to discover.