Ambika Kalna 108 Shiv Mandir
India has been at epicenter of The Spirituality since ancient times, so we have seen at so many places where combination of art and religion has been portrayed beautifully. Temples definitely considered as the seat of spirituality over the times. New techniques were added to the construction of these temples over time to times. Among These many sculptures arts Terracotta pattern certainly plays a unique role in Indian History.
Kalna is a municipal area of Burdwan district of West Bengal on the west bank of Bhagirathi River, This place is also mentioned as ” Ambua Mulak ” in fifteen centuries. The city was named as per the local goddess Ambika. The importance of this place in the history of religious culture of Bengal is immense. The existence of this place was heard even before the well-known Pal Period in Bengal.
in ancient times this place was a shakti pith but later vaishnism and Shivaism were introduced. At the times of Burdwan Kings many small & big temples were built in this region. Among those artefacts burnt clay sculptures were observed in many cases.
The temples are basically the examples of “Terracotta” which is an Italian word means ” Burn the Soil “. It is a special technique where clay is burnt to make idols or sculptures with red colour which makes people very attractive. in 1849 Maharaja Tej Chandra Bahadur built These 108 Shiv Temples at Kalna. The eight-story brick temple is built in two concentric circles with auspicious number and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Locals say King had built these 108 shiv temples on order of Lord Shiva in dream. Another names of Kalna Shiv temples are ” Nabaratna or Navaratnam Temple “. There are 74 temples outside and 34 temples inside round the temples.
The nearest rail station is Ambika Kalna is almost 80 km from Howrah station. Any train that goes to Katowa (Cord Line) will take you 108 Shiv temples. only 15 minutes way from station by Toto or any small cars to reach here. Just opposite the temple is Kalna Rajbari which is also a tourist spot of Burdwan which continues to bear Terracotta Patterns.
