De para Navaratna temple at Joypur
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| Depara Navaratna temple at Joypur Source Wikipedia |
Conclusion
The De Para Navaratna Temple, located in the Jaipur village of Bankura, is an outstanding example of the traditional terracotta architecture of Bengal. Locally, it is also known as Shridharlal Temple. The temple was originally built at the initiative of the Dey family, who were influential zamindars and traders at the time. Its unique Navaratna (nine peaks) style and exquisite terracotta carvings confer on this temple a distinct status. The mythological stories, scenes of social life, and art-rich decorations on the walls of the temple still fascinate the visitors.
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| Source Wikimedia |
History and Background
The De Para Navaratna Temple was built in the early 19th century by the influential zamindar and merchant Dey family of Jaipur village. At that time, a particular trend emerged in the Bankura and Bishnupur areas of building terracotta temples, and the Dey family constructed this temple as a symbol of their social status and religious beliefs.
The temple is named "Navaratna" because it has nine peaks on its main structure—one central big peak and eight smaller peaks at the four corners and in the middle. According to local folklore, the temple was originally built for Lord Shiva, but its decoration, with carvings of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Krishnaleela, established the temple as not only a place of worship but also a living document of art and history.
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| source Wikimedia |
Architectural style and features
The De Para Navaratna Temple is a fine example of Bengal's traditional terracotta art and Navaratna architecture.
Navaratna design: The roof of the temple has nine peaks—a central big peak and eight smaller peaks at the four corners and in the middle of the four sides. This style is a symbol of royal characteristics in the temple architecture of Bengal.
Elevated Platform: The temple is built on a high plinth, which has given solidity and grandeur to the structure.
Entrance: The temple can be accessed from the south and east. Each entrance has three arches, which are decorated with beautiful carvings.
Terracotta carvings: Fine terracotta panels can be seen on the walls of the temple, where scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Dashavatara, Krishna Leela, and royal festivals are carved.
Inner sanctum sanctorum: The original idol was installed in the sanctum sanctorum, although much of it is now in decay, but the beauty of the architecture remains intact.
It is a year-round Navaratna Terracotta Temple under the care of a single family, which is still preserved in good condition. Kevin Standage
A series of carvings from the Ramayana and Mangalakavya make it a historical place.
Two temples built in the Navaratna style in the village of Jeypore—Deypara and Dattapara—stand out in the ruin-loving architecture of the Baishnupur region.
Travel guide
Nearest town: ≈ 12-13 km from Bishnupur.
Commuting: The area is easy to reach by bus/taxi; there are also walking trails through the village.
Time: Take a leisurely stroll for about 1-2 hours to see the nearby temples.
Conclusion
The De Para Navaratna Temple may be less talked about in terms of Bengali terracotta heritage, but it is a wonderful confluence of history, art, and architectural consciousness. The moment one enters—the soaring terracotta figure, standing in towering awe of the lump—one feels a journey through time.
