![]() Location of Bahulara Bahulara is located under the administrative unit of Onda II village panchayat, in Bankura district in West Bengal, located on the eastern circle of India. It is 5 km from Onda railway station and 25 km (16 mi) from Bishnupur- the terracotta temple town. Temples of Bahulara While visiting Bishnupur, the heart land of terracotta temples, Bahulara will come at the fore front. The Siddheswara Shiva temple at Bahulara is well known for its unique architectural style and exquisite ornamentation of the temple walls. Siddheswara Shiva temple was built in "deula" structure just like Jatar Deul of Southern part of West Bengal, which was inspired from the Odisha School of Architecture. Siddheswara Shiva temple came up between the 8th and 11th centuries. Siddheswara Shiva temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva, located in the village, is considered the finest specimen of brick rekha deul temple made in line of Kalinga architecture ascribed to Pala period. Besides a Shiva lingam the temple has images of Ganesha, Jain tirthankar Parasanath and one of Mahisasurmardini deity. The exterior of Siddheswara Shiva temple is covered with very fine ornamentation. The area has many relics and old mounds. The height of Siddheswara Shiva temple is 19.2 metres. The top portion of Siddheswara Shiva temple has been damaged. Location of Siddheswara Shiva temple Siddheswara Shiva temple is situated on the banks of the Dwarakeswar River. Siddheshwari temple at Bahulara in the Bankura district is probably the finest specimen of a brick built rekha deul temple of mediaeval period now standing in Bengal Festival near Siddheswara Shiva temple In the month of Chaitra the Bahulara Shiva Gajan is spread over three days. Hundreds of devotees attend the festival. Mounds near Siddheswara Shiva temple The various mounds surrounding Siddheswara Shiva temple at Bahulara have led archaeologists to speculate that it was a Buddhist centre at some point of time. The mounds near Siddheswara Shiva temple are believed to be Buddhist chetias. The remains of Buddhist bhikhus, after cremation, were thus buried. Prior to the dominance of Shaivism, the area was influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. Jainism flourished till around 7th century AD. Visiting Information Ondagram is the nearest railway station. The best train to catch Bahulara is Rupashi Bangla Express from Howrah Railway Station. The buses are also available from Bishnupur to Onda. There one can take a cycle-rickshaw to visit the Bahulara temple. |
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