Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is an old medieval temple in Birbhum District of West Bengal. This temple has intricate artwork of terracotta, shows the excellence of Bengali culture in medieval era. Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is now in ruins and the condition here is in dilapidated condition. The archaeological renaming of Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is present in the museum of Bolpur.
Location of Suratheshwar Shiva Temple
Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is located at Supur region near Bolpur in Birbhum District of West Bengal. Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is located on the mound in the west of Bolpur on Illambazar, which is now under the part of Forest department and a major weekend destination from Kolkata and Ranchi.
Deity of Suratheshwar Shiva Temple
The main deity of Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is Lord Shiva or Mahadeva. There is an old Shiva linga present here from the early medieval era.
History of Suratheshwar Shiva Temple
According to the medieval history of Bengal, it is believed that the legendary king of Rurh Bengal Suruth worshiped regularly at this temple.
Fair in Suratheshwar Shiva Temple
Every year, a large mela held near the premises of Suratheshwar Shiva Temple on the occasion of Uttarayan Sankranti which is held in the month of January and February is a major draw to the local and outbound tourists. People from Kolkata, Jharkhand and Bihar visit this dying terracotta temple and the local large fair.
Visiting Information
Suratheshwar Shiva Temple is accessible through railways and roadways. Bolpur in Birbhum District of West Bengal is 160 km from Howrah by road and 39 km by train from Khana junction of the Eastern Railways. The nearest railhead is Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station. It is accessible from Supur easily. Supur is an old village, situated at the south-west side of Bolpur. In early era and the medieval era, Bolpur was under Supur pargana. On that time, Supur was the centre of business of Muslim India. Here weaving industries were also developed. Previously in late medieval era, Supur was the part of French East India Company, but later with the advent of British East India Company there began a collision with them. After that, Supur and Surul became the part of British colonization of Bengal.
