Lalji Mandir - Hindu temple in Kalna - Purba Bardhaman, India

Lalji temple is the oldest temple in the Rajbari temple complex. This temple was founded by Rajkumari Brojokishori Debi, mother of Maharaja Kirtichandra of Bardhaman in 1739 AD.

Lalji temple is the oldest temple in the Rajbari temple complex. This temple was founded by Rajkumari Brojokishori Debi, mother of Maharaja Kirtichandra of Bardhaman in 1739 AD. The temple is built on a raised platform in Panchisratna (having twenty five towers) style. The entire temple is rich in magnificent terracotta works. There is a Charchala natmandir in front of the main temple. There is a Garur (Garuda) idol placed in the natmandir. Radha-Krishna aka Sri Lalji and Sri Radhika is enthroned in the main temple. With Lalji's blessings I had the privilege of witnessing Lalji's morning puja and it was a wonderful experience for me.

The ancient city of Ambowa now known as Ambika Kalna located on the west bank of the Bhagirathi River in Purba Bardhaman district has some of the most unique and beautiful temples built in the various styles of architecture typical to Bengal. Chala, rekha, ratna, mancha and plain roofed temples are scattered across Kalna built by the various dynasties who ruled over Burdwan. It was during the reign of Maharaja Kirti Chand Rai of the Bardhaman Raj that Ambowa came to be called Ambikanagar derived from the name of the presiding deity Ambika who has been worshipped for centuries by the people of the city. The most iconic temples seen today in Ambika Kalna were built by the Bardhaman Raj in the 18th - 19th century. According to the locals, stone was very difficult to procure and so the artisans used the clay from the river bank to make bricks. They then made terracotta panels and tiles to adorn these baked bricks and embellished them with human figures, animals, floral motifs, geometric patterns, hunting scenes, scenes from social life and stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharat, Puranas and Hindu scriptures. Lalji Mandir, one of the oldest temples built by Maharaja Kirti Chand Rai for his mother Braja Kishori Devi is housed in the Rajbari complex opposite Nava Kailash. This architectural marvel was built in 1739 CE in the rare panchabingshati (twenty-five pinnacles or peaks) style. There are only five such temples left in West Bengal of which three are seen in Kalna (Lalji Temple, Krishna Chandraji Temple and Gopalji Temple) and the other two are Sridhar Temple in Sonamukhi in Bankura district and Ananda Bhairavi Temple in Sukharia village in Hooghly district.

this specific temple in the kalna Rajbari ground has its unique charm. the environment here is very peaceful and soothing. it will calm you from your inside. the very architecture of this temple has a unique antique touch and it also has a touch of Terracotta. the walls of the temple are inscribed. this temple is run by the local pandits.

Being the oldest in group of this brick-build panchavimsati-ratna temple was erected in 1739 AD within an enclosed compound. There is a natamandapa in front of the temple and a mountain like temple known as Girigovardhana temple inside. The facades of the temple are also decorated with rich Terracotta ornamentation.

About the Kalna Rajbari During the 18th century, several magnificent temples were built under the Maharajas of Bardhaman. The blend of the rich cultural aspects consisting of temples spread along with the large green complex, with well-manicured lawns and gardens, and the blue skies make it an ideal tourist spot

Being the oldest one in the group in Rajbari compound, this brick-built Panchavimsati Ratna templebwas erected in 1739 AD within an enclosed compound. There is a Natamandapa in front of the temple and a mountain like temple known as Girigovardhana temple inside. The facades of the temple are also decorated with rich Terracotta ornamentation.

Beautiful panchavimsati ratna (25 spire) vishnu temple with a natmandap in the front. The oldest amongst the temples within the rajbari complex. Adorned with exquisite and unique terracotta art on its walls. Probably the most beautiful temple in all of Kalna. A must visit destination.