Puthia is a very small village that is home to a number of modest Hindu temples in a range of architectural styles. This lovely and quiet village is a place which I regretted not being able to spend more time during my trip to Bangladesh.
There is a group of small ponds in the center of the village (which I believe were for bathing as a part of Hindu worship in ancient times), where not only temples but also a local market and the local government office are located. All of these are within walking distance of each other. I really enjoyed the tiny and cozy atmosphere of the place.
What fascinated me even more was that some of the temples are still “alive,” meaning that local people continue to come and pray there today. There are many signs of respect and worship, as outlined below.
Temples in Ratna style with beautiful ornaments southeast of the central pond
The temple I was most eager to visit was the Pancha Ratna Govinda Temple, which was built between 1823 and 1895. The architectural style is Pancha Ratna, characterized by five ratnas or spires. The unique shape of the temple, with its arched eaves and five spires, gives it a soft and elegant appearance. The red-colored terracotta contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery surrounding the temple compound.
The outer four walls are embellished with relief sculptures that depict scenes from the Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, and episodes from the story of Radha and Krishna.
Just behind the Pancha Ratna Govinda Temple, the Chota Ahnik Temple and the Small Siva Temple stand in a small garden surrounded by columns. These temples are quite small and could easily be overlooked, which is precisely the intention, as they were used for meditation.
The reliefs on the outer walls are exquisitely designed with finely ornamented terracotta, which I believe are the most beautiful and lively reliefs in Puthia.
Two small temples southwest of the pond
On the opposite side of the central pond in the village lies another highlight of Puthia: the Bara Ahnik Temple and Chauchala Chhota Govinda Temple.
The Bara Ahnik Temple features a triple archway with three chambers, showcasing a unique architecture in Bangladesh.
The Chauchala Chhota Govinda Temple remains an active place of worship for local people. Its arched eaves are more prominent compared to other temples in Puthia, giving it the appearance of small, pretty houses straight out of a fairy tale.
The large white Shiva temple in the entrance of the village
The Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple (Pancha Ratna Temple) is the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh and a striking sight as you enter the village. Its grand and elegant appearance, enhanced by its high platform and shining white outer walls, make it unmissable.
The temple is a perfect representation of the Pancha Ratna (five-spire) architectural style. Unlike other temples in Puthia, it incorporates various materials such as stone, wood, and terracotta, and is decorated with numerous signs of worship by the local community.
There is a market and several modern buildings between the Pancha Ratna Govinda Temple and the Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the vibrant daily life and meet the people of the village. While the market is not very big, the locals are friendly and may even offer you some fresh fruits or vegetables to you.
During my visit, I didn’t see any international tourists, but I’d strongly recommend stopping by this village if you’re traveling between Rajshahi and Khulna, or the other way around.
Getting there: It’s a 30-50 min drive from Rajshahi.
How long to spend there: 1-2 hours or more
Activity keywords: Hindu temple