Temple Architecture styles : Bāṅlā Rēkhā Dēula Architecture

Mar 16, 2024

Rēkhā dēula type temples comprise the oldest type of temples existent in Baṅlā region. They are free standing Latina śikhara type temples inspired from Kaliṅga Architecture Style. Unlike Kaliṅga style temples, they usually don’t have any attached hall, and can differ from them in varying degrees.

This architecture style started to appear ~6th century CE although the surviving examples date from 9th century CE onwards. The temples have a large āmalaka (ridged disc) and kalaśa (pot) finial at the top. Only a few early Baṅlā deuls remain, but among them some brick-built examples are monumental and impressive.

When Rēkhā style reappeared in 16th century CE, it was completely transformed by features like internal domes, arches, and terracotta decorated facades. Many such temples were built in 19th century CE although they were mostly much smaller than the pre-Mohemmadan rule temples.

Being the earliest of the temples, they influenced the development of many other Baṅlā architecture styles, particularly Ratna type.

Development

6th century CE – 13th century CE

Pālas (750 CE– 1161 CE)
Sēnas (1070 CE – 1230 CE)
Dēvas (12th century CE – 13th century CE)

The earliest Rēkhā dēula type temples were built usually with square plan and facets (usually 3-facet or 5-facet plan). They would be constructed in straight, paraboloid or pyramidal shape, and topped by āmalaka (notched stone disk) itself topped by an urn-shaped finial (kalaśa).

The would also have a mesh decoration, either along the entire structure, or at least on the corners of upper tiers.

During this period, entrances are normally architrave or corbelled arches — corbelled arch entrance temples were constructed elsewhere in norther South Asia during this period, eg. Kanpur’s Nibiya Khera Temples (Built 9th-10th century CE).

→ Examples of early Rēkhā dēula type temples:

A ruined Jaina Temple in Deulghata, Purulia district, West Bengal, India — features transepts and Jaina figurines all over the body (Built under Pāla Empire 9th century CE) [Source: File:Deuls of Deulghata in Purulia. 07.jpg]

Pakbira Jaina temples in Pakbira village, Purulia district, West Bengal, India — built from chlorite stones. (9th-10th century CE) [Source: The ruins of Purulia temples - Media India Group]

Siddhesvar Temple (Temple No 5) of Begunia Temple Complex, West Bengal, India — the attached hall was built much later, probably during British colonial period, and doesnt have any roof, being covered by bamboo and waterproof material. The temple is a triple-facet (triratha) planar tower (Latina śikhara) type temple; it may have had a spire which is now lost, leaving only the notched disk. Unlike most later temples, it is made of stone. (estimated 9th century CE) [Source: Siddheshvara temple Barakar West Bengal, lying in ruins AND Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

Sat Deul in Memari I CD block, Bardhaman Sadar South subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India — a 5-facet temple with mesh decoration all over the upper tiers. It features a solid stone disc rather than a notched one, and has a triangular corbelled-arch entrance. (Built 10th century CE) [Source:File:Sat Deul 6.jpg]

Partially ruined brick-built Siddheshwara Temple at Bahulara, Bankura district, West Bengal, India (estimated between 8th-10th century CE) [Source: File:Siddheshwara Temple at Bahulara, Bankura.jpg]

Some temples featured extended entrances, and/or distinct stories and associated but independent hall(s). A few temple may feature a combination of facet plans (like 3-facet on one face, 5-facet at other)

→ Examples of early Rēkhā dēula type temples with porches and/or associated halls:

A brick temple at Para village, Para CD block in Raghunathpur subdivision of Purulia district in West Bengal, India — the temple has 3 distinct storeys all of which have a rectangular floor plan. The topmost storey has decorations and facets on all sides, while the lower 2 storeys have miniature spires carved on their sides. (estimated 10th-11th century CE) [Source: File:Brick Deul in Para village at Purulia district.jpg]

Another brick-built Jaina temple at Deulghata, Purulia district, West Bengal, India — a distinct corbelled arch triangular entrance extending outwards (built 9th century CE) [Source: File:Deuls of Deulghata in Purulia. 04.jpg]

Banda Deul in Purulia district, West Bengal, India — it has an independent associated hall visible in the right. The temple itself is made of sandstone and has 3-facet (triratha) type planar tower having transepts at lowermost portion. (Built estimated 11th century CE) [Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Old_Deul_Temple_at_Banda.jpg/1920px-Old_Deul_Temple_at_Banda.jpg]

“Sun” Temple (actually a Jaina temple) at Sonatpal, near Bankura town, Bankura district, West Bengal, India — while the sides are 5-facet (pañcaratha) type, the front and back have triangular entrances and 3-facet (triratha) type decoration. It is ascribed to rulers of Bishnupur (7th-10th century CE) [Source: File:SUN TEMPLE (Around 11th Century AD).jpg]

Jatar Deul in Mathurapur II community development block, Diamond Harbour subdivision of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India — it is a brick temple with ~30m height (Built 10th-11th century CE) [Source: File:Jatar Deul.jpg]

Mostly ruined Saileswar Temple in Dihar archaelogical site in Bishnupur subdivision of Bankura district, West Bengal, India — features a slight entrance porch (Built ~14th century CE) [Source: File:Saileswar and Sareswar temple of Dihar in Bankura district (02).jpg]

→ Contemporary Non-Bāṅlā temples for comparison:
Nibiya Khera Temple Complex in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India — main temple has architrave entrance while the subsidiary temples have corbelled arch entrances (Built 9th-10th century CE) [Source: https://www.indictoday.com/long-reads/echoes-storied-past-ancient-riverine-civilisation-brick-temple-nibiyakhera-kanpur/]

Several votive Rēkhā dēula temples dating to this period have been found as archaeological discoveries. They are mostly similar to actual Rēkhā dēula temples of Bāṅlā region and of Greater Nāgara architecture family.

In many cases, the votive temples can have icons carved on all sides to give a symbolic meaning as a deity’s house; votive Rēkhā dēula temples of Bāṅlā region usually have 4 sides

→ Votive Rēkhā dēula temples examples:

Purulia archaeological site’s Votive Rēkhā dēula temples:

A plain Rēkhā dēula votive temple [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Purulia_I]

A decorated faceted Rēkhā dēula votive temple placed over a pedestal [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Purulia_I]

Stepped Rēkhā dēula votive temples with a relatively large āmalaka [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Purulia_I]

16th century CE – 19th century CE

When Rēkhā dēula style reappeared in 16th century CE, it was completely transformed by features like internal domes, arches, and terracotta decorated facades. Many such temples were built in 19th century CE although they were mostly much smaller than the pre-Mohemmadan rule temples.
Temples from this period are relatively more frequently octagonal in plan, but square plan still remained the most common. Dome tops also made their appearance.
Śukanāsas, relatively less common already in the preceding period, nearly disappeared from the temples from this period onward.
Rēkhā dēula style attached halls & porches, usually similar to the main temple structure also started to appear at least since this period.

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temples:

Jora Deul (2 temples joined by a passageway) in Baidyapur, Kalna II CD block, Kalna subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India (Built possibly 1550 CE, but reconstructed later on) [Source: File:Ancient twin temples WLM2016-5722.jpg]

Ichhai Ghosher Deul in Gourangapur village, Kanksa CD block, Durgapur subdivision of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India — conserving most of the features of earlier Rēkhā deul type temples, its entrance is semi-circular true arch. It is a 7-facet plan temple reaching about ~18m high. (Built 16th century CE) [Source: File:Temple of Ichai Ghosh.jpg]

Mathurapur Deul in Madhukhali Upazila, Faridpur district, Bangladesh — a dodecagonal planar tower curving smoothly towards the top. There is a slightly visible linear portion (jaṅghā) demarcating the boundary between the straight lower part and curving upper part. The entire structure is ridged, and the entrances are cusped arches. (estimated 16th-17th century CE) [Source:File:মথুরাপুরদেউল 4.jpg]

Dharapat Viṣṇu Deula having earlier Jaina dieties attached on the walls, in Dharapat village of Bishnupur subdivision, Bankura district, West Bengal, India — the upper tiers are 7-facet plan, while lowermost tier is 9-facet plan. (Built in 1694 or 1704 CE) [Source: Category:Deul of Dharapat - Wikimedia Commons]

Ratneswar Temple in Jagannathpur village, Barjora CD block, Bankura district, West Bengal, India — considering the architecture, may be classified under Kaḷiṅga architecture as well. The associated hall was constructed later (Built late 17th century CE) [Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/ratneswar-shiva-the-lord-of-the-gems]

Ratneswar Shiva temple - full view; the yellow colored Naat Mandir at the front of the main shrine.

Sribati Temple Cluster of Sribati village in Katwa II CD block in the Katwa subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. The leftmost temple is square plan Chandreshwar Temple built in 1802 CE, the rightmost is octagonal Viswesara Temple built in 1836 CE. The middle temple is a 5-Ratna temple with pinnalces constructed in resemblance to Chandreshwar Temple [Source: File:Three Temples of Sribati.JPG]

A relatively uncommon example of Rēkhā dēula type temple with a Rēkhā dēula type entrance porch : Radhagobinda Jiu temple in Loyada, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India (Built 1860 CE) [Source: File:Shikhar Deul of Radhagobinda Jiu temple at Loada under Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 05.jpg - Wikimedia Commons]

Pratapeshwar Temple at Ambika Kalna Rajbari Temple Complex, Ambika Kalna, West Bengal, India — It is a 7-facet (saptaratha) type temple with a distinct ridged upper part. It features a spire at the top having a discus. The temple stands on a raised platform reached by semi-circular stairs visible in foreground. It was built by king Pratāpa Canda’s widow (Built 19th century CE) [Source: File:Kalna Pratapeswar Temple by Piyal Kundu.jpg]

Several Rēkhā Dēula temples that can be placed in this period but may not have exact date of construction known were build during this period; the dating being uncertain since temples were patronised mainly by merchants and landowners during this period.

→ Uncertain date Rēkhā Dēula temples (probably built between 16th and 19th century CE):

Surul Paired Śiva Temples in Surul, Bolpur Sriniketan CD block in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. The left temple is square 7-facet ridged temples, while right one is octagonal ridged temple [Source: Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

Ruined octagonal-shaped dome-topped Radha Ballav Temple in Mankar, Bardhaman Sadar North subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India [Source: File:Ruined dome shaped Octagonal Radhaballava Temple in the Interiors of Ruined Rang Mahal Palace at Mankar in Purba Bardhaman District.jpg]

File:Ruined dome shaped Octagonal Radhaballava Temple in the Interiors of Ruined Rang Mahal Palace at Mankar in Purba Bardhaman District.jpg

A Rēkhā dēula type temple in Joypur, Bankura district, West Bengal, India [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Bankura_I]

12 Shiva Temples Cluster in Bandopadhyay family Debottar estate, Ajodhya, Bankura district, West Bengal, India [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Bankura_I]

Radha Kanta Deul in Muninagar, Bankura district, West Bengal, India — consists of Rēkhā dēula style sanctum structure with a similar Rēkhā dēula style attached hall [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Bankura_IIhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Bankura_II]

Sitala Temple in Pathra, West Bengal, India — features a Kaḷiṅga Piṛhā deuḷa style entrance decoration indicating a continued Kaḷiṅga architecture influence. (Built probably 18th century CE) [Source: https://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2020/07/08/pathra-rebirth-of-the-temple-town/#more-36579]

Begunia Temple Cluster — Begunia Style Rēkhā deulas

Built in 14th-15th century CE using sandstone in present day Barakar, Asansol district, West Bengal, India, the temples No 1, 2, and 4 (3 is ruined) of Begunia Temple Cluster show a distinct architecture style not found elsewhere, although inspired from Rēkhā deula style.

They have flattened notched disks, and miniature shrine above the entrance porch but not on other faces. The 3 tempes are all slightly different form each other themselves.

→ Ganesh Temple (Temple No 1, left) and Durga Temple (Temple No 2, right) [Source: Must Visit 4 Begunia Temples of Barakar, Asansol - i Share]

→ Shiva Temple (Temple No 4, foreground) [Source: Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

→ Stone carvings including decorative helical columns flanking an aedicule [Source: Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

→ Carvings of people (possibly Yakṣas) holding up the layers of the temple [Source: Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

19th century CE – 20th century CE

At least since this period, Cālā Type structures began to be used as entrance porches and other associated structures.
In 19th century CE, Dālāna type temples, inspired by European Architecture or precisely Neo Classical Architectural Style, started to become popular in Bāṅlā region due to advent of Europeans. Dālāna structures also began to be used as attached or associated halls with other types of temples.

→

Cālā type associated hall of Lakshmi Janardhan Temple in Debipur, Memari I block, Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India [Source: https://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2016/08/28/lakshmi-janardhan-temple-debipur/]

Radha Binoda temple at Panchrol under Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal, India — Rēkhā dēula style sanctum structure with Dālāna style attached hall. [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Radha_Binoda_temple_at_Panchrol_under_Purba_Medinipur_district_in_West_Bengal_07.jpg]

File:Radha Binoda temple at Panchrol under Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal 07.jpg

During 20th century CE and later, new Rēkhā dēula style temples became increasingly rare in Bāṅlā region, being supplanted by or Bāṅlā architecture styles.

1947 CE – present

However, after independence, Nāgara architecture began to increase in popularity in Bāṅlā region while other Bāṅlā architecture styles have mostly continued to flourish as well.

Structural Details

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structure

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula style temples usually consist of a single towering sanctum structure, similar to other temples classifiable under Greater Nāgara architecture family.

A usual Rēkhā dēula structure is divided into a lower section called jaṅghā (thigh) and an upper section called śikhara (peak). However, some Rēkhā dēula structures may be divided into multiple tiers rather than the aforementioned 2.
Śikharas of Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structures can be straight, pyramid or paraboloid in shape, with latter being the most common shape. Jaṅghā sections by contrast are usually straight as they need to house the sanctum and support the Śikhara above them.
Both Śikhara and Jaṅghā can be faceted; while facets are usually homogenous, there are also temples with different number of facets between the sections.
Jaṅghā section and Śikhara section are usually of same width — temples withn wider Jaṅghā sections may be considered under Ratna architecture, especially if they have contiguous porches or attached halls.

→ A Rēkhā dēula temple with labelled śikhara and jaṅghā [Source: edited from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Bankura_I#/media/File:Deul_and_Atchala_temple_of_Joypur_in_Bankura_district._03.jpg]

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structure shapes and floorplans

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structures are usually of square shape and square floorplan. However, examples of other shapes do exist.

Additionally, if the structure is faceted the platform of the structure may be built to accommodate the structure accordingly; in most cases the base may simply be made square but in a few cases, the base may be of octagonal or other polygonal shape.

→

Comparison of Rēkhā dēula structure platforms :

Left: the temple sits on the usual square platform
Right: the platform is square but has an octagonal sub-platform over which the actual temple stands

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structure entrances

Entrance to the structure, depending on the time period and preferences, can be regular architrave, corbelled arch or true arch. Among the true arches, semi-circular arches and horeshoe arches are common.

Triple entrances became more common only in later period, and are usually found in attached hall rather than the main sanctum structure.

→ Corbelled arch entrances examples:

Jatar Deul in Mathurapur II community development block, Diamond Harbour subdivision of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India — the entrance is straight at lower half and corbelled at upper half [Source: File:Jatar Deul.jpg]

A brick-built Jaina temple at Deulghata, Purulia district, West Bengal, India — a distinct corbelled arch triangular entrance extending outwards (built 9th century CE) [Source: File:Deuls of Deulghata in Purulia. 04.jpg]

→ Semicircular arch entrances exmaples:

Ichhai Ghosher Deul in Gourangapur village, Kanksa CD block, Durgapur subdivision of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India — conserving most of the features of earlier Rēkhā deul type temples, its entranced are smooth true arches. It is a 7-facet plan temple reaching about ~18m high (Built 16th century CE) [Source: File:Temple of Ichai Ghosh.jpg]

Pratapeshwar Temple at Ambika Kalna Rajbari Temple Complex, Ambika Kalna, West Bengal, India — the entrance’s bricks have been cut to give a mult-foil arch appearance. A façade multi-foil horseshoe arch is present as part of decorations over the exterior walls. (Built 19th century CE) [Source: File:Kalna Pratapeswar Temple by Piyal Kundu.jpg]

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structure Śikharas and Jaṅghās

Śikharas of Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula structures can be of paraboloid or pyramid shapes, with former being the most common shape. Jaṅghā sections by contrast are straight as they need to house the sanctum and support the Śikhara above them.

Both Śikhara and Jaṅghā can be faceted; while facets are usually homogenous, there are also temples with different number of facets between the sections.

Finial

Śikharas usually have a finial formed by receding stacked āmalakas topped by a kalaśa (urn) ending into variously a pointed spire, a symbolic weapon or other related motif.
In some temples, Śikhara may end in a dome instead.

→ Āmalaka + Kalaśa finial examples:

Siddhesvar Temple (Temple No 5) of Begunia Temple Complex, West Bengal, India — it may have had a spire which is now lost, leaving only the notched disk. (estimated 9th century CE) [Source: Siddheshvara temple Barakar West Bengal, lying in ruins AND Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

Banda Deul in Purulia district, West Bengal, India — featuring a large notched disk finial, the spire may have fallen later. (Built estimated 11th century CE) [Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Old_Deul_Temple_at_Banda.jpg/1920px-Old_Deul_Temple_at_Banda.jpg]

The deul at Banda with remains of the mandapa

→ Other types of finials:

Pratapeshwar Temple at Ambika Kalna Rajbari Temple Complex, Ambika Kalna, West Bengal, India — the finial ends in a discus (Built 19th century CE) [Source: File:Kalna Pratapeswar Temple by Piyal Kundu.jpg]

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula type auxiliary structures

While rare, Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula type auxiliary structures like attached halls, Mañca (specific halls associated with Bāṅlā temples) etc. may be constructed.

→ Rēkhā dēula type attached halls:

Radhagobinda Jiu temple in Loyada, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India (Built 1860 CE) [Source: File:Shikhar Deul of Radhagobinda Jiu temple at Loada under Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal 05.jpg - Wikimedia Commons]

→ Rēkhā dēula type Dolmañcas examples:

Two Āṭ-Cālā Śiva Temples flanking a larger Dolmañca, near Shivtala bus stop of Debipur, Memari I block, Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India [Source: https://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2016/08/28/lakshmi-janardhan-temple-debipur/#more-21343]

→ Rēkhā dēula type Tulsīmañcas examples:

Rēkhā dēula type Tulsīmañca of Radha Shyam Temple Complex in Bishnupur, West Bengal, India [Source: https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/radha-shyam-temple-bishnupur/https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/radha-shyam-temple-bishnupur/]

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula temples

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula temples can be of straight, pyramidal or paraboloid shape, with the latter being most common.

In most cases, only śikhara section curves or inclines, with jaṅghā being straight. In some cases, śikhara may curve only partially at its topmost section.

→ Pyramidal Rēkhā dēula type temples:

Pakbira Jaina temples in Pakbira village, Purulia district, West Bengal, India — built from chlorite stones. (9th-10th century CE) [Source: The ruins of Purulia temples - Media India Group]

“Sun” Temple (actually a Jaina temple) at Sonatpal, near Bankura town, Bankura district, West Bengal, India — the topmost section does incline, but most of the temple is straight (Built estimated 7th-10th century CE) [Source: File:SUN TEMPLE (Around 11th Century AD).jpg]

→ Straight Rēkhā dēula type temples:

→ Paraboloid Rēkhā dēula type temples:

Ichhai Ghosher Deul in Gourangapur village, Kanksa CD block, Durgapur subdivision of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India — conserving most of the features of earlier Rēkhā deul type temples, its entranced are smooth true arches. It is a 7-facet plan temple reaching about ~18m high (Built 16th century CE) [Source: File:Temple of Ichai Ghosh.jpg]

Attached halls

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temples with Rēkhā dēula type attached halls:

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temples with other architecture type associated halls:

Siddhesvar Temple (Temple No 5) of Begunia Temple Complex, West Bengal, India — the attached hall was built much later, probably during British colonial period and doesn’t have a roof. (Temple built estimated 9th century CE, hall built probably between 19th-20th century CE) [Source: Siddheshvara temple Barakar West Bengal, lying in ruins AND Trip to West Bengal - Feb. 2014 - Part-1 : Kolkata-Kalna-Shantiniketan-Surul-Barakar]

A Rēkhā dēula type temple (actually following typical Nāgara architecture) in Dhakeshwari National Temple Complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh — this temple is a standalone temple surrounded by an attached hall, hence, does not count as Ratna type temple which have tower(s) over a distinct wider base. However, such temples are commonly seen elsewhere in Indian Subcontinent and can be equally classifed under regular Nāgara architecture. [Source: A 12th century Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka]

A 12th century Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temples with detached associated hall(s):

Banda Deul in Purulia district, West Bengal, India — it has an independent associated hall visible in the right. (Built estimated 11th century CE) [Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Old_Deul_Temple_at_Banda.jpg/1920px-Old_Deul_Temple_at_Banda.jpg]

Ratneswar Temple in Jagannathpur village, Barjora CD block, Bankura district, West Bengal, India — the nāṭamandira (yellow colored associated hall) was constructed later. (Temple built late 17th century CE) [Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/ratneswar-shiva-the-lord-of-the-gems]

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temples with both attached and detached associated hall(s):

Gandeshar temple in Gokulnagar, Bankura district, West Bengal, India [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gandeshar_temple_of_Gokulnagar_in_Bankura_district_14.jpg]

Bāṅlā Rēkhā dēula temple complexes and clusters

Paired temples

Paired temples are fairly common in Bāṅlā temple architecture in general. Paired temples usually share the same plinth / platform. The deities housed are usually either the same deity, different forms of same deity, or a pair of deities who are usually shown together eg. Śiva & Durgā.

→ Dissimilar Paired Temples examples:

Twin temples

A sub-class of paired temples, twin temples, i.e. identical paired temples are fairly common in Bāṅlā temple architecture in general.

→ Twin Temples examples:

Saileswar and Sareswar Temples in Dihar archaeological site in Bishnupur subdivision of Bankura district, West Bengal, India (Built 1346 CE under Malla king Pr̥thvī Malla) [Source: https://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/dihar-ruined-twin-temples/]

Saileswar and Sareswar Temples, Dihar (near Bishnupur), Bankura

Jora Shiva Temples in Surul Rajbari, Surul, Bolpur Sriniketan CD block in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. [Source: https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2024/05/16/hidden-treasures-of-terracotta-exploring-suruls-architectural-legacy/]

Conjoined Temples

A less common subset of paired temples in conjoined temples — such temples are joined together by a common hall, passageway or some similar structure.

→ Examples of conjoined Rēkhā dēula type temples:

Clusters of Rēkhā dēula type temples with and without other architecture style temples

Rēkhā dēula type temples can found as part of complex or cluster with and without other architecture style temples.

Rēkhā dēula type temple clusters

In such clusters, often the temples are nearly identical. They may share a common platform or be arranged as part of a temple complex.

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temple clusters:

12 Shiva Temples Cluster in Bandopadhyay family Debottar estate, Ajodhya, Bankura district, West Bengal, India [Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Explores_Bankura_I]

Rēkhā dēula type temples with other architecture style temples

In such clusters, Rēkhā dēula type temples may or may not be identical.

→ Examples of Rēkhā dēula type temples with other architecture style temples:

Ojhapara Temple Cluster in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India — 2 Rēkhā dēula type temples flanking a 13-ratna type temple [Source: The Terracotta Temples of Dubrajpur]

Sribati Temple Cluster of Sribati village in Katwa II CD block in the Katwa subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. The leftmost temple is square plan Chandreshwar Temple built in 1802 CE, the rightmost is octagonal Viswesara Temple built in 1836 CE. The middle temple is a 5-Ratna temple with pinnacles constructed in resemblance to Chandreshwar Temple [Source: File:Three Temples of Sribati.JPG]

Cluster of 5 terracotta temples in Bankati, West Bengal, India — 3 Rēkhā dēulas (dated 1834 CE) on a shared platform with 2 Āṭ-Cālā temples (dated 1782 CE) on a different shared platform [Source: https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2023/03/14/the-terracotta-temples-of-bankati/]