Photo: Omitab obak, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Boro (Large) Govinda Temple
About Boro (Large) Govinda Temple
The Boro Govinda Temple stands within the walled compound of Puthia Rajbari, about 25 km east of Rajshahi city. Built by the Puthia zamindar family in the 19th century and dedicated to Govinda, a form of Krishna, it is a square temple raised on a platform, with a central tower and four smaller corner towers in the pancharatna style.
What makes it special is the surface. Almost every wall is faced with terracotta plaques showing scenes from the Krishna legends, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with soldiers, musicians, animals and flowers. Walk slowly round all four sides; the detail changes panel by panel.
Next to it is the small Chota Anhik Mandir, and the Chota Govinda Mandir, Dol Temple and Large Shiva Temple are all a short walk away. Our guides on private tours of Rajshahi usually start the Puthia circuit here.
Things to do
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Read the terracotta panels
Look for Krishna’s childhood scenes, battle processions and everyday figures carved into the brick.
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Photography
Morning light on the east face and late light on the west bring out the relief best.
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Combine with the palace
The temple sits beside Puthia Rajbari, so it pairs naturally with a walk round the palace grounds.
Getting there
From Rajshahi: Drive about 25 km east to Puthia, around 40 minutes. The temple is inside the Rajbari compound in the town centre.
From Dhaka: Fly or take the train to Rajshahi first, then continue by car.
Where to stay
Stay in Rajshahi city and visit Puthia as a half-day trip.
Tours that visit Boro (Large) Govinda Temple
Holiday Tours
Bangladesh Cultural and Heritage Discovery Tour
from $800 per person
Short Tours
Heritage Treasures of North Bengal
from $550 per person
Questions
Where is the Boro Govinda Temple?
Inside the Puthia Rajbari compound in Puthia, about 25 km east of Rajshahi city.
Can I go inside?
The temple is still a place of worship and the sanctum is not always open. The terracotta exterior is the main attraction.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes. Its terracotta work is among the best preserved in northern Bangladesh.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing, and remove your shoes if you step onto the temple platform.