Photo: Acrestreet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chota (Small) Govinda Mandir
About Chota (Small) Govinda Mandir
The Chota Govinda Mandir is the smaller sister of the Boro Govinda Temple, standing close to Puthia Rajbari in Puthia, about 25 km east of Rajshahi city. Like its larger namesake it is dedicated to Govinda, a form of Krishna, and was built by the Puthia zamindar family.
It is a modest square brick temple, and its walls are decorated with terracotta panels of floral patterns and figures. Because it sees fewer visitors than the main temples, it is often a quiet spot to look at the brickwork at your own pace.
Combine it with the Chota Anhik Mandir, the four-tiered Dol Temple and the Large Shiva Temple, all within walking distance. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours visits the Puthia group on private tours from Rajshahi.
Things to do
-
Terracotta close-up
A quieter place to study the floral and figure panels than the busier main temple.
-
Photography
Its small scale and terracotta panels make it an easy subject to frame.
-
Puthia temple walk
One of six historic sites in Puthia that you can link on foot.
Getting there
From Rajshahi: About 25 km east by car, roughly 40 minutes, then a short walk from the Rajbari.
Where to stay
Stay in Rajshahi city and visit Puthia as a half-day trip.
Tours that visit Chota (Small) Govinda Mandir
Holiday Tours
Bangladesh Cultural and Heritage Discovery Tour
from $800 per person
Short Tours
Heritage Treasures of North Bengal
from $550 per person
Questions
How is it different from the Boro Govinda Temple?
It is much smaller and plainer, and usually much quieter.
How long should I spend here?
Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty as part of a Puthia visit.
Is there an entry fee?
Ask locally; caretakers at the Puthia temples often welcome a small donation.