Dol-Temple
About Dol-Temple
The Dol Temple, also called Dol Mancha, is the most unusual building in Puthia. It rises in four diminishing square storeys, each with open arched sides, and ends in a small domed top. It stands on the green in front of Puthia Rajbari, about 25 km east of Rajshahi city.
It was built by the Puthia zamindar family as a stage for Dol Jatra, the Bengali celebration of Holi in spring, when images of Radha and Krishna were placed on it and people gathered around to play with coloured powder. Its open design was meant to be seen from all sides.
From here you can walk to the Boro Govinda Temple, the Chota Anhik Mandir, the Chota Govinda Mandir and the Large Shiva Temple. On private tours of Rajshahi, our guides often bring guests here at the end of the afternoon.
Things to do
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See tiered temple architecture
Its stacked, arched storeys are unlike any other temple in the Puthia group.
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Photography
Shoot from the far side of the field to fit all four tiers in the frame.
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Dol festival
If you are in Bangladesh around Holi in March, ask whether local celebrations are planned in Puthia.
Getting there
From Rajshahi: About 25 km east by car, roughly 40 minutes. The temple is on the open ground in front of Puthia Rajbari.
Where to stay
Stay in Rajshahi city and visit Puthia as a half-day trip.
Tours that visit Dol-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
What was the Dol Temple used for?
It was a stage for Dol Jatra, the Bengali Holi festival, when images of Radha and Krishna were displayed.
Can I climb the Dol Temple?
No, visitors view it from the ground.
Where is it?
On the green in front of Puthia Rajbari, about 25 km east of Rajshahi city.