Photo: Shuvajit BD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kantajew Temple
About Kantajew Temple
Kantajew Temple, also called Kantaji or Kantanagar Temple, stands in the village of Kantanagar in Kaharole upazila, about 20 kilometres north of Dinajpur town, just across the Dhepa River. It was begun by Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur in the early 18th century and completed by his successor, Maharaja Ramnath, in 1752, as a Sanskrit inscription on its plinth records. The temple is dedicated to Krishna and his consort Rukmini.
It was built as a navaratna, a temple with nine spires rising over three storeys, but the earthquake of 1897 brought the spires down. What survived is remarkable: almost every surface is covered with terracotta plaques showing scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the life of Krishna and everyday life in 18th-century Bengal, from hunting parties and royal processions to river boats and soldiers in European dress.
Kantajew is a working temple and still draws pilgrims, especially during the Rash Mela fair in late autumn. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours visits it on private North Bengal tours with a local guide who can read the panels with you. Pair it with the royal tank of Ramsagar on the same day, and see Rangpur Division for more of the region.
Things to do
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Read the terracotta panels
Follow the epics around the walls with your guide, from Krishna’s childhood to battle scenes from the Mahabharata.
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Photograph the temple in soft light
Early morning and late afternoon light brings out the depth of the plaques on the red brick.
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See village life on the Dhepa
The temple sits among farming villages beside the Dhepa River, a calm introduction to rural North Bengal.
Getting there
From Dinajpur: about 20 kilometres north, 30 to 40 minutes by car, a short way off the highway towards Panchagarh.
From Dhaka: fly to Saidpur in about an hour, then drive about one and a half hours to the temple. Overland, Dinajpur is a long day’s journey by road or train.
Where to stay
Stay in Dinajpur town, which has simple to mid-range hotels and makes the best base for the temple and Ramsagar. Rangpur, around two hours away, has a wider choice.
We suggest hotels that fit your budget when we send your tour price.
More to see in Dinajpur
Tours that visit Kantajew Temple
None of our set tours stop here yet, but we can add it to a tailor-made trip.
Questions
Who built Kantajew Temple?
Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur began the temple in the early 18th century, and Maharaja Ramnath completed it in 1752. It is dedicated to Krishna and his consort Rukmini.
How far is Kantajew Temple from Dinajpur?
About 20 kilometres north of Dinajpur town, a drive of 30 to 40 minutes.
Why does Kantajew Temple have no spires?
It was built with nine spires, a style called navaratna, but they collapsed in the earthquake of 1897. The richly decorated lower structure survived.
Can non-Hindus visit Kantajew Temple?
Yes, visitors of all faiths are welcome. Dress modestly, take off your shoes where asked and respect worshippers during prayers.