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Madanmohan-Jiu Temple, Samta
Locality/village : Mellock
State : West Bengal
Country : India
Nearest City/Town : Samta
Best Season To Visit : All
Languages : Bengali & English
Temple Timings : 6.00 AM and 8.00 PM.
Photography : Not Allowed
Madanmohan-Jiu Temple, Samta
Madanmohan Temple is a famous Hindu temple. It is situated in Mellock, near Samta in the state of West Bengal. This temple is also called as Gopaler Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Radha Krishna. The main deity of this temple is Radha Krishna. Radha and Madangopal-jiu temples are the largest temples.
The temple is a large, beautiful, terracotta ornamented, dilapidated temple of Radha & Madangopal-jiu and was built in 1651 AD by a wrestler, Mukundaprasad Roychoudhury, who was a family member of the Roy Zamindars, who then ruled the village of Samta. It was earlier situated on the banks of the Rupnarayan River but now the river has changed its course. This is one of the largest atchala (roof with 8 slopes) temples in Bengal. Presently, the condition of the temple is derelict; however, the reconstruction has been started at present.
The village of Mellock has a history that dates back centuries. Both the village and the temple are situated on the banks of river Rupnarayan. The temple is in a derelict condition and is under reconstruction and renovation at present.
It was built in 1651 AD by wrestler, Mukunda prasad Roychoudhury. He was very strong and muscular. Then, the road to the temple was connected to the barrage by a small wooden bridge. Mukunda prasad would carry two heavy stone dumbbells in his arms to the temple, crossing the wooden bridge. Neither did he would get tired, nor, the wooden bridge use to break. One of the stones is still kept in the campus of the temple.
A temple was built at the site in 1651 AD by Mukundaprasad Roychowdhury, a family mamber of the “Roy Zamnidars” of Samta. Also known as Gopaler Mondir, the temple is a large, beautiful, terracotta ornamented, dilapidated temple of Radha & Madangopal Jiu (Radha & Krishna). This temple is one of the largest aat-chala (roof with 8 slopes) temples in Bengal. Main entrance with three arches is on the south face. Two additional entrances, one each on the west and east faces.
The temple is approximately 40 feet high and is equivalent to a present day 3 storied building. Earlier the river used to flow alongside the temple. Later it changed its course. But, recently the river started eroding the shores, threatening the temple and villages.
The temple has number of sculptures and designs that depict the influence the ideologies and culture of various generations of the Zamindars such as the various generations of the Roys’ Zamindars.
By Road: The temple is located in the village of Mellock, near Samta, Howrah District. It can be accessed by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Kolkata state or from neighboring state. Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses. The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus.
By Rail: The Temple is well connected through nearest Howrah railway station (13 kms)
to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (27.6 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and other metropolitan cities.
A major part of the Lord Krishna rituals and observances are the mass prayers that are offered from morning 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
This temple is a center of faith for the Hindu Community. The villagers in particular have strong devotion for the Lord here. All Hindus festivals are celebrated here, but those related to Radha and Krishna are celebrated with enthusiasm. They are Janmasthmi, Radha Asthmi, Gopasthmi, Holi etc.
Holi is held every year a day after Dol Purnima and the idols are carried to the nearby house of the Mukherjees in an ancient wooden palanquin. Special rituals are performed and at evening the idol is brought back to the temple. During the return journey bonfires are placed alongside the path and the people carrying the palanquin have to make their way through it.
Other places which are worth visiting in Howrah: The Great Banyan Tree, Benapur, Ram Mandir, Belur Math, and Bhadrakali Temple.
