The carved walls
Terracotta over the building.
Shuvajit BD — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tanvir Ahmed Seajar — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tanvir Ahmed Seajar — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Abdullah AL Shohag — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Shuvajit BD — CC BY-SA 4.0
Kantajew Temple is an 18th-century Hindu temple in Kantanagar, Dinajpur District, in northern Bangladesh. It is among the leading examples of terracotta architecture in the country, as carved fired clay covers its outer walls completely. It is still a living place of worship, and visitors also come to see this fine craft in a single building. Maharaja Pran Nath began it in 1704, and his son Raja Ramnath completed it in 1752. It was built in the nine-spired style, but an earthquake in 1897 destroyed all the spires, leaving its present form, closer to a stepped dome. The place is linked to the worship of Krishna, so it remains an important destination for worshippers in the region. From outside you see a square building of three storeys with arches on each side and a flag on top, and walls covered in small clay panels showing many scenes of daily life, legends, boats and hunting. To appreciate the detail, walk slowly around the building. This is a working temple, so be quiet, ask before taking photos and do not enter areas set aside for worship. It is about 18 km in a straight line from central Dinajpur and easy to reach by car. Dress modestly, and take off your shoes where asked. The finest light comes early in the morning, before the crowds.
Terracotta over the building.
Panels of life and hunting.
On each side of the temple.
Kantanagar, Dinajpur District, Bangladesh
An earthquake destroyed them in 1897, and there were originally nine.
It is a working temple, so follow the staff's instructions, and walking around it is usually enough.