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Showing posts with the label Bengal

Wax Wonders: Unveiling India's First Wax Museum

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In the realm of India's wax museums, both grand and modest, one stands out as a pioneer in its league. Enter the enchanting world of Mother's Wax Museum (MWM), nestled in the heart of New Town, Kolkata. Established in November 2014, MWM proudly holds the title of India's first full-fledged wax museum, inspired by the iconic Madame Tussauds. Named in honor of the beloved Mother Teresa, this museum began its journey with a modest collection of 19 wax statues. However, with each passing day, it has bloomed into a treasure trove, now boasting over 100 lifelike sculptures. What sets MWM apart is its unwavering commitment to realism—each statue meticulously crafted to mirror its real-life counterpart. Among the diverse array of personalities immortalized in wax, MWM showcases a distinctive collection of Bengal's own luminaries. From the stalwarts of India's freedom movement like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to the revered poets and philosophers of Bengal such as ...

Eco Park - The Pride of New Kolkata

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Experience the New Kolkata - a vibrant city pulsating with energy and life, embodied in the remarkable Eco Park. Nestled across 480 acres of land and the adjoining waterbody in New Town, this park emerged as a beacon of eco-consciousness on 29th December 2012, marking a new era of recreation and adventure in the Eastern region of India. Eco Park welcomes morning walkers, offering a refreshing start to the day amidst its lush greenery and tranquil ambience. Here, visitors discover a world of unique experiences, starting with the one-of-a-kind duo-cycles where both riders pedal together, creating moments of joy and laughter. For those seeking an eco-friendly adventure, cycling through the park's pathways with friends or family is an unparalleled experience. Inhale the crisp, fresh air as you pedal past picturesque landscapes, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings. Hop aboard the mini blue toy train that traverses the park's pathways, offering enchanting views of the lake ...

The Nabaratna Temple of Visakhapatnam

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 Located on the most happening R K Beach Road, Kali Bari Temple is one of the popular temples of Visakhapatnam. The temple was built for Bengali population of Vishakapatnam in 1984 CE. The temple has nine pinnacles on the vimana. This type of Bengal temple architecture is known as Nabaratna style.  The east-facing sanctum enshrines 4 feet tall icon of Kali. She has four arms and is in the standing posture. She has a fearsome feature with a protruding tongue.  Besides the presiding deity, a small icon of Kali and the idols of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Sharda Devi are found in the sanctum. Adjacent to the main shrine, Shiv Linga is found in a separate shrine. There are few other deities found in the temple such as Ganesha, Kartikeya with a five hooded serpent above his head along with his two consorts, Hanuman in Abhaya mudra and Radha Krishna. Happy travelling.

Kamarpukur - The birth place of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Kamarpukur, nestled in the serene landscapes of Hooghly in Kolkata, India, is a village of tranquil beauty. It holds a special place in history as the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the revered sage whose teachings inspired Swami Vivekananda, the great Hindu reformer. Let's delve into some of the significant sites within Kamarpukur. Birth Place Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa came into this world on 18th February 1836 CE, and the very spot of his birth has been transformed into a sacred temple. Here, a marble image of Sri Ramakrishna stands in quiet reverence. Yogi's Shiva Temple Located near the entrance of the expansive complex housing Ramakrishna's birthplace, the Yogi's Shiva Temple holds a special significance. It is believed to be the site where Sri Ramakrishna's mother witnessed a divine vision, a blessing that foretold the birth of her illustrious son. Sri Ramakrishna's Living Room Within the same complex, the room that once cr...

Joyrambati Sri Sarada Devi Temple

Joyrambati, a serene and picturesque village nestled near Bishnupur in the Kolkata state of India, holds the sacred legacy of Sri Sharada Devi, the revered wife of the great sage Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Let us embark on a journey to explore some of the significant sites in Joyrambati. Sri Matri Mandir It was on the 22nd of December 1853 CE that Sri Sharada Devi came into this world in Joyrambati village. Today, the very place of her birth has been transformed into a divine sanctuary known as Sri Matri Mandir. Within its sanctified walls rests a marble icon of the Holy Mother, radiating her eternal grace and compassion. Puratan Bari Nestled within the expansive complex surrounding the Matri Mandir lies Puratan Bari, a place of deep significance. This is where Sri Sharada Devi spent her days, amidst the tranquil surroundings. Inside, a photograph of Sharada Devi graces the walls, evoking a sense of her divine presence and timeless teachings. Nutan Bari As the number of dev...

Malleswar Temple - Bishnupur

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Bishnupur, a town nestled in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, is renowned for its 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and exquisite Balucheri sarees. Among the myriad temples that grace this land, dedicated to the beloved Lord Krishna, stands the unique Malleswar Temple, a homage to Lord Shiva. History: Once known as the Mallabhum region, Bishnupur thrived as the heart of the Malla dynasty. Unfazed by the tumultuous waves of Muslim and Mughal invasions, this region flourished under the reign of King Bir Hambir.  He introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna).  It was during his era, and that of King Bir Singha, that the exquisite brick temples of Bishnupur began to grace the skyline. Stone was in short supply in Bengal. Probably, this lead to an alternative in the name of elaborately decorated terracotta temples. The Malla Kings built many such terracotta temples in the 17th and 18th centuries CE in Bishnupur.  Standing as an ...

Madan Mohan Temple - Bishnupur

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Nestled within the serene town of Bishnupur in West Bengal, lies the enchanting Madan Mohan Temple—a testament to the region's rich history and architectural prowess. Located approximately 160 km from the bustling capital city of Kolkata, Bishnupur is renowned for its exquisite 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and the famed Balucheri sarees. History: Once known as the Mallabhum region, Bishnupur thrived under the rule of the illustrious Malla dynasty for centuries. Shielded from the tumultuous tides of Muslim or Mughal invasions, this kingdom flourished under the visionary leadership of Adi Malla, its founding patriarch. The golden era of Bishnupur dawned during the reign of King Bir Hambir, a time marked by the introduction of the worship of Madan Mohan, an endearing form of Lord Krishna. It was during his rule, and that of King Bir Singha, that the town witnessed the construction of magnificent brick temples, each a testament to the region's architectural sp...

Lalji Temple - Bishnupur

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Bishnupur, nestled in West Bengal's Bankura district, holds a significant place in India's cultural tapestry. Situated approximately 160 kilometers from Kolkata, this town is renowned for its 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and exquisite balucheri sarees. In this article, we delve into the architectural marvel of Lalji Temple, an Eka Ratna temple, located amidst the historic splendor of Bishnupur. History: The region around Bishnupur, known as Mallabhum in ancient times, flourished under the rule of the Malla dynasty. Unaffected by the Muslim or Mughal invasions, this area thrived under the leadership of Adi Malla, the dynasty's founder. Bishnupur rose to prominence during the reign of King Bir Hambir, who introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna). Under his rule and that of King Bir Singha, the town saw the construction of magnificent brick temples. With stone in short supply, the Malla Kings turned to elaborately decorated terracotta temples...

Gateways of Bishnupur

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Bishnupur, nestled in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, holds a rich history dating back to the days when it was known as the Mallabhum region. This region, also referred to as the Bishnupur Kingdom, flourished under the rule of the Malla dynasty for centuries, largely untouched by the Muslim or Mughal invasions that swept through other parts of the country. Founded by Adi Malla, this dynasty saw its zenith during the reign of King Bir Hambir, who introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna) and oversaw the construction of many magnificent brick temples. Due to a shortage of stone in Bengal, the Malla Kings turned to terracotta as an alternative building material, resulting in the creation of intricately adorned temples that still stand as a testament to their architectural prowess. Among the notable structures are the two gateways built in the latter half of the 17th century CE by King Bir Singha II. The larger gateway, known as the Pathar Darwaja,...