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Showing posts with the label Kolkata

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 ...

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...

Bishnupur Jor Mandir

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Bishnupur, a town in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, is located about 160 kilometers from Kolkata, the state's capital. Renowned for its 17th and 18th-century terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees, Bishnupur offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will delve into the beautiful and historically significant cluster of three temples known as Jor Mandir. History: In ancient times, the area around Bishnupur was known as the Mallabhum region. This region, also referred to as the Bishnupur Kingdom, was ruled by the Malla dynasty for many centuries and remained largely unaffected by Muslim or Mughal invasions. The dynasty was founded by Adi Malla. Bishnupur gained prominence during the reign of King Bir Hambir, who introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna). During his reign and that of King Bir Singha, numerous beautiful brick temples were constructed. Due to the scarcity of stone in Bengal, the Malla ki...

Terracotta Temples of Supur

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Site Name:  Jora Mandir Site Type:  Terracotta temple Location:   Supur village, 5 kms from Shanti Niketan, West Bengal state, India Highlights:   300 years old Twin Terracotta temples Nearest Railway Station:   Bolpur Nearest Airport:   Kolkata  How to reach:   Easily reachable from Kolkata and Shantiniketan Hotel:  Many star hotels, luxury hotels/resorts, and budget hotels are available in Kolkata; Shantiniketan too has many decent options for stay Restaurants:  Limited options in Shantiniketan West Bengal tourism is not only to do with Kolkata or only with the famous Shanti Niketan. There are hundreds of beautiful and unexplored sites all over West Bengal state of India. Let us explore one such little known beautiful site in this article. Shanti Niketan is a popular town in West Bengal related to education and academics. It is located at a distance of around 160 kms from Kolkata, the capital city of West Be...

108 Shiva Temples - West Bengal

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A Ambika Kalna, commonly known as Kalna, is a town in West Bengal’s Bardhaman district, located about 80 km from Kolkata. It is home to the renowned 108 Shiva Temples, a significant religious and architectural marvel. This article explores this unique site. Built in 1809 CE by King Teja Chandra Bahadur, the 108 Shiva Temples were constructed to commemorate the transfer of ownership of the Bishnupur royal estate. The temple complex follows the Bangla Chala architectural style, which is characterized by sloping roofs. (Bangla temple architecture is broadly classified into two types—Chala (slope roof) and Ratna (pinnacle), with some temples incorporating elements of both styles.) The temples are arranged in two concentric circles, separated by a well-maintained lawn. The outer circle consists of 74 temples, each housing a Shiva Linga, alternating between black and white in color. The inner circle contains 34 temples, all enshrining white Shiva Lingas. Unlike many temple complexes...