It happens at many times that due to some tight schedule or unforseen reasons, we unable to visit all the popular location at visting places. Same thing happened to me when I went to Kolkatta. It was a quick plan with no preparation no idea behind the trip. We only knew about few places that was regular for vistors. However in between our travel, we came across some beautiful sights that mesmerizes with their view. I was in awe, when I noticed the beautiful structure beside the flowing Hoogly river.
Thanks to some fellow passenger who briefed me about the place. The place has a history to revkon, but i missed to explore the place. The place is known the name Belur Rasbhari. While "Belur" is the place where is situated and The name "Rashbari" itself comes from the large-scale "Ras" festival held there during which traditional dance performances are showcased. Belur Rashbari is a heritage-rich riverine estate in Belur, West Bengal, India that's a popular destination for a getaway from Kolkata. It's also a sacred pilgrimage site for the Ramkrishna-Vivekananda tourist circuit.
Visitors who are aware about the location at Belur do visit the place of their own. However, I take note of this place while crossing the hoogly river and going to Dakshineswar Temple, situated on the other side of the river, for a good 30 min boating experince.
Seems we enjoyed our previous "ferry" ride, and when found one at Belur, we have no hesitant to take a ride. There was a huge platform, at the bank, where these heavenly floating body comes to a halt. This is their pick up and deboard location.
As we boarded, and moving towards our direction, the beautiful architecture get hold of my attention. It looked to be an ancient building. Later it was learned about the place.
Belur Rashbari is popular primarily because of its rich history, stunning riverside architecture, and the grand "Ras" festival held there, which features intricate dance performances and celebrations, all situated within a large compound that includes temples, a clock tower, and other historical structures, making it a significant cultural landmark in West Bengal, India. The structure particularly associated with the wealthy Daw family of Kolkata who own the property.
Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, the Rashbari offers picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.
The Rashbari complex is known for its age and architectural style, built by the Daw family, and is considered a heritage site. The estate was created by brothers Hari Das Daw and Purna Chandra Daw. There's a story that Swami Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita visited the estate around the time of the ground-breaking of Belur Math in 1896. The complex includes a large Navaratna temple, votive Shiva temples, a "rasmancha," clock tower, and other structures.
Whenever there is history invilved to any place, the excitement gets doubled, but not in my case. I was regretying for not identifying the place before. The estate has temples dedicated to Radha-Krishna and Shiv. It also has a heritage building with a lawn that opens onto the river. This makes the place, more charming and beautiful. Visitors, can enjoy the rowing boats on the river.
Also look inwards at the temple complex in the evening when it's lit up. A great that i left unexplored, but definately, will remain in our to do liat for our next trip.
