I, along with one of my friends, went to Dinajpur to visit another friend’s house. Although it was supposed to be a short trip, I couldn’t resist the temptation to explore some of the famous places of Dinajpur. We started our journey with Kantajew Temple. Since Durga Puja was approaching, the temple was busy with preparations, so we weren’t allowed to stay for long. Still, during the short time we were there, I was amazed by the intricate artwork of the temple.
The ancient architecture, the detailed terracotta designs on the walls, and the tranquil atmosphere transported me to another time. Even after so many centuries, the temple still stands as a living witness to history and culture. The niches inside and the inscriptions outside made me feel as though countless untold stories and mysteries were hidden within its walls.
An exact small replica of Kantajew Temple is kept in a nearby box.
There is a small well that was used in the past to collect water for drinking and bathing.
Listening to the local legends and the history behind its name sparked a deep curiosity within me. While walking around the temple, I felt as if I was directly connecting with the heritage and traditions of Dinajpur.
About 20 kilometers north of Dinajpur town, in Kazijiu village of Biral upazila, this temple is located. According to local tradition, King Gopichand built this temple at the request of his mother Menka. However, no inscription or reliable historical document has been found regarding this temple. Some believe that in the late 16th century or early 17th century, King Pratap Chandra of Dinajpur built it. Others, however, think that Maharaja Ramnath of Dinajpur (1882–1897 AD) was its builder.
In December 1987, the temple was declared a protected antiquity by the Department of Archaeology. The temple is square-shaped, with each side measuring about 5.5 meters. It was built with high-quality lime-surki bricks. The main sanctum (garbhagriha) of the temple is about 4.35 meters square. There is only one entrance to the sanctum. On three sides of the inner wall, there are niches. These niches were made to place idols of deities. The outer walls of the temple feature fine terracotta artwork depicting various gods and goddesses. On the upper part of the temple, there are three spires. The artistic designs of the temple reflect the aesthetic taste of the time.
From an inscription found at Chand Ghar of Dinajpur, it is known that King Gopichand was the grandson of King Govindachandra of the Pala dynasty. King Gopichand was a follower of Hinduism. He established idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and other deities. From this, it is assumed that the temple was built by King Gopichand. However, some believe it was constructed by Maharaja Ramnath of Dinajpur.
Birendra Chandra Mukhopadhyay, in his book Gopichandcharita, mentioned that King Gopichand was contemporary with Sultan Husain Shah (1493–1519 AD). He was a very powerful king. He had even sent envoys to the emperor of Persia. He also had to take part in various wars.
According to local belief, during worship in this temple, a Kazi would come to oversee the rituals. For this reason, the temple came to be known as the "Kantajew Temple." However, no inscription or reliable historical document has been found to confirm this tradition.
All in all, the place filled me with peace, wonder, and a profound sense of reverence.