Two Shiva Temples and one dedicated to Lord Jagannath is in Puthia, Bangladesh.
Puthia Temple Complex consists of a cluster of notable old Hindu temples in Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. Located 23 km to the east of Rajshahi city, it has the largest number of historic temples in Bangladesh.
The temples were built by Hindu Zamindars Rajas of the Puthia Raj family who were noted philanthropists of Rajshahi. The temples have been built in terracotta in a variety of styles combining the typical Jor-bangla architecture with other influences.
The Rajbari orPalace of the Raja of Puthia and the Dol Mancha are part of the complex.
The temples are laid out around a lake with a sprawling lawn.
The Puthia Raj family was established by a holy man named Bhatsacharya, who lived in the 16th century.
Raja Man Singh, governor of the Mughal emperor Akbar, confiscated the Jagir of the refractory pathan jagirdar of Rajshahi named Lashker Khan and bestowed the Zamindary on the saintly Bhatsacharya for his learning, but he declined.
However, his son Pitambar was granted the Lashkarpur estate permanently.
On his death, his son Nilambar received the title of Raja from EmperorJahangir.
The Puthia Royal Family estate was the second largest zamindary and the wealthiest in British Bengal. After India’s partition, the then Pakistani government abolished the zamindary system and confiscated all Hindu properties.
The Royal Family migrated to India shortly afterwards.
How to reach.
Puthia is located 23km east of the city of Rajshahi, and 16km west of Natore. The village itself is about 1km south of the major highway. A number of buses ply the 30 minute route between the two towns for Tk 20; it is possible to simply ask to get off at Puthia, and walk the short distance into town. Another option is to catch a CNG auto-rickshaw to Puthia from one of the major towns.
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