Kantajew or Kantanagar Temple. Photo : BSS

By Rostom Ali Mandal

DINAJPUR, Sept 21, 2025 (BSS) - Dinajpur is a district rich in history, tradition, and culture, and the Kantajew, or Kantanagar Temple, stands as a remarkable testament to this heritage. A unique example of terracotta architecture, the temple's serene atmosphere and peaceful surroundings attract thousands of visitors, beyond the Hindu community.

The Kantajew Temple is also referred to as Kantaji or Kantanagar Temple. Some call it the Navaratna Temple due to its nine peaks, which create the illusion of a chariot perched atop the structure. The three-storey temple is situated on the bank of the Dhepa River in Kantanagar village, Kaharol upazila, about 20 kilometers north of Dinajpur city. Visitors can reach the temple easily by van or motorbike from Baromile, near the city.

According to legend, the temple was built by the then Maharaja of Dinajpur at great expense to house an idol of Lord Krishna. Inscriptions on the north side of the temple reveal that Maharaja Prannath Roy began the construction. His son completed it in 1752 after his death in 1722.

The temple's beauty lies in its architecture, structural design, and intricate craftsmanship. Rising in three steps, the pyramid-shaped structure features nine decorated peaks at the corners, giving the impression of a chariot set on a high foundation.

The main building is organized around a square central chamber. The temple, standing on a raised platform, reaches a height of nearly 50 feet. Its ground floor has 31 arches, the second floor 31, and the third floor only 3. Terracotta panels depict scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The first stage of decoration illustrates various stories of Krishna, along with depictions of contemporary social life and entertainment among landlords and aristocrats. The second stage portrays hunting scenes, royal processions featuring elephants, horses, and camels, landlords enjoying leisure in palanquins with hookahs, river scenes, and festive celebrations on crowded boats. The third stage depicts episodes from Krishna's childhood, including the attempts of demon king Kansa to kill him, the slaying of demon Bakasura, the defeat of demon Kalikaya, and Krishna's joyful boat journeys.

The temple suffered significant damage during the earthquake of 1897. Later, under government supervision, renovation work was carried out to restore its original beauty.

Alongside daily worship, a month-long Ras Mela and festival are organized every November. Since the temple's establishment, this fair has attracted visitors annually, drawing both domestic and international tourists.

Bimal Kumar Goswami, a visitor from West Bengal, India, shared his experience with BSS: "Since childhood, I've known that my Annaprashan (the ritual of an infant's first intake of solid food) was performed at Kantajew Temple in Bangladesh. Visiting this temple has been a long-held dream. I am amazed at the exquisite craftsmanship on the walls, created entirely by hand, without modern technology."

Sunil Kumar Dev from Halishahar, Chattogram, who visited last year's Kantajew Mela, added: "I had seen the temple in pictures and videos, but seeing it in person is extraordinary. The intricate designs on the walls are impossible to believe unless witnessed firsthand."

Bangladesh Bank introduced a new Taka 20 note into circulation on June 1 this year. The note features an image of the Kantajew Temple, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. According to the bank’s website, “On the left is a picture of the historical architecture of the Kantajew Temple in Dinajpur.” Residents of Dinajpur have expressed excitement and pride that the current interim government has recognized this historical monument by featuring it on the note. They conveyed their gratitude to the government for this acknowledgment.

Visitors to the Kantajew Temple should also explore the nearby Nayabad Mosque, a small yet captivating site set in a serene environment. Additionally, other notable attractions in Dinajpur, such as Ramsagar, Sukhsagar, Dinajpur Rajbari, and Shingra Forest, can be visited alongside the temple.