15 Comments

    1. Thanks Prasad, I wanted to write this blog long time back but did not find anything much more that what is already available on the net. Its after weeks of research that I have managed to stick the story together and the surprise element was the Mughal connection. Some even say that the design was inspired by the minarets of Taj Mahal.

  1. You have written quite a bit about the history of the Hanghseshwari Temple and its basic plans – that the temple was built in accordance with the mystic formula of Shata-Chakra-Bheda.

    Yet you have actually written very less about the temple itself…I expected at least a photograph of the idol , which is very easy to shoot with a Telephoto Lens ( I have done it couple of times). Also some shots of interior hall where devotees stand, could be included. At least a Photograph of the temple with its reflection in neraby waterbody was surely doable.

    I doubt if you can describe the pinnacles of the temple as minarets. They have some Islamic influence all right, but cannot be outrightly described as Minaretes.

    1. Yes I do have a photo of the neem wood idol as well as the reflection in the pond, will try to put them up in a couple of days. I don’t have the upper floor photos as the day I went it was Kartik puja and Banberia is famous for Kartik puja so the temple complex was crowded and restricted as well. But don’t worry will update them with my next visit which is scheduled this month.

      Actually some historians during the early 1900 called these minarets as the Raja was heavily influenced by the Taj Mahal. This was the same reason he spent lot of money to buy stones from Chunar. Also the Banberia gharana had a very close relationship with the Mughals and some influence cannot be ruled out…

  2. I visited this temple in 2013 and have done a couple of posts on it. You have presented an elaborate history, very glad to read it.

  3. I just finished a book last night by Narayan Sanyal named “hangseswari”. The historical facts are mixed with teardrops from the chicks of queen Shankari. Then I came across your blog. It’s very informative and helped me to check the fact from the novel. Great job đź‘Ť

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