Radha Govind Jiu Temple

Temple Hours: 5:30 AM-1:00 PM and 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
The Radha Govind Jiu temple is Antpur’s crown jewel and arguably the finest terracotta temple in the Hooghly district. Built during a pivotal moment in Bengal’s history, when Mughal authority was waning and European colonial power was on the rise, the temple was a deliberate act of cultural assertion by its patron, Krishna Ram Mitra.
The terracotta panels covering the temple’s façade are extraordinarily detailed, depicting narratives from all eighteen Puranas. Radha and Krishna dominate, but you will also find scenes from the Ramayana, images of Goddess Durga (whose worship was being powerfully revived by Nabakrishna Deb of Shovabazar Rajbari around this time), courtly processions, European soldiers, women playing musical instruments, royal hunting parties and maritime voyages. A slow, careful circumambulation of the temple exterior is essential. Bring binoculars if you have them, as the upper registers reward close inspection.
The Chandi Mandap: Adjacent to the main temple, this nearly 300-year-old wooden pavilion is remarkable for its carved jackfruit-wood ceiling, which depicts Durga, Kali, Jagatdhatri and other deities. The structure itself is said to resemble an inverted boat.
The Dol Mancha & Ras Mancha: Festival platforms used during Holi (Dol) and Ras Purnima celebrations. The Dol Mancha features its own terracotta and woodwork ornamentation.
Subsidiary Shiva Temples: The complex includes the temples of Gangadhara, Fuleswara, Rameswara, Jaleswara and Baneswara, all built in the Bengali aat-chala style with terracotta decoration on their front panels. Together they form a harmonious cluster worth exploring at leisure.