Panchanana Temple Bengal

Photograph showing a view of the Panchanana Temple at Barakar, Burdwan District, taken by Joseph David Beglar in 1872-73. “Temple No. 4 stands by itself. It, like Nos. 1 and 2, consists at present of a single cell, but, unlike them, it does not appear to have ever had a mahamandapa in front, as the mouldings are carried round to the very entrance of the sanctuary. Unlike them, too, it does not face east, but due west.” J.D. Beglar, Report of a tour through the Bengal Provinces…in 1872-73 (A.S.I. vol. VIII, Calcutta, 1878), p. 152 The temple was built in the 16th century, imitating the design of the earlier Siddheshvara temple. The walls are decorated with friezes and depictions of animals. An engraving from this photograph is reproduced in the 1910 edition of Fergusson’s History of Indian and eastern architecture (vol. I, p.15) and is identified as depicting a temple at Bahulara, Bankura District.