Maluti, Jharkhand
Been there recently?
If you love heritage and temple architecture, then head to this nondescript village, and you will be left speechless. The village of fewer than 400 families has 72 ancient terracotta temples! The sheer number of temples packed into this small village will leave the visitor stunned and astounded. You would end up losing count of the temples while at the same time marvelling at their beauty and grace. Maluti temples were built during the timeline of the 17th to 19th centuries. Of the original 108 temples constructed by kings of the Baj Basanta dynasty, only 72 remain now. What is impressive about these temples, which are located in five clusters, is that they have almost identical towers and similar shapes. Barring monsoons, temple lovers can visit Maluti any time. The village is 55 kilometres from Dumka, the district headquarters. Though Maluti is in Jharkhand, it is best approached from Rampurhat town in West Bengal, which is only 16 kilometres away. The nearest airport is at Andal, near Durgapur in West Bengal, approximately 100 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
About 19 kilometres outside of Maluti is the West Bengal town of Tarapith, known for its revered temple to the goddess Tara Devi. A sacred Shakti Peetha, this temple dates back to the year 1225. The temple’s multiple arched entrances are adorned with elaborate carvings.
Across the Mayurakshi River from the village of Massanjore, 55 kilometres from Maluti, stands the 21-gate Massanjore Dam, constructed in 1955. Dam construction would be ideal in the broad valley surrounded by hills. Many visitors come to the dam for a day trip to enjoy the scenery, which includes a beautiful garden and nearby forests.
Mallarpur Shiva Temple
This ancient Shiva temple, known as the Mallarpur Shiva Temple, can be found in the village of Mallarpur, which is located in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, about 13 kilometres from the town of Maluti. Over twenty other temples surround the central one. Like other ancient temples in the area, these are made of terracotta and feature colourful designs.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include at Rampurhat: Textiles, Dresses.
At Tarapith: Religious books, Souvenirs.
Foods to Relish
At Rampurhat and Tarapith: Bengali Vegetarian Meals, Sandesh (Sweet).
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Destination