Today, when we say ‘temple’ in English, we generally mean a mandir, devalaya or deul in Bengali. A temple, regarded as a permanent abode of a deity, is one of the most important examples of religious architecture.

Temple architecture is different from region to region. The temples of Bengal are classified primarily as chala, eatna, rekha, flat-roofed or octagonal types. The chala temple type, which is the most popular, is replica of a thatched hut. The jor-bangla type belongs to this chala variety. Jor-bangla (twin huts), also called ‘yorubangla’, is a style of temple architecture that involves two structures resembling traditional village huts of Bengal. One ‘hut’ serves as a porch for devotees in the front, while the other in the back serves as a shrine.

A jor-bangla temple, locally known as Gopinath Temple, is located at Kalachand Mahalla in Pabna municipality. It is one of the most significant heritage structures in Bengal. It is also a major archaeological attraction of Pabna district.

As there is no inscription on the temple, it is difficult to determine the exact date of its construction. According to historical records, a man named Brajamohan Crori, whose surname means ‘possessor of one crore taka’, constructed the temple during 1756-57. The temple sits on a low-level plinth made of bricks and stands in the middle of an open field, facing the east.

The construction of this temple is somewhat different from that of other temples in Bengal. Two ‘do-chala’ structures are joined together to form the shape of jor-bangla. The first one to the east acts as a ‘mandapa’, while the other one to the west is the ‘garbhagriha’ (womb chamber). Both structures form an M-shaped vault (when viewed from the side). There is a verandah on the front of the west-facing temple. The verandah has two columns, which make three entries to the temple.

The construction of the columns and walls near the entries is similar to that of Kantanagar temple in Dinajpur. The walls and the columns are decorated with several terracotta plaques that depict historical events from Hindu mythology. No deity is worshiped now at the temple, which is a protected monument of Department of Archaeology (DOA). n

References: Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal: Origins and Classification, David J McCutchion, Asiatic Society, Calcutta, 1972; Bangladesher Mandir, Ratan Lal Chakrabarti, Bangla Academy, 1985; Historical Edifice of Pabna, UGC, 2002;  Archaeological Survey Report of Greater Pabna District, DOA, 1997.