Least Explored Rameswarnath Temple

Dense forest of Jungle Mohol, Silvery bank of river Subarnarekha, Deulbar village of Nayagram block of West Midnapore District takes you to a ruins of sixteen century temple named Rameswarnath Temple (22.1465801N, 87.0542059 E). It is said that in the sixteenth century AD, Raja Chandraketu, 4^th King of Nayagram Royal family was visited By Rama in dream and asked to build a temple of Siva with one thousand faces.

Map showing the location of Rameswarnath Temple.

Only some remains of this temple can be can be seen now.  A series of old

Ruins of old temple

curved pillars strand  to remind you the past glories. Standing on the high rugged rocks, originally this temple was Pancharatna Sikhara Temple with Biman and Jagmohon. Made of laterite stone having carving the roof and wall. L S S O’Malley has written about this temple in Bengal District Gazetteers in the year of 1911.  It is said that temple destroyed in devastrating flood. 

Now, rameswarnath Temple

On the ruins of old temple, a relatively new temple was constructed.Height of this temple is said to be 75 meter. Its made in Orissa Architectural style, Biman (housing of inner sanctum) Jagmohan (assembly area)and Natmandir(dancing hall).  There are three flying lion on Biman. Like other Shiva temple, there is a rectangular holy pond just beside the temple. A mela is held every year on the occasion of Shivratri. 

Distance from Jhargram  rail station is  43 km and a journey to Deulbar hardly one hour. Rameswarnath temple and surrounding area developed as a tourist destination from west Bengal Government in recent years like Guest House, Rameswar Park, a watch tower etc. You can also stay at Guest House namely Rameswar Atihiti Niwas under Nayagram Development Board which is adjacent to the temple. Sarroundings destination can be tapoban, Sahasralinga temple, Chandrarekha Garh, Khekar Garh, Kalua Sarr Temple and Kurumberaa Fort at Keshiary. The lusting greenery, lap of nature will surprise you for sure.

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Information Source:
L S S O’Malley: Bengal District Gazetteers 1911. 

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Kurumbera Fort - A Splendid Edifice

Karambera Fort

A Mughal settlement once upon a time, once famous for large Tussur silk manufacture - Keshiary of West Midnapur has a more than 550 years old splendid edifice of stone namely Kurumbera Fort (22°5'15.27"N, 87°15'18.34"E).Located within few kilometre of Keshiary at village Gaganeswar. Its doesn't look like anyway but its named as fort. Originally its a Shiva Temple named Gaganeswar later it renamed as Fort.  Kesiary is well connected to Kolkata via Kharagpur by the NH-6 followed by NH 60. Get down at Kukai stop on Belda Keshiary Road,  Gaganeswar village is about 4 km on west. Take the concrete roadway to reach at Gaganeswar from Kukai bus stop.

Plan of Keshiary showing location of Gaganeswar

History says, Maharaj Kopileswar of the Deb Raj family of Orrissa whose dominion was included the southern portion of present Midnapore, built this temple in the middle of 15th century (A.D. 1438-1469)  wherein he established the image of Mahadev named Gaganeswar. On the North there is tank which was excavated and named it as Jogeswar Kundo. This tank still exist now.Its very common with Siva temple attached with a tank.

Birds eye view

The Afgan Sultanate of Bengal & Bihar invaded Odisha which included undivided Midnapore district of West Bengal in the year 1568. Later Mughals occupied Odisha after defeating Afgans of Bengal in the battle of Tukaroi in the year 1575. Gaganeswar Shiva temple was destroyed and on the western side a Mosque was constructed by the MD Taher in the era of Aurungzeb and it was completed in 1691. Afterwards being defeated by the  Maratthas at a place named Mogolmari, they left Keshiree. Then Maratthas take charge of this temple. In course of time the place was overgrown with thick jungle. One Banamali Panda of Gaganeswar  with permission and assistance of Mr. Donelly, Collector of Midnapore cleared of Jungle, and discovered in well the image of Mahadeb broken into two parts. Currently fort is  under maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India.

Inside the Fort

In architectural point of view, Kurumbera Fort was build in Oridsi architectural style. A rectangular cloistered, laterite stone made enclosure 172'- 9" in north-south and 253'-6" in east-west side with a huge courtyard inside.The walls are 12 to 15 feet in height. Inside at the east end facing west, ruin of the temple Gaganeswar while at the western end facing east, inside the enclosure stands a three domed mosque though not worshiped now.   On the inner side along the wall a pillared veranda runs along the entire length of the enclosure wall, excepting the gateway at North with is the only access to the interior. But upon intricate watching on the outside walls it was found that there may be access from East and west side also once upon a time,later it was modified/closed by stone. On the western side just behind the Mosque there is significant  change in the pattern of outer wall which proves that there was an opening.

Lotus on Roof and Decorative Column

On the western side of wall stone etched inscription in Uriya stating when and whom it was build but many of the character are illegible owing. The ceiling slab of each cloisters is carved with a lotus. Canter of the lotus is decorated with an elevated stone edifice but over time fallen from  the roof most of the cases.

  Traces of opening

Ruin of Temple and Mosque

It’s no doubt Kurumbera Fort has huge potential in terms of Tourism aspect. Recent development on Mugolmari site, Kurumbera Fort, Rameswar Temple, Tapobon, Kalua Sanr temple with charming beauty of Green Jangal Mohal with silvery beach of river Subarno Rekha have every potential to be developed as a tourism circuit as a weekend destination for sure.

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Information Source :

A list of object of Antiquarian Interest in the lower provinces of Bengal 1879: compiled at the bengal Secretariat under the orders of the Government of India.
More stories of Kurumbera Fort :
Visit to Kurumbera Fort:Life beyond IIT kharagpur campus
KURUMBERA FORT: Tucked away in oblivion | KolkataOnWheels

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