Best Places to Visit in Nadia – Historical Temples & Spiritual Retreats

1.Mayapur

Cradled on the holy banks of Ganges, where the river Jalangi also flows in, Mayapur is more than a mere town – it is the spiritual retreat and pilgrim center and symbol of divine devotion. Situated about 130 km north of Kolkata this serene village in Nadia district has over a million pilgrims every year from around the world.

Mayapur is held sacred being the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – 15th century saint, mystic and the major personality of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Devotees believe that he incarnated as Lord Krishna in the property mood of Radha in order to promote the message through holy chanting (Harinam Sankirtan).

Vaishnavas’ Mayapur is no less sacred than Mathura or Vrindavan and for non-Vaishnavas it is an unbelievable walk into India’s living spiritual traditions.

Festivals and Celebrations
During significant festivals the town is in life:

• Gaura Purnima: The appearance day of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – generally in February-March
• Janmashtami: Krishna’s birthday, celebrated with fervor
• Ratha Yatra, Kirtan Melas etc.meetings devised for spiritual processes

• Location: Nadia District, West Bengal, (130km from Kolkata)

• Nearest Rail Station: Krishnanagar or Nabadwip Dham

• Best Time to Visit: October through March (winter and festivals)

• Where to Stay: ISKCON guest houses, local ashrams and budget hotels

2.Nabadwip

Nabadwip is a vibrantly spiritual, historically deep, and cultured town located on the western bank of the Bhagirathi River, which is about 20 km from Krishnagar. A birthing land of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, this town represents one of the most important Vaishnava pilgrimage centers in the world.

Birthplace of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Nabadwip is of tremendous importance because of its role as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya (1486–1533) — a Mahayogi, religious reformer, founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism movement. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu propagated the path of bhakti (devotion), and universal love and promulgated chanting, the holy names of Krishna, path to attaining liberation.

His teachings was not only religion, he was a social reformer and opposed caste discrimination, agreed with unity and compassions in the 16th century.

A Town of Temples

Nabadwip is covered with temples and holy places making it nothing but a spiritual sojourn. Among the must-visit spots are:

Dwadas Shib Mandir: Constructed in 1835, this is a shrine to Lord Shiva, with twelve identical shrines in circular arrangement. The wall designs in floral terracotta are samples of the best of Bengal temple architecture.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Janmasthan: And the birthplace of the saint is an honored place where devotees gather around the year; particularly during Gaura Purnima, or the birth festival of the saint.

Yogpeeth, Sri Devananda Gaudiya Math and ISKCON Temples: These are prominent Vaishnava centre in Nabadwip but continue to propagate the philosophy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu around the world.

• Location: Nadia district, West Bengal

• Nearest Railway Station: Nabadwip Dham or Krishnanagar

• Best Time to Visit: Oct. to Mar. (esp. during Gaura Purnima)

• Suggested Duration: 1–2 days

3.Shantipur

Shantipur was a centre of Sanskrit learning and literature, of Vedic texts and scriptures since ninth century. It comes under the Ranaghat Sub-division of the district, and is 18 K.M. from Krishnagar. The Topkhana Mosque was constructed by Fauzder Gazi Mohammad Yaar Khan in the years of 1703 – 1704 in the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. A big dome and eight minars are what composes this mosque.

The outstanding temples of Shantipur include the Shayam Chand Temple constructed in traditional “Aatchala” design and the Jaleswar Temple, with its wonderful terracotta works, and the Adwaita Prabhu Temple. The weavers of Shantipur have become famous all over India in virtue of their competence as professional in the art of making “Tant Saree”. Fulia a township not far from Shantipur, is home to Poet Krittibas, comoser of Bangla Ramayan.

4.Krishnagar Rajbari

The district headquarters Krishnanagar lies on the river side of Jalangi. Krishnanagar owes its name to Raja Krishna Chandra Rai (1728 – 1782). The Rajbari constructed here in the days of Raja Krishna Chandra Rai is an important tourist spot even though the relics of former grandeur had disappeared and only a ruined building of the beautiful places with carving on its inner walls remains now.

Krishnanagar was the birth place of the great poet comer and play writer, Shri. Dhijendra Lal Roy (1863 – 1913) whose contribution to Bengali Literature does not require mention. The Christian Missionaries had great values for Krishnanagar. Here in the 1840s was during the building of the Protestant Church . Roman Catholic Cathedral was constructed in 1898. The origin of famous clay models of Krishnanagar is Ghurni. The artists who deal in clay modelling in Ghurni have gained international reputation and fame for their excellence in clay model.

5.Palashi

Palashi historical interest is very high. It is located at about 50 K.M. away from Krishnanagar. Here this famous battle of Plassey was fought 23rd June, 1757 between the last independent ruler of Bengal Nawab Siraj Ud-Daula (1756-1757) and the British forces under the command of Lord Clive.

This fight signalled the beginning of the British rule in the former Bengal, and in India, overall. A memorial stone that commemorates the triumph of the British was put up here in 1883. The standing structure even to this day was constructed during the latter part of Lord Curzon.

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