The Hidden Jewel of Howrah (Jhikira-Rautara-Amaragori)
Good evening. After a long break today I am here to share another travel experience. It is a bit different experience as it is a village walk. With the unavailability of trains in this unlock phase, it has become very difficult to have a long trip. But, we are just going tired while staying at home. So, today, I am sharing this story where you can go by bus or your own vehicle, and enjoy a few hours in village exploration.
Tourism in the district of Howrah is quite a bit neglected. Though Howrah is the nearest district from Kolkata, the tourists from this city is really reluctant to visit a destination in Howrah. Many people will just wonder whether Howrah has a tourist destination except the Botanical Garden and Belur Math. Yes, Howrah has a lot of hidden jewels for you. Today I am giving you the flavour of such a hidden jewel, just 45km from Kolkata. So, lets start.
Jhikira, situated in Amta II block of Howrah district is also known as the Temple Village of Howrah. In this village you will come across many temples. But the exploration of this sector is incomplete without visiting adjacent villages of Rautara and Amaragori. In this travel, our exploration will be divided in two halves. First half, we will go to a village walk in Jhikira and Rautara. Next, we will take a Toto to reach Amaragori. So, lets start with the village walk.
Just opposite to the Jhikira bus stand is the Rautara village. Just a few step walk through the village road will take take you to the Keranibati. Ramjai Rai was an officer of the Royal family of Burdwan. He came here and built a house in this village. He commissioned many temples and a dargah in this village. As this house was once built by the officer of the Royal family, this house is known as Keranibati in the village. This is the oldest concrete structure of Rautara village. Inside the compound of this house there is the Damodar Jiu Temple. This temple with floral design all over its walls was constructed in 1686CE by Siddheshwar Rai.
A 100m walk through a narrow lane beside the Keranibati will lead you to a open ground. On one side of the ground there are two temples--The Bhubaneswar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the famous Shitala Temple. Devi Shitala is worshipped here as the protector of the village. Both temples was constructed in 17th century by Bancharam Rai. According to local legends, once this village was hited by an unknown disease. The main priest of the Rai family dreamt that Maa Shitala will heal all the problems in the village if a Shitala Temple is built here. Hearing this Bancharam Rai constructed the temple. After worshipping Devi Shitala, the unknown disease faded away. Till date every villager of this belt gives puja to Maa Shitala in every difficulties.
But the main attraction of this village is the Sitaram Temple of Ghosh family. This temple was commissioned in 1700CE is decorated with terracotta figures depicting scenes from Ramayana and stories of Shree Krishna.
After visiting the Sitaram Temple, now we headed towards the village of Jhikira. After entering the village, the first thing you will come to notice is the grand structure of the Jhikira High School made in Indo-British style of Architecture. This village school has a enviable history. A group of local people realised the need of education among young generations of this area. To spread awareness about education they seek help from Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Vidyasagar came here. He not only convinced people about the need of modern education for development of this area, but also donated some money to build a school for the young people of this region. According to local people, Pandit Vidyasagar visited this village often to convince people about the need of modern education and to send their children to the school.
A few steps from the school will take you to the Shyamsundar Jiu Temple. In 1691CE, this temple was built by Janakinath Mallik. The terracotta works on the walls of this temple shows the social life in European colonies of late 17th century. Though the works had been damaged due to weathering and ignorance. During Ratha jatra a fair took place in the ground near this temple. The fair stays from the day before Ratha to the day after the Bahura jatra (ulta rath). Ratha is celebrated as the main festival in the whole Jhikira village. A 200m from the Shyamsundar temple is the 9 pinnacled Shridhar Jiu temple, dedicated to Shree Krishna. This temple is devoid of any Terracotta works, but has good stucco decorations.
Seeing the Shridhar Temple, now we are heading towards house of the Kanrar Family of this village. Kanrars are the oldest residents of this village and they are residing here for more than 700 years. The main attraction here is the Bengali style 8-roofed Sitanath Jiu Temple. The temple has good terracotta works on its walls depicting scenes of Ramayana. There is a Rasmancha just adjacent to the temple. The other attraction is the Damodar Jiu Temple of the Mondal family of the village. Though this temple is a bit damaged due to weathering and ignorance.
Devi Shitala is worshipped as the protector of the Rautara village, similarly, in Jhikira Jai Chandi Devi is worshipped as the protector of this village. On our way back to the bus stand we visited the Jai Chandi Temple. The deity here is made up of wood.
Visiting this temple, the first half exploration comes to an end. Now, to reach Amaragori, you have to take a bus or just hire a Toto. As to take a bus one has to go back to Jhikira bus stand, which is about a kilometer away from here, it is recommendable to hire a toto. On the way to Amaragori must watch the Manikpir dargah just before the bus stand. This Dargah was built by Ramjai Rai, the founder of the Keranibati of Rautara. Manik Pir is worshipped here both by Hindus and Muslims of the locality. Every year during the Bengali new year, a fair is held in the ground adjacent to the Dargah.
On Amaragori, there are two old temples to watch. One is the Dadhimadhav Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is one of the greatest architectural marvel of the district of Howrah. The terracotta works of this temple depicts the lifestyle of Bengali elite class of 18th century along with scenes from Ramayana. And the other is the Gajalaxmi Temple of Roy Family. The Roy Family was once the jaminder of this area. Devi Laxmi is there family deity. This temple was built in 1651CE. Though today, this temple is heavily damaged and needs proper restoration. The main deity is taken away from this temple and is kept in a house nearby.
The Dadhimadhav Temple in Amaragori is really a treat to watch in this trip. It is a wonderful sight. But the condition of the Gajalaxmi temple in Amaragori, Shyamsundar Jiu Temple in Jhikira is a matter of sorrow. This temple points the fact that how we are neglecting our heritage. Through this blog it is request from my side to the authority to take care of this monuments which are in these shape. This monuments has a lot of significance in Historical studies and can create a lot of revenue through tourism. Also the West Bengal Tourism can take serious initiative to promote this village as a tourist destination. It is very near to Kolkata and is very well connected by roads. Local people are very cooperative to visitors. Only thing needed here is a good eatery for visitors and promotion of this villages as a tourist destination. Tourism activity here can boost the local economy as well.
So friends, how was the story? Did you got information about a new place through this story? If you enjoy the story, then do not hesitate to visit this place. This tour will take a few hours only. And if you visit the place you will experience some new. May be you did not like historical places, the scenic beauty of rural West Bengal will welcome you. So, plan your trip and have a break from the daily routine and enjoy the village walk. You will surely enjoy a lot.
Time to Visit:- Try to avoid rainy season. It is a fact that Rural Bengal is beautiful in rainy season, but it is quite different in Amta. The Amta region is really a bit low area. Jhikira belt too is low lying area and very much flood prone. The roads too has waterlogging problems. So, it is advisable to visit the area in dry months. Autumn is specially fantastic.
How to Reach:- Direct bus available from Howrah. One can also board Amta CTC from Esplanade for Kalatola bus stop and from there take Howrah-Jhikira bus. But it is better to take Howrah-Jhikira Bus from Howrah. Howrah-Jhikira bus service is good. Amta CTC from Esplanade service is more or less OK.
If you are using your own vehicle you can go via Vidyasagar Setu, Kona Expressway, NH6, Ranihati-Amta Road, Amta Damodar Bridge to Joypur More. From Joypur More take left turn to Jhikira. Road condition is good.
Travel Tips
While visiting it must be kept in mind that there is no eateries here in Jhikira. You will only get some tea shops and sweet shops in Jhikira Bazar. So, it is better either to carry your own food packet or have heavy breakfast before starting and schedule your lunch at Amta on way back home. Must keep drinking water and snacks items with you, those are helpful during village walk.
So, it is all over today. Good night. I will be right back shortly with a new story of a new place. Till then enjoy this one and obviously comment me about your views regarding this story and obviously you can suggest me tourist destinations. Your suggestions are always welcome. Thank you and stay safe...
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