Lakshmi-Janardhan temple, Birbhum, West Bengal.

        

   There is a famous Lakshmi Janardhan temple at Surul, 5km west of Shantiniketan under Bolpur police station .Situated adjacent to the Barobari Durga mandir. It is a Pancha-ratna temple, made of brick and mortar. It is a remarkable specimen of beautiful temple architecture of the district of Birbhum. 

 

Figure 1 Pancha - ratna temple , Surul, Birbhum

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                     

                                                                   Figure 2 Terracotta panels

  

   This well decorated temple is attached to the palace of famous zamindar Biswambhar Roy. The terracotta panel of the temple indicate that it belong to the eighteen century A.D thought  the  actual date of foundation cannot be  ascertained from the damage in the foundation slab of the temple. 





   

                      

                                                     

Figure 3 Northern Arch of the temple

        

     Figure 4 Middle Panel of the temple

                                     

 The style, though relined than  in the temple at Kenduli, shows live lines and good composition mainly the happening of Ramayana have been depicted on the surface of the temple.  The gateway of the temple is decorated with three leaf type arch with terracotta design. On the middle one scene of the battle between Rama and Ravana has been depicted. The southern one has been depicted into three rows while on the middle one king Ravana is seen discussing was strategic with his general.

     


 Figure 5 Foundation Slab          

                       Figure 6 Terracotta Panel showing Kurma Avatar

    









 On the top row Hanuman is seen attacking the army of Ravana with all vigour and in the below Sita is seen surrounding by the cherees (the female Rakshas), probably Hanuman is seen hare giving something to Sita. On the northern arch of the middle row the scene of the coronation Of Rama are depicted. Rama and Sita are sited on the throne and Jambuban and other monkey chief are seen paying their homage to them. Above this scene is so sacrifice being conducted by the hermits in presence of mahaishi  Valmiki.  


       

            

Figure 7  Terracotta panel Showing Matsha Avatar.             

                                            Figure 8 Beautiful terracotta designs

  Two beautiful scene are also seen in one Hanumana is waging war with the army of Ravana and in the other is the dressing scene of the ladies. To the left a single series of smaller panels includes Dasavatara of Vishnu while many Krishnalila scenes are scenes under the carving roof of the temple.The decoration of the slab includes little lotus, creeper, etc. In the two images of lion are seen as it ready to jump.