Dwadash Shiva Temples
The Dwadash Shiva Temples are a group of twelve ancient Hindu temples situated in the Barisha locality of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and were constructed over 350 years ago in the traditional athchala architectural style.
Key Facts
- ›A cluster of twelve temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- ›Located in the Barisha locality of Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
- ›Built over 350 years ago.
- ›Constructed in the athchala architectural style.
- ›Patronized by Raja Santosh Ray Chowdhury.
Shiva
Religious Pilgrimage, Historical Architecture
Raja Santosh Ray Chowdhury
About Dwadash Shiva Temples
The Dwadash Shiva Temples represent a significant cluster of ancient Hindu religious sites located in the Barisha area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. These twelve temples are collectively dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in the Hindu pantheon. Their construction dates back over 350 years, marking them as historical landmarks within the region.
Architectural Style and Patronage
The temples were built in the distinctive athchala architectural style, a traditional form prevalent in Bengal. The patronage and construction of this group of temples are attributed to Raja Santosh Ray Chowdhury, who commissioned their building over three and a half centuries ago. This patronage highlights the historical importance of the Raja and his contribution to religious architecture in the area. The temples are considered active sites of worship and are significant destinations for religious pilgrimage, drawing devotees and admirers of historical architecture.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Dwadash Shiva Temples located?
The Dwadash Shiva Temples are situated in the Barisha locality of Kolkata, in the Indian state of West Bengal.
Who is the primary deity worshipped at these temples?
These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism.
When were the Dwadash Shiva Temples built?
The temples were built over 350 years ago, making them ancient structures.
What architectural style are the Dwadash Shiva Temples built in?
The temples were constructed in the athchala style, a traditional architectural form.
Who was responsible for the construction of the Dwadash Shiva Temples?
Raja Santosh Ray Chowdhury is credited with the construction of this cluster of twelve temples.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Taraknath Temple
The Taraknath Temple, located in Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Tarakanatha. Constructed in 1729, it features a distinct Bengal architectural style with an 'atchala' structure and an adjacent 'natmandir'. The temple is renowned for its belief that a dip in the nearby Dudhpukur tank fulfills prayers and is considered one of the 64 Jyotirlingas.
Tanot Mata Temple
The Tanot Mata Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India, near the Pakistan border. Revered as a form of Goddess Hinglaj Mata, the temple is famously associated with the Indian victories in the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971, with local folklore attributing the successful outcomes to divine intervention. The Border Security Force of India now manages the temple complex, which also includes a victory tower and a war museum.

Thriprayar Temple
The Thriprayar Temple, also known as the Shree Ramaswami Temple, is a significant Hindu temple located in Triprayar, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, who is depicted with four arms holding a conch, discus, bow, and garland. The temple's origin story involves the idol being worshipped by Krishna in Dwarka, later immersed in the sea, and eventually found by fishermen.