Titagarh - A Replica of the Dakshineshwar Temple

Shivshakti Annapurna Temple

Located at a distance of 20 km from Kolkata is a temple that looks really similar to the one at Dakshineshwar. The Shivshakti Annapurna Temple of Titagarh is one of the most marvellous temples made in terms of its size and architecture. It was built in the year 1875 by the great philanthropist Rani Rashmoni's youngest daughter Jagadamba Devi.
There is a story attached to the temple, the veracity of which  I cannot comment upon. It is said that when Mathuramohan Biswas, husband of Jagadamba Devi, assisted Rani Rashmoni in establishing the Dakshineshwar Temple, he had a strong desire to visit the Annapurna Temple of Benaras. The trip could not be effectuated for unknown reasons so he decided to find a place closer to home to build a temple. Thus, the Annapurna Temple at Barrackpore came into being with the efforts of Jagadamba Devi and Mathur Babu.
As you enter the temple, you can find the statue of a lion perched on top of the main gate which might make you wonder if it has a British connect. However, here the lion acts as a symbol of protection from adversities.

Lion statue at the entrance

Inside the temple compound is the Natmandir on the left and the temple on the right.

Natmandir and temple

Shiva temples flanking the Annapurna Temple

On the western end of the temple are six atchala (a kind of temple architecture in Bengal comprising a curved roof with triangular segments and a replica of that over the first roof) Shiva Temples.

View of the Annapurna Temple from the Shiva Temple

Natmandir

The architecture is really similar to Dakshineshwar as it was built by the same craftsmen.
The subtle differences between the two temples have been well pointed out in this blog.

A little beyond the temple is the Rani Rashmoni Ghat which is visible right from the temple. There is even a path leading to the Ganges from the temple which is locked now.

Rani Rashmoni Ghat

Rani Rashmoni Ghat

Despite being close to Dakshineshwar, this temple doesn't get the attention it deserves. Everyone should visit this temple once, believer or not.

GETTING THERE
By rail: Titagath is well connected by rails and buses from Kolkata. For a comfortable journey, take a metro to Dum Dum and from there take a local train to Titagarh. You can check the local train timings here.
From Titagarh railway station, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the temple complex.

By bus: If you are travelling by bus, get off at Talpukur bus stop between Barrackpore and Titagarh.
The temple is hardly a few metres away from the bus stop.


TEMPLE TIMINGS:
Summers: 5:30am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 8pm.
Winters: 6am to 1pm and 3:30pm to 8pm.

TIPS

• For a comfortable trip, start early. Winter months would definitely make for a better experience.
• If you go around 12-12:30pm, you might even be given the bhog offered to the deity.
• There is no restriction on photography in the temple premises.
• There are not many eateries in this area so it is advisable to carry some food along.
• Titagarh is ideal for a day trip.
  
  
  
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