Monsoon visit to Deul Temple and Shantiniketan

It was monsoon, 2022. July to be precise. 

The rains are a thing to watch in the rural hinter lands of Bengal. Large droplets falling on tin sheds, spattering on the  ground, the croaking of frogs and the splashes of wet feet on pools of water are small things to rejoice in this part of the world. So, it was with these thoughts that we went to experience monsoon in the rural lands of Bengal, but ended up watching a Rainbow...that is how we would like to summarize this episode.

Our plan was to visit Shantiniketan and explore the 'Ichai Ghosh er Deul Mandir' which is around 30 kms from Shaniniketan.And since we had been to Shantiniketan a number of times earlier Spring Visit , Winter Visit and Autumn Visit , we will focus on the visit to Deul in this post. 

Villages on the way to Bolpur

Local deities on the way to Deul Park

This was a weekend trip: we left Calcutta on a Saturday and returned the following day. We had stayed at Mohor Kutir Resort and like previous times, visited the Shonibarer Haat for purchasing a memento or two or trying the 'peyara makha'  and the myriad other offerings that the Haat can offer.We had expected it to rain - but unfortunately, the weather Gods didn't smile upon us. The evening was spent in the confines of the room since the weather had turned hot and humid.

The next day after checking out of the resort, we set out on exploring 'Ichai Ghosh er Deul'. The road from Shantiniketan to Ilam Bazaar passes through the Choupahari forest - a stretch of dense forests on both sides of the highway. A journey through this section, with its play of light and shade is always pleasing to the mind and brings a smile to the face.  After crossing Ilam Bazaar, at a place called Eleven Miles, take right. 

The roads narrows down, at times crossing the compounds of the tribal homes. A few miles later the tarmac gives away to morram roads and the horizon opens up exposing wild growth on either side. Population was sparse and at times we wondered if we were on the right track - but a passing vehicle assured us that we were indeed right. 

Temple of Ichai Ghosh (Deul Mandir)

As wikipedia says, the Ichai Ghosh er Deul Mandir is a late mediaeval brick-built temple of the sikhara type without any image.[1] Tradition says that Ichai Ghosh constructed the temple in honour of the Goddess Bhagabati.  There were also an open air "temple" of local deities with the horse figurine being prominent. Whereas the temple was the "objective" of the visit, the landscapes along the way accentuated the beauty of the journey further. There were several 'kash bons' on the way that were swaying in the wind. And come autumn, it would have been a delight to watch these in the falling evening light. 

'Kash Bon' near Deul park. Yet to bloom.

Morram roads greet as one leaves the highway.

This area is known for its red soil

One can directly access Darjeeling Morh and thereby connect to NH2 (Kolkata - Delhi road) from 11 Mile. But since we had our lunch planned at Bonolakshmi, we took the road towards Choupahari forest. And after having our lunch it was a straight journey back home.  

And yes, whereas the rain did disappoint us, it did leave us with a rainbow!

A rainbow, as we return to Kolkata