Bolpur’s Laxmi Janardan Temple demonstrates that an artist’s religion is known by his work – GetBengal story
Image Courtesy : West Bengal Heritage Commission
The Laxmi Janardan Temple in Santiniketan, built over 350 years ago, remains a remarkable example of Bengal’s rich architectural heritage. The Sarkar family has been the caretaker of this historic 18th-century temple since its inception. What sets the Laxmi Janardan Temple apart is its exquisite terracotta artwork—rarely found outside Bishnupur—with intricate detailing reminiscent of the famed terracotta temples of Bankura.
The Sarkar family is still the custodians and took the initiative to preserve the artwork while also conveying a message of communal harmony—so deeply embedded in the ethos of Bengal. Did anyone ask, in this land of Tagore—who once tied a rakhi on the hands of both Hindus and Muslims during the 1905 partition of Bengal—‘what is the religion of the restoration workers of a temple?’ In this land, we probably did not ask.
Muslim restoration artists at work
The Sarkar family is no exception. They have handed over the restoration work of the temple to a group of Muslim artists from Murshidabad district working under the supervision of the chief artisan Tajem Sheikh. This endeavour showcases that whatever religion an artist might follow; his dharma is to focus on creation of something new. That new form might be a temple or even a mosque or any architectural specimen and once again stresses on Bengal’s united social fabric.
The Laxmi Janardhan temple is not only a tourist attraction for its exceptional design but also steeped in history. In the 18th century the zamindar of Nilpur in Burdwan district, Bharat Chandra Sarkar came to Surul in Birbhum district. His son, Krishna Hari Sarkar was spiritually inclined and along with managing the estate, he commissioned the project of building several terracotta temples in his zamindari. Laxmi Janardan Temple was one of them and probably the most famous. The terracotta designs depicted on this temple represent historical events such as excerpts from the Ramayana, many mythological tales and also anecdotes of trade and cultural aspirations. The descendants of the erstwhile zamindar family have informed that the restoration of the temple’s architecture which is in ruins is also aimed at protection of the cultural heritage of Bengal and the rich legacy of their ancestors. “It was essential to get the services of the best artisans as the preservation of the intricate designs require the highest level of skill and craftsmanship,” pointed out one of the members of the Sarkar household.
Exquisite Terracota architecture
This was one of the considerations for entrusting Tajem Sheikh with the responsibility based on his experience and his widely known skills as a restoration architect. Sheikh is ecstatic at the assignment. Talking to the media he said: “I am highly obliged to serve in the upkeep of the temple. And this is no new temple assignment for me, I have worked on many Hindu religious sites before.” Tajem has indeed worked on many assignments previously for Belur Math, restoration of Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral house and even for mosques and churches. So, it is irrelevant to him if it is a temple or a mosque he works on, as both are equal in the eyes of a sculptor. It must be noted that even famous artisan from Bolpur, Lakshman Bagdi has given a hand in restoring this unique and iconic temple. As we move into the 21st century, it is a matter of pride that Bengal’s art and architecture from the unique blend of terracotta, wall paintings to clay statues of Hindu deities such as Goddess Durga has been successful in upholding the religious harmony as artisans from every religious background or diverse religious beliefs have contributed towards the emergence of Bengal’s rich cultural diversity on the global stage in a collective manner. Laxmi Janardan Temple is one such example and is not an exception.
