Replica of Dakshineshwar temple coming up in south Kolkata; Muslim craftsman working on the project

Muslim craftsman Mohammad Azharuddin has been working on the project of Bhabatarini temple, which was being constructed on the banks of Patuli lon the southern fringes of the Kolkata metropolis. The temple is a replica of the Dakshineshwar temple.

Kolkata: A new temple has been coming up on the banks of the Patuli lake on the southern fringes of Kolkata city in West Bengal. It is a replica of the Dakshineshwar temple. With a message of communal harmony, Muslim craftsman Mohammad Azharuddin is the brain behind the project. The model of the Bhabatarini temple is similar to the Dakshineshwar temple.

When the politics of polarisation is on the rise, a Muslim craftsman is busy giving shape to the temple in the southern part of the Kolkata metropolis. It is another example of harmony and bonhomie among people belonging to different faiths and religions. Azharuddin lives in Duttapukur area of North 24 Parganas. The two temples will exactly look the same, but with a slight difference.

The temple built by Ramnath Mandal in Dakshineshwar in 1855 is about 100 feet high while the height of this temple being built in south Kolkata is only 35 feet. This temple was supposed to be inaugurated on the day of the Bengali New Year, but could not do so as the work on the project was still going on.

However, due to the intense heat, the work has been halted for several days. It will start again after another seven days. Many craftsmen are working under the guidance of Azharuddin, the master architect of the temple. Dakshineswar temple is one of the most sought-after temples with devotees from different parts of the state thronging there.

The main initiative has been taken by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's (KMC) councillor of ward number 101, Bappaditya Dasgupta. It is needless to say that it is going to be one of the most attractive places for devotees of the City of Joy. Kolkata is also known as the City Of Joy.

"It is a gift to the people of south Kolkata. They can visit the newly constructed temple easily. A craftsman has no religion. Azharuddin perfectly portrays the Dakshineshwar temple with his skills. The enthusiasm of local people about this temple is already showing," said Bappaditya.

"The work will resume after a few days and the newly constructed structure will be given colour coating. The idol of the Goddess will be installed at the temple similar to the Dakshineshwar temple. Idols of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Sarada Maa, Bamakshyapa, a devotee of Goddess Kalli, will be installed on the temple premises," Bappaditya Dasgupta told ETV Bharat.