Sonatapal

Sonatapal (Bengali: সোনাতাপাল) is located 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) north-east of Ekteswar, near Bankura town, on the banks of Dwarakeswar River in Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal.[1]

Bankura district was once under the influence of Jainism and a number of Jain relics lie scattered in the district. Jain relics at villages Sonatapal, Bahulara, Dharapat, Harmasrah and Paresnath (near Ambiknagar) are now taken as Hindu relics and some of the intact images are daily worshipped as Hindu deities.[2]

Sonatapal contains a large temple ascribed to the Rajas of Bishnupur. It is a remarkably solid and tall brick temple. Close to the temple, and on the low ground, which is under water during floods, are several mounds. The mounds, as well as the temple, are ascribed to Salibahan. The mounds near the river are said to be part of his garh (fort). The old name of the place is said by some to have been Hamirdanga.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 O’Malley, L.S.S., ICS, Bankura, Bengal District Gazetteers, pp. 207–209, 1995 reprint, first published 1908, Government of West Bengal
  2. ↑ "Temples and Legends of Bengal". Bankura. Hindu Books. Retrieved 2009-07-12.

Coordinates: 23°12′53″N 87°07′22″E / 23.2146800°N 87.1228600°E / 23.2146800; 87.1228600

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