1800-year-old monument of King Bharat in Keshabpur
Joydev Chakraborty, Keshabpur (Jashore)
Many people may know about the Bharat Rajar Deul or Bharat Bhaina temple in Keshabpur, Jashore ! This is a wonderful ancient monument. Although it is 1800 years old, this ancient temple still arouses curiosity in the minds of pilgrims. On the eastern bank of the Bhadra River in the Gaurighona Union of the upazila, the 'Bharat Rajar Deul' stands at a place called Bharat Bhaina village. It is known as the 'Bharat Rajar Deul'. It is located 18 kilometers from Keshabpur city.
According to the Department of Archaeology, a total of 82 closed chambers have been built in stages. The wall of the top stage of the mound is 9 feet wide. In it, there are four square chambers of 6 feet 10 inches wide. The main room of the main building was built on this chamber. The wall of the second stage is 3 feet wide, there are 19 chambers of different shapes. The third stage of the 3 feet 9 inches wide wall has 18 chambers.
The fourth stage of the 3.5 feet wide wall has 19 closed chambers. The last stage has 22 closed chambers in the 10 to 13 feet wide wall. There is a circumambulation path about 10 feet wide below it. There are four entrances around the main temple. Of these, seven chambers have been seen so far. Considering the architectural style, it is believed that the eastern side was the main entrance. The bricks used in its construction measure 36 centimeters, 26 centimeters and 6 centimeters. Such large bricks have not been seen used in any archaeological site in this region. In addition to the architectural ruins, a terracotta head from the Gupta era, some broken pieces of terracotta human hands and feet, some clay lamps, decorated brick pieces, two brick pieces with footprints and a small clay pot have been collected, which are kept in the Khulna Divisional Museum.
An ancient monument estimated to be more than 1,500 years old. Bharat Bhaina Buddhist Temple is currently being looked after by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Bharat Bhaina village is a short distance after crossing the bridge over the Bhadra River. Walking along the paved road with numerous trees, bamboo groves and the sound of birds, the top of the temple comes into view. There is a huge banyan tree in the temple premises. It is located 18 kilometers east of Keshabpur Sadar. Among the famous archaeological sites in Bangladesh, this archaeological site has long been known as Bharat Deul or Bharat Rajar Deul to the local people. Visitors can enter inside by purchasing a ticket from Friday to Saturday. There is a wall around it. Hafizur Rahman, a visitor who came to visit, said, "I was fascinated by Bharat Rajar Deul."
The Bharat Bhayna Buddhist Temple has already become known to tourists as the only early historical period structure in South Bengal. The place has become a tourist attraction for tourists.
In this regard, Utpal Dey, leader of Keshabpur Sammilit Sanskritik Jote, said, "Bharat Rajar Deul is an ancient monument. Currently, it is under the control of the Department of Archaeology of the Government's Department of Cultural Affairs."
