The short answer
108 Shiva Temples, Nawabhat: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a short second temple stop after Sarbamangala. It is flat and simple; go in the morning and dress modestly. It is free to enter and easy to combine with the nearby temple and tombs.
History and context
The story behind 108 Shiva Temples, Nawabhat
The district tourism listing records that the complex was built in 1788 by Maharani Bishnu Kumari, wife of Maharaja Tilak Chand, in a rectangular formation. Other sources give slightly different years, so treat the date as approximate.
Useful facts
108 Shiva Temples, Nawabhat facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Nawabhat bus terminus, Suri Road, Bardhaman
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity
- Shiva (108 lingas)
- Visitor note
- Modest dress; remove footwear
- Built
- About 1788, by Maharani Bishnu Kumari
Why it matters
Why 108 Shiva Temples, Nawabhat is worth your time
The complex is a good example of a pattern popular among Bengal's landed families: building a ring or grid of identical shrines to Shiva as an act of merit, with the number 108 carrying ritual weight. Bardhaman Raj sponsored many such projects.
It also contrasts neatly with the circular arrangement at Kalna, built a few decades later, showing how the same idea was handled in different layouts within the same district.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
108 shrines
Small identical temples in a regular pattern, each with a linga.
- 02
Central tank
The water body anchors the layout.
- 03
Festival days
Shiva festivals draw worshippers; expect more people then.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The 108 Shiva Temples sit in a compound near the Nawabhat bus terminus on Suri Road, so it is easy to add to a day on the road. Walk in through the gate and take the perimeter slowly. The small shrines are arranged in a regular pattern around a central tank, each holding a Shiva linga, and you can see several in a few minutes.
Morning is best, when the compound is quiet and a few worshippers are making offerings. If you are interested in architecture, look at how the shrines repeat the same form in rows, and how the tank works as the focal point. Photographs are fine from the paths, but ask before photographing worshippers.
The site is simple and rewards a short stop rather than a long visit. Pair it with Sarbamangala temple, then continue to the Curzon Gate or the university gardens. Facilities are basic.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Dress modestly
- Carry water
- Visit in the morning
- Ask before photographing worshippers
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Nawabhat bus terminus, Suri Road
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning; festival days for crowds
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Flat ground, but low entrances and many small shrines make a full circuit tiring; most visitors see a few and the central tank. Bring water; shade is limited.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is free; the site is an active temple. Check opening hours locally and dress modestly.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near 108 Shiva Temples, Nawabhat
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Flat ground, but low entrances and many small shrines make a full circuit tiring; most visitors see a few and the central tank. Bring water; shade is limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How many temples are there?
The complex has 108 small Shiva shrines.
Who built them?
The district listing credits Maharani Bishnu Kumari of the Bardhaman Raj.
Is it the same as the Kalna 108 temples?
No. Kalna's Naba Kailash is a separate complex, built in 1809 in concentric circles.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.