11 Shiva Temples: Witnesses to history of Abhaya’s Abhaynagar

Abhaynagar, previously known as Abhayanagar, is an archaeological site situated on the bank of the Bhairab River, 300 kilometers from Jashore town. Numerous visitors come to explore and worship at the eleven Shiva temples here.

To reach the ancient temples and archaeological monuments of Princess Abhaya's eleven Shiva temples located at Abhaynagar village in Baghutia union, one needs to start from Nawapara Bazar in Abhaynagar, which is halfway between the Jashore and Khulna highway. First, a van or battery-run easy-bike is required to reach the Rajghat area. After crossing the Bhairab River, it's approximately a three-kilometer walk to reach the temple.

According to history, King Neelkanth Roy of Jessore built this temple. Although the state capital is Chanchra, he lived with his family in a village by the Bhairav River in Abhaynagar. His daughter, Princess Abhaya, was born there. She married Nilambar Roy, a Narail zamindar's son. After Nilambar's death from an incurable disease, Abhaya returned to her father's house.

At that time, Abhaya, following Hindu tradition, chose a life of worship after her husband's death. As a devotee of Shiva, she asked her father to build a temple for her devotion.

King Nilakantha Roy constructed eleven Shiva temples by the Bhairav River between 1745 and 1764 for his daughter. He then named the village and city Abhayanagar after his daughter. Over time, Abhayanagar evolved into its current form.

Upon reaching the surface, it can be seen that the temples are constructed using lime, clay, and terracotta bricks. The northernmost temple among the eleven is the main one. It measures 24 feet 4 inches in length and 22 feet 3 inches in width, with a wall width of 3 feet 4 inches. There are eight additional temples, four each on the east and west sides of the main temple, with two more at the entrance. A spacious courtyard separates the temples, each of which features an arched entrance.

The walls have a touch of fine craftsmanship with terracotta plaques. Numerous visitors from different districts and upazilas flock here to have a look and worship every day.

Amol Roy, from Shivbari in Khulna, occasionally visits the eleven Shiva temples for worship with his family. However, the absence of security, restrooms, and drinking water poses challenges, especially for female visitors. He urges the local administration and the Department of Archaeology to address these issues promptly.

Milon Kumar Pal, ex-president of the Eleven Shiv Mandir Committee, noted the temples' neglect, leading to dilapidation. The Department of Archaeology initiated renovation in 2014, completing it by 2017. He learned that 11 precious stone shivlings from the temples had been stolen and demanded their recovery.

Abhaynagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) KM Abu Naushad said, “Many people visit the eleven Shiva temples daily, particularly those of the Sanatan religion. He mentioned plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to enhance the environment for visitors' convenience.”

Shah Farid Jahangir, chairman of Abhaynagar Upazila Parishad, said, “The Upazila Parishad has been actively collaborating in various ways to protect the eleven Shiva temples and will continue to do so in the future.”