Lakhs of devotees visit four-century-old Radhaballav Temple at Serampore during Rashyatra

Lakhs of devotees, filled with faith and belief, are drawn to the more than four-century-old Radhaballav Temple at Serampore during Rashyatra.

- HEMANT JACOB

The Radhaballav Temple was built around 1677 by Rudraram with the assistance of other disciples. Later, after the temple was abandoned for some years, the present aatchala temple was built by Nayanchand Mullick in 1764. The temple, along with the naatmandir, is quite large. Within the temple premises, there is also a rasmancha.

The main festival here is Rashyatra, which is normally held in November every year. An octagonal rasmancha dedicated to Radhaballavji is situated a little away from the temple, by the side of the Ganges. The rasmancha is placed on a higher pedestal. There are eight domes on the eight walls.