Even a few years back a visit to Belur was primarily meant for touching one of the most sacred pilgrimage of Ramkrishna – Vivekananda tourist circuit Belur Math Ramakrishna temple and other heritage buildings connected with Swami Vivekananda.

However there is now an additional attraction to visit Belur town.

For last couple of years Belur is strongly featuring in the list of weekend destination thanks to a riverside heritage property very tastefully renovated with all modern amenities.

This hidden gem situated on the banks of Hoogly hardly few minuteswalk from Belur math and known as BelurRashbari. It is now attracting people who love both heritage and solitude.

No place is more ideal than this for one who looks for a short break and short drive from the madding crowd of the city.The place which has a huge Navaratna temple and votive Shiva temples, rashmancha, clock tower, nahabatkhana and a river side pavilion all inside of one walled compound also has a majestic river view from it’s everysingle corner.

BelurRashbari is owned by one of the richest family of Calcutta whose show off of wealth during Durgotsav was once talk of the town.

The old chronicles of Calcutta give enough evidence thathow money used on Durga puja and other religious festivals by Dawn family of Jorasanko was talk of the town for several years.

The history of the family written by Haradhan Dutta records that more than 100 years ago the height of their Durga idol was 12 ft and a gang of 45 loaders were needed to carry the idol on their shoulders for immersion.

The decoration of “ Chalchitra” was designed by artisits of Kalighat and many of the ornaments of the idols were designed and brought from Paris of France.

Such was the extravaganza of Dawn family.

This riverside property was owned by one Purna Chandra Dawn son of famous Shiv Krishna Dawn after whom a road in north Calcutta is named.

The property was taken in the mid of 19th century and soon a massive nine pinnacle temple in typical Bengal school of architecture was built in 1890.The temple is dedicated to Radharaman Jew the family deity of Dawn and it is still worshipped in this temple.

Though the temple is not embellished with any significant terracotta panel still it’s slim structure adds beauty in the panorama.

Just behind the main temple six Aaatchala shiva temple stand as votive.

These temples are all in typical Aatchala form of Bengal school very commonly seen with Navaratna temple.

The complex houses a circular Rasa mancha where several clay models of Radha and Krishna are in display.This rasa mancha becomes a theatre of festival in “Pancham Dol “ a very special festival celebrated here on the 5th day of dol yatra. The complex attracts huge local crowd on Janmashtami as well.

The touch of Indo-European archaeology is visible in it’snaatmandir which is also a pleasure pavilion very strategically built between the river bank and the temple.

The roof contains a clock tower and it is built on twelve Corinthian pillars with beautiful floral designs on it’s top. The clock tower contains an active clock.

For visitors the entire complex is free though entry to temple is subject to permission.One has to take off his shoes before entering temple and raasmancha.

A newly built café offers mouthwatering snacks and tea .The café has slopped roof covered with terracotta tiles and it’s interiors are decorated with various handcrafts of Bengal.

One can have the evening tea or morning breakfast by riverbank as well.An expanded green grass lawn runs from the complex to the gated bathing ghat of the river and there is nice provision for evening get together. The lawn provides a nice panorama of Calcutta on the other bank.The passing boats and it’s sound of motors make the evening magical.

The lodging is provided in a building named Kadambini Niwas which is again very tastefully renovated. It’s European style running varanda before very single room is an unique provision to enjoy the view of the river. The sound of muddy water waves that break at the brink of the bank is audible from the room. Presently 4 double bed air condition rooms are done up. More to add in future.

Another heritage building that is renovated for evening get together and if needed for small party is also river faced and it’s vintage furnitures and other decoration pieces catch every single heart.

One of the finest touch of this property is it’s selection of exterior color.The choice of light brown and yellow with bright golden is an excellent combination and it’s peerless beauty is exposed when twilight passes over it in evening.

As soon as the sun goes down all heritage structure are illuminated with excellent lighting design.Even the residential block is also very creatively illuminated.A massive statue of Swami Vivekananda is an added beauty of the spot.

The food is primarily vegetarian but on special request fish is provided. Option for meat is not available so far. Food is served in dining room only but tea and snacks can be taken in room service. No permission for consumption of any type of alcohol as the property is under Shiv Kumar Dawn devottor estate.

Situated very near of Belur math and bang opposite of Baranagar of Calcutta on the other side of the river the river retreat of BelurRashbari is an ideal getaway from bustle and din of the city.The complex itself is loaded with heritage and one who wants more over that the river bank comes as a perfect supplement.

This article was published on 10th November 2021 in The Telegraph Online.

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