Rudrakar Moth at Shariatpur

Rudrakar Moth or Rudrakar Monastery is a historic architectural wonder in Shariatpur. The only monastery in the district is, in real essence, a Hindu Temple. It is thought that, Zamindar Babu Gurucharan Chakrabarty built the temple in the Bengali calendar year between 1305 and 1315.

fig: Collected

The noble act of building the temple was carried out to immortalize the tomb of Rashmoni Devi, a spiritual and influential leader of the time. Contention remains, however, that it is a mausoleum of Nilmoni Chakraborty. The landlord is fabled to have his power and prestige alive about 250 years ago. Locals know it as Babu Bari Math.   Lore and history fused together has prevailed the tale of an era of Zamindars. Banilal Chakrabarty, Khitilal Chakrabarty and Boshontolal Chakrabarty were the sons of Nilmoni Chakrabarty. Begun under patronage of the old patriarch, the Chakrabarty sons are said to have bedecked the temple’s construction in time.   The old monastery and its neighboring structures were built phase by phase. Today the magnificent site in Shariatpur with all its splendor has stood the test of time after Partition of India in 1947 and the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.  

Tilok Bhuiya and Gurucharan Bhuiya, famous masons of that bygone era, were brought in with hundreds of laborers and laymen. All of them toiled everyday for 10 years. They are said to have been instrumental to wrap up the concluding work of what is presently known as Rudra Moth.   The Zamindar rule had its heyday, as told by senior citizens of Shariatpur. They have also mentioned of the progress witnessed during the times of Chakrabarty. The Zamindars contributed to further education and encourage cultural practice. They have built severarl schools in the locality.   Also commonly known in Shariatpur is, it was during the reign of Nawab Alivardi Khan that the astounding structure was commissioned and built by Zamindar Nilmoni Chakrabarty. In 1898, the impressive architectural landmark was rebuilt to hold on to its age old murals on walls and decaying invaluable stonework.   

Rudrakar Moth has a large crematory temple. Most notably, its main prayer-hall, considered to be a shrine, has four small temples across its four corners. The main temple is about 20 meters in length. Connected by a corridor, the four small temples are 1.95 meters in length.   Statues of four goddesses adorn the walls of Rudrakar Moth. There is an ancient pond in front of the temple. Legend has it that the monastery and the pond were made synchronously. Every year deity worship and glorification in religious musicals are organized and carried out here in grandeur.   Since Rudrakar Moth is a historical site of great magnitude and also a temple ground, be respectful while visiting Shariatpur’s prime tourist attraction. Always wear a face-mask and carry a hand-sanitizer to use frequently for personal safety and hygiene. Activities to Do in Rudrakar Moth Carry a camera or use a smartphone to take upload worthy pictures. The place bears the heritage of time and a legacy held between the cusps of pre-and post-colonial Bengal. Plethora of religious and venerated artwork and sculpture can be seen and saved in memory with snaps.  

Ways to Reach Rudrakar Moth

The spot is about 5 km from Shariatpur district. Beside the Damudda-Shariatpur highway, it is situated to the north of Rudrakar Union Office. Many call it Babubari. Near the Zamindar House, it is easy to spot the age old monastery quite near to the already mentioned pond.  

Where to Stay Accommodation facilities are relatively all right in Shariatpur. Among the popular boarding places, Nur Hotel, Chandra Das Rest House and Hotel Sher Ali are just a few worth the mention.  

Where to Eat Many Chinese Restaurants, hotels serving Bengali food and various eateries are not to be missed in Shariatpur. Of them, Utshab Chinese Restaurant, Hotel Janata, Chikandi Food Park and Chilekotha Cafe & Restaurant are popular.  

More Sites to Visitin Shariatpur

Tinu Tagore’s House Kali Mandir, Mansha Bari Temple in Dhanuka, Burir Hat Jame Masjid, Chikondi Civil Court are very popular among travelers and sightseers. So, don’t miss to visit those great tourist attractions in Shariatpur before or after a tour to Rudrakar Moth.  

A Cautionary Note Accommodation expenses, fare, cost of boarding facilities etc change over time. For this, the information published on the web might only reflect the going rate. It is requested that, whenever and wherever the traveler starts for a destination, it is to be made sure to know the current fare and expenses for inclusion in itinerary and a safe travel.   Besides, another important issue is to have a prior knowledge about the accommodation and other amenities before booking at a hotel or ordering at a restaurant in the touring destination. The website or the author will not be liable for any misdeed followed by an unwanted or undesirable transaction.  

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Written by,  Md. Piare Ashek-E-Rasul

(Information Collected)

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