Krishnarai Jiu Temple, Bagri

Krishnarai Jew Temple, Bagri is a famous and historic Hindu temple in Bagri near Garhbeta in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal.^[1] The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and is located right on the left bank of the Shilabati river. The history of the establishment of the temple goes back to the 15th century. Rajyadhar Ray, the Minister of the first king of Bagri, Gajapati Singha, is said to be built this temple.The idol of Lord Krishna Rai is made of black basalt stone and was brought from Vrindavan (some say Puri) by Rajyadhar Ray himself.^[2] This temple holds great spiritual, cultural and traditional value not only for locals but also for outsiders.

Rath Yatra and Rash Yatra are two famous festivals which is celebrated here but Dol Yatra is the most famous one. Radha-Krishna Jugal Murti (Couple Statue) is worshipped according to Hindu Religion's Vishnu Purana and Garuda Purana.

Apart from the original Bagri Temple, there are two more temples dedicated to the Lord : The Mayta Temple (also called Mashir Bari, the maternal aunt's house) and the Raghunathnari Temple.

The administration of the temple is conducted by the Board of Trustees named the Bagri Ishwar Krishnarai Jew Devottar Trust, headed by Bikash Kumar Ray, Anil Baran Ray and Alokmoy Ray. They have stored the tradition and legacy of the Lord and the temple.

The temple is connected to Garhbeta Railway Station and also to the Garhbeta Bus Stand by roads.

• Garhbeta to Midnapore, Kharagpur, Howrah and Bankura, Puruliya by Railways (South-Eastern Railways, Adra Division)