Burmese Buddhist Temple...

The only type of its kind i.e. Burmese Buddhist Temple is present in North Kolkata. What intrigued me was the fact that most of my Kolkata-born friends were not aware of it but it was mentioned in "The Glass Palace" by Amitav Ghosh. More than the size of the construction, I was drawn more to the exclusiveness.

The entrance to the prayer hall

It is located bang opposite the Central Metro station besides a large statue of Maharan Pratap. I do not remember coming across another statue / bust of Maharana Pratap; but that is another story. 

Maharana Pratap in all his glory

The main prayer hall is located on the second floor of a non-descript building. It may seem closed for a normal person but it is open everyday from morning to evening. The structure is locked but one can get access by contacting / requesting the vendor exactly at the entrance of the building. 

A far-away shot

The complete address

The left side wall

The main hall and the front view

Found an attractive artificial flower

Check out the uniqueness in the design

The entrance to the temple

An enlarged picture of the founder; his face is visible on the entrance pic also

U San Min founded the Burmese Buddhist temple in 1928. His photograph (an old one) adores the entrance. To the left (at the entrance itself) are the names of the previous priests.

Inside the sanctum

In the main hall is a large statue of seated Buddha. It is probably made of white marble.  A glass covering prevents perfect photography yet the caricature and design is appreciation-worthy. The throne on the head of the Enlightened One clearly indicates the Burmese design. The adornings over the statue and the around clearly brings in the Burmese element. There is a large map of Burma with its various states on the right wall. It also carries a picture of high-government official from Burma discussing some things with the Chief Priest. 24 Paccayas are also explained in great details on the right wall. 

The left wall (previous priests), the main Buddha is also partially visible

The left wall has clear an legible photographs of the previous priests. 

The previous priests

The Chief Priest Ashin Thareinda informs  that earlier many Burmese students used to come and stay out there in the house but nowadays, the house is used for temporary stay by Burmese who reach Kolkata for onward journey to other Buddhist places in India.

The Right hand side wall  of the main room

As has been my style, please find attached the last picture with my accomplice; the junior one was not clicked. To be honest, I took so many pictures of the small room that I had no guts to spend any more time on any new topic.

My accomplice