Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Gurap

Wandering through the lanes of Gurap feels like taking a walk through ancient India. There is something special in the air—it seems to whisper the history of this place into your ears. When one thinks of intricate terracotta temple art in Bengal, Bishnupur usually comes to mind. But Gurap is a hidden gem, home to ancient terracotta artwork and remarkable temples.

The name "Gurap" is believed to be derived from two words—‘Gur’ (meaning jaggery or palm sugar in Bengali) and ‘Ap’ (an ancient Sanskrit word meaning water). According to a local legend, when Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya Dev was passing through this village, someone offered him gur and jal (water), and thus the name "Gurap" came into being.

Gurap is located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. To reach Gurap, you have to get off at Gurap Railway Station on the Howrah–Bardhaman chord line. Alternatively, it is accessible via Mogra–Gurap Road or the Durgapur Expressway.

If you begin your journey from our Ashrama, just beside the main road, you will come across a historic house—the birthplace of none other than K.C. Nag, whose mathematics books we all used in school. Born on July 10, 1893, he was also a disciple of Sri Sarada Devi, a participant in the Quit India Movement, and was even imprisoned for his involvement. He was also a close friend of Swami Visuddhanandaji.

Just a few steps ahead on the main road, you will see the Jora Shiva Temples, two adjacent terracotta temples. A few steps further, on the right side, stands the famous Nandadulal Temple, built in 1751 by Zamindar Ramdev Nag of Gurap in Bengal’s traditional Achala style. This temple has brought great renown to Gurap and is now a state-protected monument. Within the temple complex, apart from the main temple, are the Gopeshwar Shiva Temple, the Nat Mandir, and nearby, the Ras Mancha—all featuring exquisite terracotta work that is truly mesmerizing.

Continuing along the same road a bit ahead, you will come across the Gopinath Temple.

On the left side from the Ashrama lies Jora Mandir Tala and Mandir Bakul, a large, though somewhat deteriorated, pond-side temple structure. Nearby is an old Radha-Krishna temple. A little further ahead is the Gaureshwar Shiva Temple, followed by the Sri Sri Gopal Jiu Temple, and along the way, the Jatileshwar Shiva Temple can also be seen.