Colganj Rock Cut Temple
Sub Place Details: The Colganj Rock Cut Temple, also known as the Kahalgaon Rock Temple, is a brilliant example of the rock-cut architecture that flourished during the Gupta and Pala periods. These temples are carved directly into the granite boulders of a small hill overlooking the Ganges. Historic ally, they date back to the 5th and 6th Centuries AD, a time when the Gupta Empire reached its artistic peak. The complex consists of several small shrines dedicated to various deities including Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. What makes this site exceptional is the synthesis of religious motifs; you can find carvings of Buddha alongside Hindu gods, showing the inclusive nature of ancient Indian society. The largest shrine houses a majestic figure of Lord Shiva in a meditative pose. The detail in the carvings—from the folds of the garments to the expressions on the faces—is remarkable given the hardness of the granite. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and offers a serene atmosphere far from the noise of the main town. From the top of the hill, one can see the famous three islands of Kahalgaon in the Ganges, which are said to be home to rare Gangetic Dolphins. It is a place where history is literally etched in stone.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage & ArtEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Topic General Entry: Entry to the rock-cut temples is free for all visitors.
Topic Photography: Commercial photography may require a permit from the ASI in Patna. ...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Topic General Entry: Entry to the rock-cut temples is free for all visitors.
Topic Photography: Commercial photography may require a permit from the ASI in Patna.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Afternoon at 4:00 PM for the soft, golden light on the stone. ...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Afternoon at 4:00 PM for the soft, golden light on the stone.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Topic Shivratri: Local devotees gather to offer flowers and water to the rock-cut Shiva lingams.
Topic International Yoga Day: The peaceful hill is sometimes used for community yoga o...Sub Place Special Event:
Topic Shivratri: Local devotees gather to offer flowers and water to the rock-cut Shiva lingams.
Topic International Yoga Day: The peaceful hill is sometimes used for community yoga on June 21.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Topic Main Cave Entrance: The frame of the rock opening with the idol inside is a classic shot.
Topic Wide Panorama: Capture the three islands in the Ganges from the temple's edge....Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Topic Main Cave Entrance: The frame of the rock opening with the idol inside is a classic shot.
Topic Wide Panorama: Capture the three islands in the Ganges from the temple's edge.
Topic Inscription Detail: Use side-lighting to make the ancient Brahmi letters stand out in photos.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:
Topic Art Study: Bring a magnifying glass to appreciate the fine lines of the Pala era stone sculptures.
Topic Hill Trek: Climb the small hill to enjoy the breeze and the view of the Ganges.
Topic Dolphin Spotting: Use binoculars to look for dolphins in the river from the hilltop.
Topic Photography: The weathered stone textures and ancient idols provide excellent subjects for macro photography.
Topic Quiet Reading: The site is very peaceful, making it a great spot to read about ancient history.
Topic River Walk: After visiting the caves, walk down to the Kahalgaon Ghat to see local life.
Topic Guided Tour: ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
Topic Gupta Era Art: One of the few remaining examples of Gupta rock-cut architecture in eastern India.
Topic Multi-Religious: Famous for having carvings of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain fig...Why Famous Sub Place:
Topic Gupta Era Art: One of the few remaining examples of Gupta rock-cut architecture in eastern India.
Topic Multi-Religious: Famous for having carvings of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain figures in one site. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Topic Monolithic Carving: The temples are monolithic, meaning they are carved from a single piece of rock rather than being built. They follow the Gupta style of simplicity and elegance.
...Sub Place Architecture:
Topic Monolithic Carving: The temples are monolithic, meaning they are carved from a single piece of rock rather than being built. They follow the Gupta style of simplicity and elegance.
Topic Dimensions: The main cave is about 12 feet wide and 10 feet high. The massive statue of the central deity is roughly 15 feet tall if measured from the base to the ceiling of the rock. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Patna (240 KM) is the nearest major airport.
By Train: Kahalgaon Station is very close (within 2 KM).
By Road: Located right off the main high... -
Near Tourist Places:
Vikramshila Ruins (12 KM), Bateshwar Nath Temple (5 KM), Archaeological Museum (12 KM), Dolphin Sanctuary (3 KM), Budhanath Temple (32 KM), Mandar Hill (52 KM), Sultanganj (82 KM), Munger (112 KM), Kuppa Ghat (35 KM), Bhagalpur Museum (32 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: The steps can be uneven; watch your footing while climbing the hill.
Packing: Carry a hat and sunglasses as there is little shade on the hilltop.
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