Center for Heritage Conservation, Gaurav Memorial International School, Kanpur

LED BY

Pranjal 

MEETING TIME

11:30 AM

MEETING POINT

Gaurav Memorial International School

           MONSOON  TEMPLE 

Nestled amidst a lush tropical landscape.

The Monsoon Temple stands tall as a testament to spirituality and architectural brilliance. This magnificent structure holds a significant place in the hearts of devotees who seek solace and connection with the divine.

The temple's unique design is inspired by the monsoon season.

Bringing to life the magnificence of this natural phenomenon. Intricate carvings adorn the temple walls, depicting raindrops cascading down, vibrant foliage thriving, and winds swirling in a dance of nature's elements. These carvings evoke a sense of harmony and reverence for the transformative power of the monsoon.

The temple is widely known as 'Rain Temple'.

The Temple of Rains or the Monsoon Temple. 

Believe it or not, there is a temple near Kanpur, which is said to forecast the amount and timing of rains. What makes this temple different from any other temple is, it’s very unusual architecture and its special quality of predicting the quality of monsoon.

It is more than 100 years old. If the size of water droplets is big, it is believed that there will be good rainfall, and if it is small, then drought may occur. Although many research teams and scientists have visited the place to understand the phenomenon but no concrete conclusion could be drawn. Head priest of Lord Jagannath temple K P Shukla said that the design of the temple is unique in itself. "One has not come across such a design in any temple in this part of the state. It is similar to 'stupas' constructed in different parts of the country during the era of Emperor Ashoka. This is our seventh generation performing puja of Lord Jagannath here."

A large number of devotees pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath and offer prayers in July every year. A fair is also held during Janmashtami.

Stepping into the Temple

One is welcomed by an aura of calm and serenity. The sound of gently falling rainwater soothes the senses, creating a tranquil ambiance that encourages quiet reflection and inner peace. Visitors are invited to leave behind their worries and immerse themselves in the spiritual essence that envelops the temple.

Why is the Jagannath temple called the “Monsoon Temple"?

About a fortnight before the monsoons arrive, the water starts trickling from the ceiling, indicating that the monsoon showers are around the corner. This gives the villagers enough time to make arrangements for sowing crops and repair works in their houses. Depending on the number of water droplets that fall, it signals whether the farmers will receive a heavy or a light monsoon. No water droplets on the ceiling in a particular year indicate drounatnature.

The Monsoon Temple not only serves as a place of worship.

But also pays homage to the beauty and power of the monsoon season. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the boundless energy of nature.

                  References

• Faiz Rahman Siddiqui, This temple is said to predict how good the monsoon will be
Updated: May 26, 2016, 09:52 IST

• Faiz Siddiqui, This temple predicts good or bad monsoon, Jun 1, 2017, 10:34 IST

• Dipali Bhasin,  The Unique and Stunning Temple - The Jagannath Monsoon temple, Bithorgarh, Dec 4, 2017 

• OB Bureau, Monsoon Forecast From Jagannath Temple In This Kanpur Village June 20, 2019 5:25 PM