Hathir Path: Unveiling the Ancient Temples and Tales of Pathra's Enigmatic Stones
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The small historical town of Pathra is just 12 km away from the city of Medinipur, situated on the banks of the Kangsabati River. Embedded in the stones of this town hides a piece of ancient Bengal's history. Around 34 temples were once erected around this stone, earning it the name #Temple-laden_Stone. Despite the multitude of temples, they are condensed into a relatively small space. However, despite its proximity to the city of Medinipur, many remain unaware of this location. The lack of widespread publicity has not diminished its appeal, but in recent times, with the advent of social media, more tourists are discovering and visiting this place.
Now, let's shed some light on the history of the Pathra. These temples, constructed from this stone, are intricately linked with the influential Ghoshal and Majumdar families of the locality. Aliarvadi Khan initially held the responsibility for this area on behalf of the Ghoshal family. However, Bidyananda Ghoshal, a member of this family, chose to invest the family's revenue in the construction of temples instead. This decision angered the Nawab, who ordered him to be trampled to death by an elephant. Astonishingly, the elephant, instead of crushing him underfoot, lifted its leg, sparing his life. Witnessing this spectacle, everyone was amazed, and from that moment, the place got its name 'Hathir Path' or 'Pathra' (derived from the incident with the elephant's foot). Subsequently, Nawab Aliarvadi Khan granted him clemency.
After the locals of the Zamindar Bari family left this place and moved to the city, the temples were gradually falling into disrepair due to neglect and carelessness. Then, the local gentleman Mohd. Yasin Pathan took the initiative, and through his efforts, most of the temples are now under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Nearly 25 acres of land adjacent to the temples have been acquired for the purpose of creating a tourism center. Recently, the State Government's tourism office has declared this place as a historical tourist destination. Mohd. Yasin Pathan's initiative led to the formation of the 'Pathra Archaeological Conservation Committee' to preserve this area.
The distance from the city of Medinipur is just 12 km. You can easily reach here from Medinipur city via the Hatihalka Road, which leads straight to the riverbank through the Pathra. It is very convenient to come here by bike, but if that is not an option, you may consider reserving a Toto for your visit.
Best time to visit Pathra:
The best time to visit Pathra is during the winter months, specifically from January to February. During this period, the flowers are in full bloom, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape. The winter season offers a pleasant climate, making it ideal for exploring the beauty of the region. It is recommended to plan the visit on weekdays instead of weekends to avoid crowds, as this offbeat location in Bengal has become quite popular in recent years. Enjoy the blooming flowers and the serene environment during the winter for the most memorable experience in Pathra.
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, India, which is approximately 136.9 km west of Medinipur.
The distance from Howrah to Paschim Medinipur by train is about 128 km. Take an express/local train from Howrah Station to reach Medinipur. It takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Paschim Medinipur. Some of these trains include Rupashi Bangla Express (12883), Howrah Purulia Express (12827), Aranyak Express (12885), Kaviguru Express (12950), Samarsata Express (12152), and more. The road distance from Medinipur to Pathra is about 18 kilometers.
The road distance from Kolkata to Paschim Medinipur is approximately 132 km. Take NH-6 (Mumbai-Kolkata Highway) from Kolkata, and it takes about 3 hours by bus or car to reach Paschim Medinipur. The road distance from Medinipur to Pathra is about 18 kilometers."