Sri Sri Radha Ballav Mandir, Chutarhuda, Jessore, Bangladesh

157-year-old Radha Ballav temple on the verge of collapse.

Many Hindus still come to the Radha Ballav Mandir (temple) everyday to perform their puja (prayers) and place their offerings to the deity. During most festivals people from all walks of life throng here.

Panchanan Ghosh, an employee of zamindar (landlord) Naresh Bose built this temple in 1853 at Chutarhuda village in Jessore. The 157-year-old temple, devoid of maintenance work, is now on the verge of collapse. Grass and plants have sprouted on the temple's walls and roof, while cracks have developed around the structure.

Without a boundary wall around the temple, stray animals move in its complex all the time. The temple walls are 35 feet high and it has five domes, which are 20 feet high. The aesthetically designed edifice attracts all irrespective of caste and creed.

On a visit to the temple, Prodip Kumar Ghosh told that the temple is fast losing its beauty due to negligence and lack of renovation.

Rabindranath Biswas, president of the temple committee, said that they are trying to retain the temple by raising subscription from their community. He hoped that the government would provide some assistance.