Kodla Math (Ajodhya Math)

In Kodla (also called Ajodhya) village, about 8 km north of Bagerhat town on the east bank of the Bhairab, rises a brick math roughly 18 metres high. Its square base tapers into a curved rekha-style tower, a form linked to Odisha temple building, with niches and fine brick ornament on every side. An old Bengali inscription runs over the southern doorway. Local history credits Raja Pratapaditya, who built it as a memorial to his court poet Abilamba Saraswati; it is thought to be a memorial tower rather than a shrine to a deity. It is protected by the Department of Archaeology but sees few visitors.

How to get there

From Bagerhat town take an easy bike or motorbike north towards Baruipara union and Kodla/Ajodhya village (about 8 km); from Jatrapur bazar it is about 6 km east.

Good to know

Ask locals for 'Ajodhyar Moth' — that name is better known than Kodla. Go in the afternoon for warm light on the brick.

• #temple
• #heritage
• #terracotta
• #rural