22nd November 1980
am Krishnanagar where there wasn't much celebration (only private) for the occasion of Rash Lila. In fact it isn't celebrated in this city.
pm Nabadwip (having crossed the river on one side the Jalangi or Khore and on the other the Ganges, the 2 meet). Mayapur is visible to he north-a few temple tops in a lovely site amongst clumps of trees.
Across the river by boat-crowds already gathering. Through a toll gate and into the city. Loads of pandals containing extremely large Sakta images though these were generally synchretistic in that a lot of deities were represented and often Kali-Krishna theme, Okal Bodhan-the links of Sakta with Vishnu and Shiva. Smaller Vishnu, Narayan images either solitary or in the context of a still from a story.
Along the streets were hawkers-some selling putuls and I bought one wooden 'Nadia Nimai Sannpasin' for 50 pais.
Went to the most important spot in N which is in the hollow of a Banyan tree profusely decorated with paper work and flowers by pilgrims. Couldn't see what was inside the hollow of the tree.
Tried to find Agamesvari mandir. Went to an area under the name of Agamesvari para and eventually located a tiny square temple. Inside was a raised platform area and a few tridents, garlands and a small earthen mound in between 2 rectangular blocks on the ground. I was told that the original image is buried in the mound (it's very small) throught the year and taken out and used as a model for the Kali image for Kali puja. One of the boys I was with suggested that it might be a gold image which would explain why it remained hidden.
We went to an original area of Nabadwip and there wasn't much to see.
The puja was over yesterday so today was just a 'viewing' day. Saw an image of Santoshima.
23rd November 1980- Krishnanagar + Shantipur
26th November 1980 - Mecheda + Tamluk
30th November 1980 - Krishnanagar