(19) Jatar Deul:

In the middle of nineteenth century British surveyors stumbled upon a towering structure locally known as the Jatar Deul. This brick built structure is considered as one of the oldest intact structures of the state.

Although the forests have long cleared, reaching the Jatar Deul is an adventure in itself. A train ride to Mathurapur Road (on Laksmikatapur / Nmakhana line) is followed by an overcrowded auto-rickshaw ride to Raidighi. Finally a bumpy motor van ride completes the journey to Kankandighi where Jatar Deul is located.

Nothing much is known about the history of Jatar Deul. A copper plate found near the temple in 1875 suggests that Raja Joychandra constructed the temple in 975 AD. The coins found here are believed to be of Sunga-Kushan era. 

The name of Jater Deul probably originated from the matted hair of Shiva but others believe that it was due to a "tiger with matted hair" who once took shelter in the temple.

 Jatar Deul is now an abandoned temple and its inner sanctum has no idols but locals have place several idols which are being worshiped. Today Jatar Deul is a protected monument under Archeological Survey of India but years of unscientific restoration has robbed the temple of much of its former glory.