Kendubillo

Kendubillo, also known as Jaydev Kenduli, is a temple town in central region of West Bengal. It is believed to be the birthplace of Jayadeva, 12th century Sanskrit poet, and has an old temple. Jayadeva is famous for lyrical composition Gitagovinda. A fair is held during Makara Sankranti (mid January). It is located on the bank of the Ajay River.

Understand
According to legend, Jayadeva could not bathe in the river Ganges during Makar Sankranti and became very sad and disappointed. He dreamt that Goddess Ganges would change her course and flow by the side of his residence. He would find a lotus in the high tide and that would signify the flow of river Ganges. Next day, Jayadeva saw a lotus floating on the river on the nearest ghat (the bathing place). Since then Kenduli became a popular place for annual fair, named after the poet.

Certain places in the neighbouring state of Odisha also lay claim as the birthplace of the poet Jayadeva.

Get in

 * The nearest railway stations are at Durgapur (on the Howrah-Delhi track) and Dubrajpur on the Andal-Sainthia line.
 * It is located 7km off the Dubrajpur-Ilambazar Road. Ilambazar is on the Panagarh-Santiniketan highway. There also is a road from Shibpur Mor (Near Durgapur) with a fair weather bridge across the Ajay River.
 * Ideally one can hire a car/taxi at Durgapur (30 km one way), Santiniketan or Bolpur (30 km one way) to visit this place.

Get around
Walk or have you transport from nearby towns.

See

 * Temple with exquisite carvings. The temple named Radha Vinod temple was set up by Burdwan royal family in the year 1683. This is a navaratna temple with excellent terracotta artifact on its wall

Do

 * Makar Sankranti mela (mid January) is one of the major rural fairs in Central Bengal. It is famous for the participation of 'bauls' (itinerant singers) from different places.

Buy
There is a lot to buy in the fair, otherwise nothing.

Eat
Normally only tea and snacks are available but during the fair, many food stalls are set up.

Drink
Hard drinks are not available.

Sleep
No hotels. During the fair, villagers rent out rooms.

Go next

 * Santiniketan
 * Nanoor
 * Labhpur
 * Durgapur