Madanmohan-Jiu Temple

The village of Mellock has a history that dates back centuries. Both the village and the temple are situated on the banks of river Rupnarayan. The temple is in a derelict condition and is under reconstruction and renovation at present.
It was built in 1651 AD by wrestler, Mukunda prasad Roychoudhury. He was very strong and muscular. Then, the road to the temple was connected to the barrage by a small wooden bridge. Mukunda prasad would carry two heavy stone dumbbells in his arms to the temple, crossing the wooden bridge. Neither did he would get tired, nor, the wooden bridge use to break. One of the stones is still kept in the campus of the temple.

A temple was built at the site in 1651 AD by Mukundaprasad Roychowdhury, a family mamber of the “Roy Zamnidars” of Samta. Also known as Gopaler Mondir, the temple is a large, beautiful, terracotta ornamented, dilapidated temple of Radha & Madangopal Jiu (Radha & Krishna). This temple is one of the largest aat-chala (roof with 8 slopes) temples in Bengal. Main entrance with three arches is on the south face. Two additional entrances, one each on the west and east faces.
The temple is approximately 40 feet high and is equivalent to a present day 3 storied building. Earlier the river used to flow alongside the temple. Later it changed its course. But, recently the river started eroding the shores, threatening the temple and villages.
The temple has number of sculptures and designs that depict the influence the ideologies and culture of various generations of the Zamindars such as the various generations of the Roys’ Zamindars.