Murshidabad's Sonarundi Rajbari: A Historic "Second Vrindavan" with a Central Nat Mandir, Perfect for a Holi Trip
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Murshidabad's 'Second Vrindavan' Crumbles: A Holi Trip to Sonarundi Rajbari's Fading Glory
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News18•26-02-2026, 10:21
Murshidabad's 'Second Vrindavan' Crumbles: A Holi Trip to Sonarundi Rajbari's Fading Glory
•Sonarundi Rajbari in Salar, Murshidabad, known as Bengal's 'Second Vrindavan', is a historical site facing ruin.
•Built by Rajkumar Govind Dev Bahadur, it features the Kishori Banwarilal temple with Radha-Krishna and Ashtasakhis idols, a Nat Mandir, and a Kishori-Sayar pond.
•The founder, Nityananda Dalal, became Maharaja Nityananda Daneshband Amir ul-Mulk, Azmat-ud-Daula, Safdar Jang under Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
•Nityananda acquired the Sonarundi zamindari on Shah Alam's recommendation, building the palace and temple on 54 bighas.
•Despite its historical significance and potential as a tourist destination, the palace, temple, and gardens are now in a state of severe disrepair and neglect.
