A Formal and Contextual Interpretation of the Boro Annik Temple, Puthia, Rajshahi District, Bangladesh

The architecture of Bengal is marked by its unique regional characteristics, shaped by its geo-climatic conditions, political dynamics, social structures, religious influences, and cultural environment. This has led to a distinct architectural style with vernacular features. Notably, Hindu temple architecture in Bengal transcends its role as a place of worship, serving as a hub for knowledge, art, architecture, and culture. The Puthia Temple Complex in Rajshahi, located in the north- western zone, stands out with its collection of historic Hindu temples, each rich in myths and legends, making it unique in Bangladesh. The transition from indigenous hut designs to elaborate temple constructions illustrates the dynamic interplay between functionality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression in Bangladeshi architecture. This paper will focus on examining the architectural features of Boro Annik temple, to gain a deeper understanding of how local architectural practices have transformed the temple architecture over time and how they continue to reflect the cultural and historical influences of the region. Despite the absence of a well-established theoretical framework, the research attempts to contextualize the Boro Annik Temple within the broader historical and regional transformations, including social and religious changes. The paper concludes that late medieval temples, such as the Boro Annik Temple, were more than mere religious edifices. They represented a dynamic interplay between evolving social contexts and spiritual expressions, reflecting a profound integration of societal and religious influences in their design and construction.