Behula's Bashor Ghor (Gokul Medh) travel guide

At a glance

Period

About the 6th–7th century

Cells

172 compartments

Excavation

1934–36

Location

2 km south of Mahasthangarh

History and details

This tall brick structure in Gokul village is known locally as 'Behula's Bashor Ghor' (wedding chamber). In the Manasamangal poem, Lakhindar, son of Chand Saudagar, and his wife Behula spent their wedding night here, where Lakhindar died from the bite of a snake sent by the goddess Manasa; Behula floated on a raft with her husband's body to heaven and brought him back to life.

Excavations in 1934–36 showed it is actually a stepped raised base with 172 compartments or cells. Many think it was a Gupta or Pala period Buddhist stupa or temple; others think it was a watch tower guarding Pundranagar.

Things to do

• Climb the structure and look out over the villages
• Look closely at the pattern of the 172 compartments
• Visit on the same day as Mahasthangarh

How to get to Behula's Bashor Ghor (Gokul Medh)

About 2 km from Mahasthangarh.

Bogura is about 200 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 4–5 hours.

• 🚌 By bus: Green Line, SR, Shah Fateh Ali, Hanif from Mohakhali/Gabtoli; non-AC ৳500–650, AC ৳1,000–1,300.
• 🚆 By train: Lalmoni/Rangpur Express to Santahar or Bogura.

Where to stay

• Momo Inn (luxury resort)
• Naz Garden Hotel
• Parjatan Motel Bogura

What to eat

Bogura yoghurt (Akboria, Rafat, Asia), Mahasthan's kotkoti

Good to know

• Climb up and see the surrounding villages

More to see nearby

• Mahasthangarh (2 km)
• Bhasu Vihara (8 km)
• Bogura town (11 km)

More places to visit in Bogura district

• Mahasthangarh — Pundranagar from the 3rd century BC; ruins of the country's oldest city and a museum.
• Kherua Mosque — A beautiful three-domed mosque from 1582.
• Nawab Palace and Woodburn Park — The home of the Nawabs of Bogura and the town park.

Location on the map