Kendubillo

Kendubillo (কেন্দুবিল্ব Kendubilba), also known as Jaydev Kenduli (জয়দেব কেন্দুলী Jaẏdeb Kendulī), is a temple town in the Rarh region of West Bengal, on the bank of the Ajay River. It is believed to be the birthplace of Jayadeva, 12th century Sanskrit poet, and has an old temple. Jayadeva is famous for lyrical composition Gītagovindam. A fair is held during Poush Sankranti (mid-January).

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.

• The nearest railway stations are at Durgapur (on the Howrah-Delhi line) 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.

Map of Kendubillo

Walk or have you transport from nearby towns.

• 23.64207887.4305191 Radhabinod Temple. A nine-pinnacled temple excellent terracotta artifact on its wall, built by the Bardhaman Raj family in 1683.  (updated Jun 2026)

• 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.

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

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

Hard drinks are not available.

• 23.63835487.4341231 Ektara Tourism Property, ☏ +91 90736 16703, [email protected]. Run by West Bengal Tourism. ₹2,200–3,100.  (updated Jun 2026)

• Santiniketan
• Nanoor
• Labhpur
• Durgapur