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.