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BISHNUPUR TOURISM | PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO BISHNUPUR

• Bishnupur Overview
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About Bishnupur

Country: india | state: west bengal, #8 of 9 places to visit in west bengal | places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 1-2 days, base station: bishnupur, nearest city to bishnupur: kolkata (136 kms), best time to visit bishnupur: october to march, peak season: november to february, bishnupur weather: summer: maximum - 35° c and minimum - 22° c winter: maximum - 23° c and minimum - 12° c.

At a distance of 35 km from Bankura, 50 km from Chhatna, 85 km from Kharagpur, 113 km from Purulia, 119 km from Hooghly, 136 km from Kolkata, 143 km from Barrackpore, 149 km from Jamshedpur, 163 km from Dhanbad, 187 km from Haldia, 216 km from Murshidabad, 565 km from Kurseong, Bishnupur is a small town located in Bankura district of West Bengal. Also called Vishnupur, it is one of the beautiful tourist destinations in India and among the famous heritage places to visit in West Bengal. Bishnupur is famous among tourists, especially for its rich culture including architecture, music, and handicrafts. The history of Bishnupur dates back to 694 AD when King Raghunath I founded the Malla dynasty. The town is also referred to as Mallabhum, after the Malla dynasty, who once ruled this region for almost a thousand years. Bishnupur was the administrative capital under the reign of the Malla kings. It is believed that the town derives its name from the Hindu God, Vishnu as the Malla rulers were Vaishnavites. The legends of Bipodtarini Devi are associated with Malla Kings of Bishnupur. Bishnupur is most famous for its beautiful terracotta temples. The Malla kings built grand terracotta shrines to celebrate their love for Lord Krishna sometime between the 17th and the 18th century CE. Each and every temple in this region bespeak of excellent craftsmanship and intricate carvings. The distinctive architecture incorporated various styles from the neighboring regions. Crafted from local laterite and brick, the temples were covered with terracotta tiles depicting scenes from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Shyam Ray Temple, the twin shrines of Jorbangla and the Rasmancha, Lalji Temple, Raghunathji Temple, and Madan Mohan Temples are the must-visit. Besides, the charming town of Bishnupur is also known for its traditional handloom saris as well as terracotta pottery, artifacts and jewelry and the Bishnupur school of painting. The most famous of the terracotta products are the handmade beautiful jars, disks, terracotta horses, elephants, Ganesh and Nataraj. The famous Baluchari sarees depicting scenes from the Mahabharata on the border and pallu are also created here. Made of tussar silk, the exquisite design and fabric make these saris one of the costliest in the country. The rich tradition of the Bishnupur Gharana, a school of Hindustani classical music is kept alive through local music academies. Bishnupur Mela is the major festival celebrated every year in the last week of December, which holds the status of a national fair. This four-day festival celebrates the cultural richness of the region and provides the visitors a glimpse of the Bengali cultural heritage. There are various stalls of artworks and trinkets including sea-shell works, terracotta works, and clothes, sweets, etc. The local handmade fabrics and the handprints clothes are simply exquisite and lure domestic as well as international tourists. A recent addition is Bishnupur Utsab, held after the Mela. It is a classical music and dance festival in recognition of the 'Bishnupur Gharana' in music. Besides, Snake festival, Durga Puja and Diwali are the other festivals celebrated with great pomp here. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata is the nearest airport which is about 140 km from Bishnupur. It has well-connected flights from Guwahati, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Dibrugarh, Goa, Siliguri, Pune, Patna, Surat, and Jaipur all the major cities of India. Bishnupur Railway Station is the nearest railhead that has well-connected trains from Howrah, Santragachi, Porbandar, Digha, Adra, Asansol, Kharagpur, Garhbeta, Rupashi Bangla Express, Purulia Express, and Aranyak Express. Bishnupur is well connected with buses from all the major cities of West Bengal like Kolkata, Durgapur, Bankura, and Howrah. There are several accommodations available in Bishnupur from medium to budget, which helps the tourists to stay and explore the nearby places. October to March is the best season to visit Bishnupur when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.

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Nearest Airport: Kolkata - Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (140 Kms)

Direct flights to kolkata, nearest train station: bishnupur junction (2 kms), direct trains to bishnupur, nearest bus station: bishnupur bus station (0 kms), direct buses to bishnupur, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to bishnupur, top 11 places to visit in bishnupur.

#1 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 1.5 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Rasmancha is a historical monument located in the town of Bishnupur, West Bengal. Surrounded by a well-maintained garden, it is the oldest brick temple and the only temple of its kind in the whole country. Rasmancha was built by Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. The temple has a unique and unparalleled structure. This monument stands on a raised square laterite plinth with a pyramidal superstructure. The temple is surrounded by smaller Bengali-styled hut-like structures. The temple has one inner chamber housing the idols of Radha-Krishna. The inner sanctum of the temple is enclosed by three circumambulatory galleries which are surmounted by a colossal pyramidal structure. Further, these majestic pyramidal structures are embellished with exquisite terracotta work and motifs. It is enclosed by a passageway. There are some big cannons that date back to the Malla period. Rasmancha was built in order to enable a mass scale worship .....

Jor Bangla Temple

#2 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Jor Bangla Temple is an ancient temple located in Bishnupur, West Bengal. It is one of the top historical places in West Bengal and among the best places to experience Bishnupur tourism. Also called Yorubangala, the Jor Bangla Temple in Bishnupur was built by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in the year 1655 CE. It is one of the few temples of Bishnupur which is in good condition. It is richly ornamented with terracotta carvings. The temple is known for its classic chala style of Bengal architecture. Made of laterite bricks, the temple has an appearance of two thatched huts joined together and surmounted by a single tower. One of the two huts serves as a porch, while the inner hut functions as the shrine. There is the idol of Shadbhuja (6 hands) of Shri Chaitanya in the prayer room which is not worshiped anymore. The Jor Bangla Temple is famed for its opulent terracotta structure and delicate carvings on the walls. The carvings .....

Lalji Temple

#3 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Lalji Temple is an ancient temple located in Bishnupur, West Bengal. Situated near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the prominent terracotta temples of Bishnupur. Lalji Temple was built in 1658 CE by Malla king Bir Singha II in Eka-Ranta style. This temple has been devoted to Radha-Krishna. This temple bears similar architectural concepts like many of the earlier temples. It is built on a square raised plinth, consisting of ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings. Descriptive and ornamental arches and an encompassment around the temple are a typical feature of the temple. In front of the temple, there is a dancing hall and there is a tower in Orissan style in the west dedicated to Raghunath. The outer yard is divided from the inner by a wall and contains a small Pancharatna temple of Kameswar Siva with an inscription dated 1655 AD. The temple is enclosed by a wall entirely with a gateway passage towards the east. .....

Madan Mohan Temple

#4 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 3 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Madan Mohan Temple is one of the ancient temples located in Bishnupur town of West Bengal. It is one of the most beautiful historical temples in West Bengal and among the prime places to visit in Bishnupur as part of Kolkata Tour Packages. The temple of Madan Mohan was constructed by Malla King Durjana Singh Deva in 1694 AD for his family deities of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Built-in Eka-Ratna style, the temple has a square flat roof with curved cornices and a pinnacle over the top. It is relatively a bigger Eka-Ratna temple compared to other similar temples in Bishnupur and one of the most renowned temples in the town. The present temple was built after the original temple was damaged due to a massive earthquake in 1820. The temple is mainly built of earthen bricks on a laterite block platform. The terracotta walls of this temple are very beautiful and covered with carvings, statues, and reliefs depicting mythological .....

Radhashyam Temple

#5 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Radha Shyam Temple is the famous terracotta temple in Bishnupur, West Bengal. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the popular temples to visit in Bishnupur. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was built during the reign of King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 CE. The Radhashyam temple in Bishnupur is known for the terracotta style of architecture. This south-facing temple has a curved roof with a single tower that crowns the square structure of the building. Radha Shyam Temple is situated within a walled premise with a unique gateway structure. The front and the back surface of the gateway has superb terracotta carvings, mostly in the floral pattern. Enshrining the images of Lord Krishna and Radha in the sanctum, the Radha Shyam Temple is esteemed as the living shrine in the region. Along with the Radha and Shyam (Lord Krishna), the sanctum also includes the images of Nityananda and Chaitanya. In the temple vicinity, there .....

Radha Gobinda Temple

#6 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Radha Gobinda Temple is an old temple located in Bishnupur, West Bengal. Situated near Jor Mandir Temple, it is one of the ancient architectural marvels of Bishnupur. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Radha Govinda Temple was built by Krishna Singh, son of Gopal Singha, in 1729 AD. It is an Ekaratna temple, built of laterite and consists of a square lower storey in the thatched-hut fashion of Bengal Temple architecture with a curvilinear tower above it. The facade of the temple is profusely carved. The decorative motifs include floral patterns, puranic scenes, and many geometrical depictions. Currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is surrounded by a small garden which makes the temple more beautiful and also attracts many tourists to this place. One can also see a beautiful stone chariot and a man-made ancient pond with stone walls and steps in the temple compound. Visitors can get the entry tickets .....

Radha Madhav Temple

#7 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Stand, Radha Madhav Temple is an ancient temple situated at Dalmadal Para in Bishnupur town of West Bengal. Just opposite to Radha Gobinda Temple, it is one of the popular places of heritage in West Bengal and among the top places to visit in Bishnupur. Radha Madhav temple is a beautiful laterite temple built in the Ek-Ratna architecture style. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was built by Malla rulers in the year 1737 CE. It consists of a square lower storey with a curved roof surmounted by a single sikhara. The temple has exquisite ornamentation, particularly in its front wall. Currently, there is no deity inside the temple. The beauty of the temple is its three-arched entrance. The pillars and arches of the temple are beautifully carved, illustrating some life-learning lessons from the epic - Ramayana and Krishna Lila. Adjacent to the temple, there is a small Do Chala Mandap (double sloped roof) which enhances the beauty .....

Nandalal Temple

#8 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Stand, Nandalal Temple is an ancient temple situated at Dalmadal Para in Bishnupur town of West Bengal. Located near Jor Mandir Temples, it is one of the popular places of heritage in West Bengal and among the top places to visit in Bishnupur. One of the seven Ek-Ratna temples in Bishnupur, Nandalal Temple is surrounded by a lush green garden. The fact about the creator of this temple is unknown. However, it is believed that the temple was built in the 17th century. The south-facing temple has a square ground plan with a single tower resting on a curved roof characteristic of Bengal-type. There is very little ornamentation of the lower relief of the arches of the front facade. Currently, there is no deity inside the temple. Visitors can get the entry tickets for all the Bishnupur temples from Rasmancha including this one. Else, visitors are not allowed to enter inside the temple. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Jor Mandir Temples

#9 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Stand, Jor Mandir Temples is an ancient temple complex situated at Dalmadal Para in Bishnupur town of West Bengal. It is one of the popular places of heritage in West Bengal and among the prime Bishnupur Tourist Places. Jor Mandir is a complex of three temples that were built by the Malla King Gopal Singha in the year 1726 CE. These three laterite temples represent the prevalent local thatched hut-type architecture. All these temples are square, and constructed on a raised platform and surmounted by a single sikhara with a sloping roof. The central temple is elaborately ornamented with exquisite stucco work, depicting scenes mostly from Ramayana and Krishna Lila. The temples are located in a large ASI secured enclosure and a well-maintained garden. Visitors can get the entry tickets for all the Bishnupur temples from Rasmancha including this one. Else, visitors are not allowed to enter inside the temple. Timings: 6 AM - 6 P .....

Shyam Rai Temple

#10 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Stand, Shyam Rai Temple is an ancient temple situated within the fort of Bishnupur. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the popular temples in Bishnupur and among the must-see places to experience Bishnupur tourism. Popularly known as Pancha Ratna Temple, Shyam Rai Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in the year 1643 AD. Like most of the temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is an example of the Pancha Ratna (Five gems) architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. This is the most profusely carved temple in Bishnupur. It stands on a low square plinth and consists of an ambulatory pathway with a porch opened by three arches on the four sides of the temple. This brick-built temple consists of a square roof surmounted by five towers. The central tower itself is octagonal while the other four are square in shape. The walls are richly .....

Bishnupur Museum

#11 of 20 Places to Visit in Bishnupur

At a distance of 1 km from Jor Bangla Temple and 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Bishnupur Museum is a museum located at Dalmadal Para in Bishnupur town of West Bengal. Officially known as Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, it is one of the prime places to visit in Bishnupur. Established in 1951, Bishnupur Museum is the only museum in the entire district of Bankura related to art and archaeology. The museum is now under the control of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal. The museum has nearly 5000 manuscripts, 100 sculptures of the 10th-12th century CE, British history and several invaluable specimens of textiles, various photographs, and folk arts and crafts. From microliths of the Mesolithic era to sculptures of the 12th century, the museum has an invaluable collection. This Museum accounts for the coins and artifacts from the very ancient days of rulers in Bishnupur, starting from the Gupta kings .....

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"The land of terracotta temples"

Bishnupur tourism.

A small town in West Bengal famous for its terracota temples, Bishnupur is famous among tourists, especially for its rich culture including architecture, music and handicraft.

Bishnupur is a town with a rich heritage and a present as rich in culture, art and architecture. Its heritage and an ornamented culture transcends into multiple attractions for the tourists, which can be witnessed in the area's soft corner for classical music, paintings or while you take home a Baluchari sari. The temples that the area is known for include Jorbangla temple, Rasmancha temple, Shyamrai Temple and many more. These find immense grandeur in their identity as carriers of significant histories as well as architectural marvels.

Places To Visit In Bishnupur

Lalji Temple

Susunia Hill

Jorebangla Temple

Mukutmonipur

Madan Mohan Temple

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10 Best Places To Visit In Bishnupur For Your Next Trip

Curious Kasturi

• Published: November 23, 2023

Bishnupur or Vishnupur is a little town in the Bankura district of West Bengal. The town was the administrative capital under the reign of the Malla kings. The town is believed to derive its name from the Hindu God, Vishnu. Bishnupur has a rich cultural past, evident in the architecture and intricate handicrafts that the town boasts of. The town is especially known for its intricate terracotta work. Jewellery, artifacts, and pottery made of terracotta are particularly known. Bishnupur is also known for its wide variety of Baluchari sarees. Here are 10 places to visit in Bishnupur .

10 Best Places To Visit In Bishnupur

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Bishnupur? You would be glad to know that Bishnupur is surrounded by numerous interesting places that will hold you in awe.

Jor Bangla Temple

In 1655 AD, King Raghunath Singha, a Malla ruler, commissioned the construction of the Jorbangla Temple. Renowned for its unique Bengali architectural style, it stands as a prime attraction in Bishnupur. The temple is designed in the form of two huts topped with an ornate tower, adorned with intricate Terracotta carvings. Beyond attracting scholars and archaeologists fascinated by ancient architecture, it also draws a significant number of worshipers.

The oldest brick temple, Rasmancha was commissioned by Malla King Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. The temple has one inner chamber housing the idols of Radha-Krishna.

It has an elongated tower encircled by turrets which are of hut shapes. It is enclosed by a passageway and there are some big cannons that date back to the Malla period. The Vaishnava Ras festival was held till 1935 before it was converted to a protected monument.

Lalji Temple

Constructed in 1658 by Bir Singha II, Lalji Temple, also known as the Eka-Ratna Temple, stands as one of Bishnupur’s ancient structures. Situated close to the Jor Bangla Temple, this prominent terracotta temple is enclosed by a wall, featuring a gateway passage facing east. A must-visit for every traveler in Bishnupur, the Lalji Temple serves not only as a historic site but also as a well-known landmark in the town.

Madan Mohan Temple

Constructed in the 17th century, the Madan Mohan Temple stands as a testament to Malla King Durjana Singh Deva’s devotion to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Designed in the Eka-Ratna style, it is one of the oldest temples in Bishnupur, West Bengal. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by two imposing pillars adorned with intricate artwork. The pillars’ bases depict mythological scenes, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, along with the presence of Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys.

Bishnupur Museum

Established in 1951, the Bishnupur Museum, also known as Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan, stands as a significant attraction in the city. Located at Dalmadal Para, it holds the distinction of being the sole museum in the entire Bankura district dedicated to art and archaeology. The museum’s collection is diverse, encompassing around 5000 manuscripts, 100 sculptures dating back to the 10th-12th century, as well as precious specimens of textiles, photographs, and folk arts and crafts.

Susunia Hill

Discover the pristine allure of Susunia Hill and step back in time to ancient epochs. This hill is believed to predate even the mighty Himalayas, with historical accounts linking it to Raja Chandravarman and his fort. Susunia Hill holds significant archaeological importance and houses ancient fossils of various animal species, including Giraffes, Asiatic Lions, and Hyenas. Wander freely amidst the enchanting ‘Shal-Palash’ crowd, traverse slopes bathed in soft green light, and absorb the serenity. Susunia Hill also serves as a sanctuary for diverse medicinal plants. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature, surrounded by an expansive canopy of flora. For those seeking adventure, the rock climbing center at Susunia Hill is the perfect starting point for an exciting mountaineering journey.

Mukutmanipur

A popular weekend getaway for Kolkata locals, Mukutmanipur in the Bankura district of Kolkata is a serene town with lush green forests, clear blue water, and green hills in the backdrop.

Sharing borders with Jharkhand, Mukutmanipur is located at the confluence of Kumari and Kangsabati. A small serene town that it is, it attracts many tourists who come here in search of a peaceful vacation. Mukutmanipur dam is said to be the second largest dam in the country while the man-made barrage here which canalizes the river water of Kumari and Kangsabati for irrigation purposes in the nearby districts of Bankura, Purulia, and Medinipur during summers is also the second largest of its kind.

Radha Shyam Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Station, Radha Shyam Temple is the famous terracotta temple in Bishnupur, West Bengal. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the popular temples to visit in Bishnupur.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was built during the reign of King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 CE. The Radhashyam temple in Bishnupur is known for its terracotta style of architecture. This south-facing temple has a curved roof with a single tower that crowns the square structure of the building. Radha Shyam Temple is situated within a walled premise with a unique gateway structure. The front and the back surface of the gateway has superb terracotta carvings, mostly in floral pattern.

Enshrining the images of Lord Krishna and Radha in the sanctum, the Radha Shyam Temple is esteemed as the living shrine in the region. Along with the Radha and Shyam (Lord Krishna), the sanctum also includes the images of Nityananda and Chaitanya. In the temple vicinity, there is another shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath of Puri .

Dalmadal Kaman Canon

This royal canon was built by Maharaja Bir Humber around 1600 AD. Dala means ‘a group’ and mardan means ‘to destroy’. And true to its name, this mammoth canon, made of 63 iron plates was used to defend the Malla territory against the enemies. Due to the lack of easy availability of pure iron, it is believed that charcoal was used to melt enormous amounts of iron in order to construct Dalmadal Kaman Canon. Moreover, due to its extensive weight, big wheels and elephants were used to carry the canon to the battleground. Legend has it, that the canon was lost after the decline of the Malla dynasty, only to be rediscovered later by the Britishers. This royal canon stands as an example of the great past of Bishnupur.

Bishnupur, with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage. The 10 Best Places to Visit in Bishnupur offer a glimpse into the town’s soul. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Bishnupur has something extraordinary to offer at every turn. Plan your trip and immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanting town.

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States › West Bengal › Bishnupur

Bishnupur Travel Guide

The land of beautiful terracotta temples, Bishnupur is where one can witness the finest elements of Bengali architecture, which is a blend of Bengali, Oriya (Odishan), and Islamic styles. Travelling to Bishnupur in West Bengal for holidays is not just about seeking blessings at the temples but also getting enlightened about its cultural heritage which includes music and handicrafts.

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An Insight into Bishnupur Tourism

Renowned for the beautiful terracotta temples, Bishnupur invites all kinds of tourists, especially the culture enthusiasts to not only attain blessings but admire the splendid Bengali architecture which is a mix of Bengali, Oriya (Odishan), and Islamic styles. A pilgrimage tour to Bishnupur brings one close to the temples depicting scenes from the epic Mahabharata and scenes from contemporary life and animals. These Hindu temples are beautifully constructed and extensively embellished with carved and moulded terracotta decorations making them stand as testimony to the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans of Bishnupur.

So, a temple tour in Bishnupur is about exploring the temples dedicated to Lord Krishna which is in majority here including Madan Mohan Temples, Radha Gobinda Temple, Nandalal Temple, Madan Gopal Temple, Panch Ratna Temple, Rasmancha, Krishna-Balaram Temple, Jor-Bangla Temple, Lalji Temple, and Radha Shyam Temple. Then there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva like Malleswar Temple; Goddess Shakti like Sarbamangala Temple and Mrinmayee Temple; Goddess Kali like Nutan Mahal; Goddess Chinnamasta like Chinnamasta Mandir and a lot more.

There are also other points of interests in Bishnupur that are equally deserve a visit. The historical places include Gumgarh, Pathar Darwaja, Garh Darwaja, Stone Chariot, Bishnupur Hawa Mahal; Besides, there is Lalgarh, an ecological park; Lalbandh, a lake; and Acharya Jogeshchandra Museum, a museum.

The Bishnupur Mela held annually in the last week of December gives a clear picture to the tourists about the rich Bengali cultural heritage. Classical music and dance festival in recognition of the 'Bishnupur Gharana' (a form of singing the follows dhrupad tradition of Hindustani music) can too be witnessed when attending the Mela.

No trip is complete without shopping and Bishnupur offers terracotta products that are unavoidable to buy. Tourists can buy terracotta figurines, antique jewellery, amazing pottery, and other decorative artefacts to take back home as gifts or souvenirs from Bishnupur. Tourists can even buy the famous Baluchari Sari and Mallabhum Sari made of Tussar silk. And the sarees woven on Jacquard punch-card looms have episodes from the Mahabharata woven into the border and pallu. Last but not the least, the Dashavatar Taas playing cards is a rare art piece not to be found anywhere else in India that depicts the ten avatars of Hindu god Vishnu drawn by hand.

In a nutshell, a trip to Bishnupur will let the tourists spend your days amid immense grandeur as well as architectural marvels. Bishnupur offers the best hotels and resorts to travellers of all kinds. Whether you are planning to visit with family, friends or solo, there are a number of places to stay in Bishnupur that fits every pocket. From luxury to mid-range and budget, the accommodation option in Bishnupur ensures the best amenities and services making your stay a memorable one.

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Bishnupur Tourism

• Shyamrai Temple
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Bishnupur, the temple town in the Bankura district of West Bengal is welcoming you with its lavish heritage, proud culture, brilliant architecture and tales of terracotta. Adi Malla established the Malla dynasty. Jagat Malla, the 10th Malla king shifted his kingdom to Bishnupur. Due to short supply of stone in Bengal, burnt clay bricks came as a substitute and architects of Bengal found the new way of a beautiful craft known as ‘Terracotta’. During the seventeenth century, the art of terracotta reached its highest peak. Raja Jagat Malla and his descendants built numerous temples made of terracotta and stone art.

Plan your holiday destination in this serene place that is world-famous for its ‘Baluchari’ saree and various forms of artifacts. Explore a town that speaks the language of terracotta. Live in the rich essence of Hindu mythology amidst innumerable architectural structures with majestic footprints of terracotta artwork. The variety of temples, whispering history and enchanting art-forms will surely give you goosebumps.

1. Rasmancha Rasmancha, the oldest brick temple was established by the King Hambir in 1600 AD. The majestic temple is architecturally so unique and unparalleled that it is one of its kind in the whole Bengal as well as the country. Rasmancha proudly stands on a laterite plinth and owns a single chamber neighbouring hut shaped turrets along with an elongated tower. You will get to witness a heritage that is enthroned with a pyramidal superstructure and is blessed with three circumbulatory galleries, tranquil pillars and mysterious arches with terracotta lotus motif. In the presence of daylight, when you will be walking through the galleries, you will feel history whispering in your ears by the language of light and shade. In the dark, glowing lights from the monument makes a thrilling ambience.

2. Mrinmoyee temple Mrinmoyee temple, the oldest temple of Bishnupur was established by King Jagat Malla in 997 AD. According to local history, Maa Mrinmoyee ordered the king in his dreams to build the temple. Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Maa Mrinmoyee. Although the temple had to be reconstructed, the idol made of Ganga clay remained same. Experience the oldest Durga Puja of Bengal (1021 years) and rich heritage immersing into a different flavor of religious warmth during the Puja. The festival starts with the worship of “Baro thakurani”, “Mejo thakurani” and “Choto thakurani” respectively, after setting up of a clay pot or “Ghat”. On the sacred moment of “Mahastami- Sandhipuja”, a cannon is fired and then vegetables are sacrificed.

3. Jorbangla Temple Jorbangla temple was established by Malla king Raghunath Singh in 1655. The temple is one of the exceptional examples of the terracotta art of West Bengal and owns a unique architectural structure. The temple is named as “Jorbangla” because of its special “Do Chala” shape. The temple has its roof along with double-sided curved thatch, known as porch and shrine respectively, joined together. See the detailed sculptures of terracotta portraying multiple scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana, Krishna’s childhood on its walls and get amazed. The panels decorated with terracotta-tales beautifully depict epic scenes like ‘Bhisma’s Sarasajya’, ‘Marriage of Ram-Sita’, ‘Maa Parbati with her two sons’, ‘Balgopal’s activities’, ‘story of Laxman and Surpanakha’ and many more.

4. Shyam Rai temple The temple was built by King Raghunath Singh in 1643, is popularly known as ‘Panch-chura’ temple as it owns five pinnacles. The temple looks beautiful with triple arched passage on its four sides. It is one of the star attractions of Bishnupur because of its breathtaking terracotta art-forms on both interior and exterior panels. Various scenes based on religious stories like ‘Indra fighting sitting on Oirabot’, ‘Saga of Ram and Raban’,’Glimpses of Krishna Lila’, ‘love of Radha-Krishna’, ‘Hunting scenarios from old society’ etc. are truly representing the terracotta art at its best. Another attraction of this temple is a giant Raschakra that depicts various forms of ‘Radha-Krishna Lila amidst of Gopinis’.

5. Gar Darja In Bishnupur, there are two proud gateways to the fort. Local people addressed them as ‘Gar Darja’. Beside ‘Murcha Hill’, you will see a small mound made of stone. After crossing the small gate, there comes a gigantic gate that was the entrance of the Bishnupur Royal Kingdom. ‘Gar Darja’ was made to protect the royals from enemies. It has a huge terrace and secret chambers. Soldiers used to keep track trespassers from the ‘Gar’ and made surprise attacks to smash them.

6. Madanmohan Temple When you are in Bishnupur, this one pinnacled ‘Bishnu’ temple is a must see. Certainly, the temple is one of the main structural forms carrying the message of finest terracotta art in its body. Malla Raja Durjan Singh Dev established the temple in the name of Lord Madan Mohan in 1694. This is an active temple, till date.

7. Jore Shreni Temple / Poramatir Haat Area Though known as Jor Mandir (meaning pair of temples), it is actually a complex of three Eka-Ratna temples: Two big temples of same size and a small one. These temples were built by Malla King Krishna Singh (pronunciation: sing-ho) in 1726. These ‘Eka-Ratna’ or ‘single towered’ temples are made of rust-coloured laterite. The big temple has a square base of 11.8m X 11.8m and a height of 12.8m above a low platform. The roofs of all three temples are typical Bengali ‘chala’ type surmounted by a ‘sikhara’ or tower. Around the innermost sanctuary where the idol is kept, there are covered porches on three sides. Except the rear wall, on each of these three sides there are three arched openings.

8. Archeological Museum Acharya Yogesh Chandra Purakirti Bhawan is the local Museum in Bishnupur and is a must see for people who love archeology, art and history. You will get to see around 100 sculptures from the 10th-12th century, near about 5000 manuscripts, different types of folk arts, photographs, irreplaceable specimens of textiles and many more ancient items.

9. Lalbandh – History remains in water Bir Singh built the seven lakes named Pokabandh, Shyambandh, Kalindibandh, Jamunabandh, Gantatbandh, Krishnabandh, and Lalbandh in 1658. Lakes were made for drinking water and to protect the town from enemy. Malla Raj Raghunath Singha is said to be infatuated with a Persian dancer, called Lalbai. He took her under his protection and later dug this large pond in her name Lalbandh.

10. Sareswar and Saileswar Temple These twin temples are dedicated to Mahadev and located in the village of Dihar which is 8 km distant from Bishnupur. You will see a Nandi Bull seated at the entrance of the Sareswar Temple as if it is protecting it. These temples, made of laterite stone, are majestic examples of Oriya Deul style architecture. This place becomes a pilgrimage during ‘Mahashivratri’ festival and ‘Gajan’.

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How to Reach:

The nearest Airport to Bankura is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata which is about 212km to Bankura. From there, you can take train to Bishnupur. From Bankura also, you can take cab, bus or train to Bishnupur.

Trains from Kolkata are available for Bishnupur on regular basis. From Bankura also, you can take cab, bus or train to Bishnupur.

Bankura is well connected by road with Kolkata and surrounding towns like Asansol, Durgapur, Burdwan, Panagarh and other parts of the state. From Bankura, you can take cab, bus or train to Bishnupur.

Bishnupur Tourism and Travel Guide

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Tourism in Bishnupur

Bishnupur has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It prospered in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Ruled by an uninterrupted line of Hindu Rajas of the Malla dynasty, Bishnupur developed a unique form of architecture and has perhaps the most brilliant and detailed terracotta work in Eastern India that has withstood the ravages of time.

Located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, it takes about five hours to drive down from Calcutta. The landscape is gently undulating and dotted with sal (Shorea robusta; a tall timber tree) and mahua (Bassia latifolia; a common shade tree), the fine red soil lending it own beauty to the place.

The history of Bishnupur can be traced back to AD 694. The period before this is shrouded in mystery. King Raghunath I founded the Malla dynasty in AD 694. However, it was much later in AD 994 that the place was named Bishnupur. The name is derived from 'Vishnu', the majority of people belonging to the 'Vaishnava' sect.

The most powerful king of the dynasty was King Raghunath Singh Dev II. His reign started in AD 1626, at the same time as the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan occupied the throne in Delhi. Administration of Bengal was in the hands of Shahjahan's son Suja. He developed a deep friendship with the king of Bishnupur and there followed a period of peace when art and music, already flourishing reached its height. It was during this period that the Jorebangla Temple was erected.

Fairs & Festivals of Bishnupur

Poush Mela, which is also known as the Bishnupur Mela (fair), is held every year around December 25 near the Madanmohana Temple. This fair stretches over four days and is similar to the Poush Mela that is held annually in Shantiniketan at about the same time. During the fair, people from all the nearby villages come together to celebrate the end of the agricultural season.

Best Time to Visit Bishnupur

Bishnupur in West Bengal is accessible to tourists for most time of the year. However, the best time to spend a fulfilling holiday is undoubtedly between the months of October to March. At this time of the year, the weather is pleasant. Explore the terracotta temples, rich heritage of architecture, music and handicraft at peace. Summers in the city are an exhaustible affair. Temperatures touch 40 degree Celsius. The hot and humid weather is disagreeable. The rains dampen the moods. Only in the pleasant winters the city exerts its true charm. Crowds are drawn in huge numbers in the annual Jhapan festival in August and the Bishnupur Mela in the last week of December.

How to Reach Bishnupur

Tourist attractions in bishnupur, sightseeing.

The ancient capital of Mallabhum, Bishnupur, is a repository of some excellent terracotta temples. The brick temples at Bishnupur, built between the 17th and 18th centuries when terracotta had reached its zenith under the Malla kings, are located in the ruined fort area and its neighborhood.

The oldest brick temple is a curiously shaped Rasmancha with an elongated pyramidal tower surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. It was built in the late 16th century by King Beera Hambira. Terracotta gained further momentum under King Raghunath Singh, son of Beera Singh, who built the Pancha Ratana Temple of Shyam Rai and the Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai. The temple of Shyam Rai with its superior figurines and floral patterns was the first of its kind in Bengal.

The temple of Madanmohana, the best known in Bishnupur, in the Sankharipara area was built outside the fort compound by King Durjana Singh Dev, son of Raghunath Singh, in AD 1694. It is built in the eka ratna style, a square flat-roofed building with curved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Its rich decorations and designs surpass the Shyam Rai and Keshta Rai temples. Here, for the first time, there are bigger terracotta plaques than those in the other two temples. There are impressive scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas carved on the temple walls.

Apart from temples, Bishnupur has some very attractive bandhs or large tanks that offer good sightseeing. The Lalbandh, Krishnabandh, and Pokabandh were built by the Malla kings around 17th and 18th centuries. These were made to provide water to the villagers and to protect the town from enemy attack by draining out the water towards them.

Art And Craft

The most famous art form of Bishnupur is its terracotta work. The exquisite craftsmanship of the terracotta artisans is evident in the Madanmohana Temple and the Shyam Rai Temple. The temple walls are richly decorated with the carvings of different aspects of Krishna's life-playing with Radha and the other milkmaids, incarnations of Vishnu, etc.

One of the most expensive saris in India called the Baluchari saris are created by craftsmen of this place. The silk strands are dyed separately and then put into a loom. Designs are woven with the help of a series of punch cards that are hung from the top of the loom. These punch cards are rectangular pieces of cardboard with hundreds of holes punched according to the design.

The colored strands pass through these holes and fall into place very precisely on the loom. One sari may have an entire episode from the Mahabharata woven into its border and pallu.

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Bishnupur terracotta temples – bengal tourist attractions.

Bishnupur is a quaint town in West Bengal, located about 160 km from Kolkata . When I planned my trip to this small town, which most people I know had not heard about, I was not sure what to expect there. I planned my visit with a spirit of experiment and I could not have asked for more. The historical place came out to be a bundle of surprises. Let me begin by talking about the better-known part of this small town – Bishnupur Terracotta Temples.

Most temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. I am happy to have visited it on Janmashtami.

Bishnupur Terracotta temples – Bengal Tourist Attractions

Bishnupur is home to many terracotta temples spread across the town. Peeping out at every nook and corner and sometimes standing tall in vast plains. Some, by the numerous small lakes that punctuate the town. And some amongst the town, a part of its daily life by way of the playground for children and meeting places for adults.

Malla Dynasty

Bishnupur was the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum or the warrior kings. Which was an important dynasty that ruled Bengal for a long time with its beginnings in the late 7 th century that lasted until the early 19 th century? This is more than 1100 years and 55 generations. Most temples belong to the 17-18 th century. It is said that the dynasty was originally a Shaivite i.e. they used to follow the Shiva. But king Bir Hambir who ruled in the 16 th century converted to Vaishnava. And that leads to the construction of all these temples dedicated to incarnations of Vishnu and most prominently Krishna.

Terracotta Artwork

This region does not have any native stone, so the temples had to be constructed from the clay that is locally available. Temples were made of bricks and were decorated using terracotta tiles. Terracotta being the baked clay, with a shelf life of about 300 years was the alternative to stone art that we see in most other parts of the country. The red terracotta looks majestic on a background of blue sky. The intricate work on the walls depicting stories from Ramayan, Mahabharata, and Puranas along with the depiction of daily life leaves you in total awe. The designs carved in these temples continue to inspire the Baluchari Sari weavers of the town, who even today pick up their designs from the walls of these temples.

Bishnupur Terracotta Temples Architecture Styles

There are three primary styles of temple architecture in Bishnupur, all of which use terracotta as the primary material. Most temples have a very ornate front and a relatively plain back and sides. The temple entrance has a covered terracotta entrance, which usually leads to the side of the temple. In front of the temple is a platform-like structure that is well maintained in only a few places. Then there is a room on the other side of the temple. Which I presume can be either the storeroom or the place for the priest to live. Some of the temples are still practicing temples.

Though I did not see many people visiting them. Most locals were visiting relatively new temples.

Ratna Style

The first and most prominent is the Ratna style, which has a flat roof with a canopy or shikhara on top. If there is only one shikhara in the center of the roof it is called Ek – Ratna . If there are 5 shikhara’s – one in the center and 4 on the four corners of the roof, it is called Panchratna . And if there is an additional set of 4 shikhara’s on 4 sides of the roof it is called a Navratna temple. Here the temples do not have a flat roof, but a slightly curved roof, which is a depiction of the style of roofs in the region. The prominent Ek-Ratna temple here is Madan Mohan temple.

Built in 1694 CE by King Durjan Singh and has noteworthy terracotta work. Other examples are Radha Madhab and Radha Gobind temple, which has a unique mini chariot in the form of a temple.

Shyam Rai Temple

Shyam Rai temple is the best example of the Panchratna temple style. It has the most exquisite carvings on the terracotta of all the temples. The carvings of this temple are the finest and the whole temple creates an imposing impact. The central shikhara is octagonal while the corner shikhara is rectangular in shape with interesting curvi-conical roofs. You are not allowed to go inside the temple. But as you go around, you can almost read the stories the terracotta tiles are telling. The intricacy of the carvings will intrigue you.

Unfortunately, some of it has started decaying or eroding. Panels include stories of everyday life and its activities, Puranic stories, and motifs depicting the flora and fauna both real and imaginary.  The o ther Panchratna temple is the Madan Mohan temple. This is the most common temple style in this town.

Chala Style

The second style of the temple is the Chala style, which imitates triangular roofs of rural Bengali huts. Jor Bangla temple is a leading example of this style. Here the twin triangular roofs are further accentuated by another roof on top called Charchala. If instead of one roof on top, there were 4 roofs it would be called Athchala referring to the total of eight roofs. Jor Bangla – the name itself tells the style of the temple. Jor means 2 or twin and Bangla refers to the common roof style of Bengal. The roofs are shaped like a thatched hut roof.

There are extensive carvings on the ceiling and the exterior and interior walls of this temple. Carvings here most prominently depict Krishna Lila, apart from the animals and human life. I could see a lot of imagined animals in this temple’s carvings.

It is also known as the Kesata Rai temple and was built in the mid-17th century by then king Raghunath Singh. This is one of the most famous temples in this region, standing apart from the others because of its typical roof design.

Nagara Style

The third style is the Duel style which is the common Nagara style temple with a long curvilinear or tapering shikhara on it and has its origins in Orissa. I did not see any temples of this style in the town. Though I read about their rare existence. These temples were probably built in the early medieval period.

Besides these temples , there is Rasamancha, a unique structure built by Bir Hambir in 1600 CE. It is a huge square structure in bricks with a pyramid roof, built on a raised laterite plinth, 24.5 meters wide and 10.7 meters high. Inside the structure are circumambulate walls. Its labyrinth-like lanes take you to the center of the structure which is locked as of now. You can only make an educated guess that it may have been a shrine. There are 10 arches on all four sides, which in turn have further arches as you move inside the structure. Arches have the lotus motif carved on top of them. This is primarily a brick structure and the terracotta carvings are minimal.

There is a white limestone coating on the outer walls that are more or less on its way out. But gives an impression that this structure might have been white instead of the red that it is now from bare bricks.

Rasa Festival

Thick pillars support the low but huge arches. On top of the outer arched, there is a series of curved roofs. Each roof roughly covers the two arches and a smaller version of them covers the corners. In the middle is a massive pyramid roof made of bricks that give an impression of a staircase from some angles. I could not gather the purpose of this structure. Though I was told that this was a place meant for fairs and festivals. And still, hosts an annual fair called the Rasa festival. Apparently, people used to come here from neighboring areas with their village deity idols for the Rasa festival. And displaying them in the galleries of Rasamancha.

It is said that it is one of its kind structure. There is no parallel that has been found anywhere in the world. Making it a unique landmark of the historical place.

Maintenance

The most important aspect of these temples was that all the temples are beautifully maintained. They are clean and hence are very inviting. The lawns around the temples are well maintained, with flowers blooming everywhere and lawns surrounding them perfectly manicured. And unlike most temples in India, there are lawns and gardens surrounding almost all temples . Barring a couple that is there within the living areas of the town. This made the visit even more special as it may not sound something great, but it is something that we do not get usually.

Watching so many temples in the vicinity of each other, reminded me of the temple clusters of Khajuraho. Each successive King, probably for personal worship, constructed at least one temple .   Another motive could have been to take forward and excel in the art form created by their ancestors.

I am sharing a few photographs of the Bishnupur Terracotta Temples here but intend to do a photo-essay on the 2-3 important Terracotta Temples, apart from another write-up on the art of the historical town.

Read more about Bishnupur Tourism

Art Mart of the town

Things to do in Bishnupur town

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19 comments.

Well written…..

My wife and I have widely traveled in Bengal and photographed terra cotta temples of WB. Very happy to visit your site.

If you have more interest in this subject, specially related to the Iconography, pl contact me OR vist my sites @ # tctob.blogspot.com # przmm.blogspot.com and # hubpages.com/shyamchat

Best wishes.

Just a note to add!

“Then there is a room on the other side of the temple, which I presume can be either the storeroom or the place for priest to live.”

Typically, the structures facing the temples are called “Naat Mancha”, literally, Theatre Stages. These were built for offering music to the deities, but later it became a fashion to add them though not mostly in use for musical or theatrical purposes. The rooms at the back of the temples were “Paak Shaal” or kitchens where the “Bhoga” or the offering was cooked.

I am working on a travel and tourism guide website of mine. I will post about some other Terracotta temples of Bengal (apart from the Bishnupur ones) and will let you know.

Regards, Kumar.

Beautiful, beautiful post.

Bishnupur has been on my bucket list for so long now that I am ashamed. It’s high time I make this my next destination.

Sudhagee, Do come back and share your experience and stories.

Hmm…terracotta temples. That’s interesting. I’m fascinated.

Yes D, the temples are fascinating

Pleasant surprise, wonderful heritage works, thanks for sharing

Nice Blog. Thanks for sharing ur experience. For this Janamashtami I will visit this temple. Nice pics. Know more about Travel Destinations in India

Fantastic!! I know so little of these temples .. and the more I hear the more amazed I am. Thank you so much for this site!!

wow wow just wow..

Bishnupur is unique place in India. It is the only place in India where u will find such amazing temples, conch shell art, terracotta art (famous for its horse), sari and playing cards (which u have missed, I guess) and also classical music and also dokra nearby. Have u been to Panchmura where they make this terracotta artifacts ? u can see sourabhdg.blogspot.com for playing cards etc

Thanks for dropping by Sourabh, I have written more posts on Bishnupur and the other unique arts have been covered in them, please do have a look

Thank you for writing about my home town. It’s a pleasure to me. Again thank you.

You are so lucky to have Bishnupur as your home Debasis. We loved our trip there – the town is so rich in culture.

Bishnupur is also famous for its “Dashavatar Tash”i.e card game with cards which depict the 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu, Baluchori Saree, Bankura Ghora(Claymade Horse Statue of unique Bankura Style) and the :Bishnupur Gharana”, a genre of Indian Classical Music.

Yes, they are called Ganjifa cards, I have written about them in another post on Bishnupur.

wow its great to about it Bishnupur its look like really nice place for visit

Mahipal Ji, Bishnupur is one of the most beautiful temple towns of Bengal or rather India.

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Bishnupur – Terracotta Temples details, History and Tour Guide

• March 20, 2022

Bishnupur, one of the popular cities in West Bengal is the capital of Mallabhum Kingdom . It is known as the “city of terracotta Temples”.

Malla Dynasty was an important Hindu Dynasty of Bengal.

The temples of tourist attractions were built by the Malla king and dedicated to their main Hindu god Radha-Krishna.

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The temples have utterly beautiful inscriptions and wall carvings, old fortifications.

Bishnupur is a planned town and a heritage city also known for its famous Baluchari Sarees and terracotta works.

So let us take a look at some of the famous temples there.

List of Famous Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur

In this article, I have listed some of the famous Terracotta Temples that you can see while visiting Bishnupur. For each of these temples, a short history and some other details are also added.

Ras Mancha, Bishnupur – History, and Details

Ras Mancha is one of the main terracotta temples in Bishnupur, West Bengal.

It is built by Mallya Raja Birhambir in the 1600 AD.

The name is derived from the Ras Utsav that use to be organized in the temples by the Mallya’s from 1600 AD – 1932 AD dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna.

The temple rests on a base made of Makhra stones and the temple is made of bricks.

The temple has a pyramid-like structure and numerous door like structures made of bricks.

A beautiful green garden surrounds the temple.

Start your journey of Bishnupur from this temple.

There is a one time ticket to visit all the temples that will cost you around Rs.25. You can also take a guide who will explain every detail of all the temples.

Totos are also available here to take you for a tour of the other temples.

Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur- History, and Details

After spending some time at the Ras Mancha, next, you can visit this temple.

Madan Mohan Temple is another important temple in Bishnupur built by Malka Raja Durjan Singha in 1695 A.D.

The temple is been built over an area of 12.2 ×12.2 sq m.with a height of 10.7 m. A tower or Sikhara is surmounted on the “Chala” type roof.

The temple is built on a laterite block with the front part mostly made of terracotta.

The temple walls narrate the story of “Krishna Leela”. This place became popular after the visit of Chaitanya Maha Prabhu.

Around the main deity, there is the porch surrounding the temple. Three arch-like openings are present on three sides of the temple.

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

While having a tour of Bishnupur, this is the temple that should be next on your list. It is very close to the Madan Mohan Temple.

This is a 17th-century Hindu temple famous in Bishnupur built by Raghunath Singha in 1655 A.D.

The word “jor” refers to “Jora” which means connected. There are two temples located adjacent to each other which reflect two traditional village huts one serves as a porch and the other one where the main shrine is present.

They are connected in the middle by a wall. Thus the name.

The roof is of “do Chala” style with their curved roofs. The diety mainly is of “Radha Krishna” and the terracotta panels depict Ramayana & Mahabharat.

Nandalal Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

It is also an important temple in Bishnupur.

For the joy of Sri Radhika and Krishna, Mallaraj Birsingha built the temple in 1658.

The temple stands on a platform area of 12.3 × 12.3 meters square and 10.7 in height. It has a square curved roof with a single tower.

It has a very attractive vibe and excellent terracotta architecture.

Radha Govinda Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

The laterite Ekratna temple was built in 1729 AD during the time of Krishna Singha.

The temple has a square planned roof surmounted by a Sikhara at the top.

It is surrounded by a beautiful garden around and a pond on one side. The decorative motifs in the temple include floral patterns, puranic scenes.

The temple site is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and so are the rest of the temple.

You can visit the rest of the temples in this list in any order you want.

Lalji Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

Lalji Temple  has been built by Malla king Bir Singha, with Shikhara and built on a raised square shape platform.

This temple has been devoted to Radha-Krishna and is similar to that of Bengali architecture with ornamental decorations.

In front of the main temple, there are two chariots one of Lord Lalji and the other of lord Raghunath.

During the Dusshera festival, they are taken out in procession.

Malleswar Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

This is one of the important and one of the early temples built by Malla Raja Bir Singha in 1622 AD.

The deity present in the temple is Lord Shiva. The laterite platform is generally square and bears an octagonal-shaped tower.

A beautiful idol of Nandi is found in front of the shrine.

Near the temple, a ‘Thakur Dalan’ is present, where an idol of Devi Durga is worshipped during Navaratri. This Thakur Dalan is considered a symbol of heritage.

Pancha Ratna Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

Also known as the Shyam Rai Temple, the Pancha Ratna Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in 1643.

On the four sides of the temple, three arches are presently leading to sanctum.

The main temple stands on a low square platform. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu worshipped as Krishna.

The name itself comes from the Pancharatna architectural style. There are 5 towers referred to as five gems. It has a “char Chala” roof surmounted by gems in each corner.

The corner towers are square-shaped and the central tower is octagonal.

Dalmadal Kaman

One of the main tourist attractions of Bishnupur is the Dalmadal Kaman (Cannon).

This canon of Historical importance was actually used by Lord Madan Mohan to fight battles.

This is one of the most iconic things in Bishnupur Town it is located adjacent to Chinnamasta temple in a square-shaped courtyard.

This was built by the Malla kings in the 17th century to protect their kingdom from invaders.

The Canon was made of iron with a length of 3.5 meters and bears a weight of 12 metric tons and almost cost Rs. 1.25 Lacs at that era.

Though it is of historic importance it is not maintained properly now-a-days by The Archaeological Society of India.

The city of Bishnupur is a city with beautiful tourist attractions that really refreshes the mind and heart.

An environment of sanity and peace prevails amidst the green garden and ancient forts and deities.

Bishnupur is a city rich in art that attracts tourists not only from West Bengal but from all over the world.

Make sure to pay a visit to this beautiful city.

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