You might have heard of terracotta jewellery or antique pieces but terracotta temples, sounds strange right? Head to Bishnupur about 180km from Kolkata to get enchanted by terracotta architecture. Most of the temples are uniquely designed terracotta temples in Bishnupur.
Bishnupur is one of the prominent historical towns in West Bengal. It was once a wealthy capital under the Malla Kingdom and several temples were built during this era. It is said that a new kind of temple architecture was introduced which coined Bishnupur, a temple town.
Two different styles of architecture, namely Chala Style and Ratna Style had a great influence on the architectures during this era.
Let us travel around some artistic temples in Bishnupur!
Jor-Bangla Temple
Jor-Bangla is an example of classic Chala style of architecture that originated in Bengal. King Raghunatha Singha Dev built Bishnupur Jor-Bangla in 1655. Fill your eyes with the amazing terracotta carvings around the temple. Village hut shaped temples are the excellent examples of Chala style of architecture.
Jor-Bangla Temple
Photo Courtesy: Avishekbiswas
Rasmancha
Rasmancha is a pyramidal terracotta architecture. It is one of the unique temples in Bishnupur which is a must visit. In olden times, all Radha-Krishna idols were brought to Rasmancha during Vaishnava Ras Festival.
Rasmancha Temple
Photo Courtesy: Jonoikobangali
Pancha Ratna Temple
Pancha Ratna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It also has a unique structure with several terracotta carvings depicting the life of Krishna.
Pancha Ratna Temple
Photo Courtesy: Jonoikobangali
Lalji Temple
Lalji Temple follows the Eka-Ratna style of architecture. Lalji Temple is also dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one among the beautiful temples in Bishnupur.
Lalji Temple
Photo Couresty: Amartya Bag
Radha Madhab Temple
Radha Madhab Temple is yet another exotic temple which was built by Churamoni Devi. It also follows the Eka-Ratna style of temple architecture.
Radha Madhab Temple
Photo Courtesy: Jonoikobangali
Most structures in Bishnupur belongs to the Malla era; 'Ratna' style and 'Chala' style are the main style of architectures followed during this period. Chala refers to the hut style of buildings and 'Ratna' refers to the temples with conical shaped shikharas (towers). Depending on the number of towers (Shikharas) 'Ratna' style is further divided into Ek-Ratna, Panch-Ratna.
Bishnupur, the terracotta town, is a unique one for sure. A walk around this archaeological town is good enough for travel and shopping (terracotta works and Balucheri Sarees)!