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Artistic Temples in Bishnupur

By Akshatha Vinayak

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

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

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

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

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

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)!

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