Jor Bangla Temple - Bishnupur

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Situated in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, Bishnupur beckons with its rich history and cultural heritage. Nestled approximately 160 kilometers away from Kolkata, the capital city of Bengal, this charming town is renowned for its exquisite 17th and 18th-century Terracotta temples and traditional Balucheri sarees. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the enchanting Jor Bangla Temple, a masterpiece of architectural splendor nestled within Bishnupur.


History:

Once known as the Mallabhum region, Bishnupur flourished under the reign of the Malla dynasty for centuries. Despite the tumultuous period of Muslim and Mughal invasions, this region remained relatively untouched. Adi Malla, the dynasty's founder, laid the foundation of this prosperous kingdom.


 Bishnupur's prominence soared during the rule of King Bir Hambir, who introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna). Under his reign and that of King Bir Singha, the kingdom witnessed the construction of numerous splendid brick temples.

In an era where stone was scarce in Bengal, the Malla Kings turned to terracotta as an alternative building material, giving rise to elaborately adorned terracotta temples during the 17th and 18th centuries CE.


Also known as the Kesta Rai temple, Jor Bangla Temple stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Malla King Raghunath Singh, who commissioned its construction in 1655 CE.


 Temple Architecture and Layout:

Jor Bangla Temple is a marvel of architectural finesse, characterized by its square plan and south-facing orientation. The temple features two Ek Ratna structures with sloping roofs, seamlessly conjoined together. Adorning the crown of these joined structures is a magnificent char chala sikhara, lending the temple its distinctive Jor Bangla architectural style.

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple's interior and exterior walls are adorned with captivating terracotta panels depicting scenes from the Puranas, epics, Krishna Lila, and hunting expeditions.

As we delve into the rich tapestry of Bishnupur's heritage, the Jor Bangla Temple stands as a testament to the timeless allure of India's architectural legacy. 

Happy travelling.











Location: Dalmadal Para, Bishnupur, West Bengal 722122, India

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