Bishnupur has a rich history, which is evident in its unique architecture, music, and traditional crafts like pottery and weaving. The town flourished in the 17th and early 18th centuries under the rule of the Malla dynasty, a long line of Hindu kings. Bishnupur is known for its distinct style of architecture and is home to some of the most intricate and beautiful terracotta artwork in Eastern India, much of which has survived over time.
Bishnupur – places to visit in Bishnupur
Rasmancha
The Rasmancha pavilion was built in 1600 A.D. by King Veer Hambir to house idols of Lord Krishna from other temples during the Rash festival. It is the oldest brick temple in Bishnupur and has a unique design, shaped like an elongated pyramidal tower surrounded by hut-like turrets.
Jorbangla Temple
The Jorbangla Temple looks like two thatched huts joined together with a single tower. It was built by King Raghunath Singh in 1655 using laterite bricks on a raised platform. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with detailed terracotta plaques, depicting scenes from daily life, gods and goddesses, animals, and various designs.
Dal Madol
Dal Madol is a cannon built by the Malla kings to defend against Maratha invasions. Located near the Chinomasta temple, this cannon is a significant historical symbol for the people of Bishnupur and Bengal. It is about 3.8 meters long with a barrel that measures 28.5 cm in diameter.
Ratana Temple
The Ratana Temple, also known as the Bishnupur Pancha Ratna Temple, was built by King Raghunath Singha. It stands on a low square platform and features an ambulatory pathway with a porch that has three arches on each side of the temple.
Madanmohan Temple
The Madanmohan Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bishnupur. It is famous for its stunning terracotta panels. During the reign of King Bir Hambir, Bishnupur became prominent, and he introduced the worship of Madan Mohan (Lord Krishna) here.
Siddheswar Temple
The Siddheswar Temple is believed to be over a thousand years old, built before the Mughal Empire came into power. It is located in Onda and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Radhe Shyam Temple
The Radhe Shyam Temple is an Ek-Ratna temple with a single spire, standing on a square base that measures 11.1 meters in length and 10.7 meters in height. The spire is cylindrical, topped with a semi-spherical dome.
Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan
The Acharya Jogesh Chandra Purakriti Bhawan was inaugurated in 1951 and is now managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal.
Shyamarai Temple
The Shyamarai Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in the 17th century. Its architecture is unique and stands out as one of the key monuments on the Archaeological Survey of India’s priority list.
Best Time to Visit Bishnupur
Bishnupur in West Bengal is a great place to visit almost year-round, but the best time to enjoy a comfortable holiday is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the terracotta temples, local architecture, music, and handicrafts. Summers can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, and the weather can be uncomfortable due to the heat and humidity. The monsoon season can also be a bit damp. However, the city truly shines in winter, with cooler and more enjoyable weather. The annual Jhapan festival in August and the Bishnupur Mela in the last week of December attract large crowds, making these events a great time to visit as well.
