Bishnupur -- The Terracota Town

[Guest guest]

Bishnupur -- The Terracota Town

Around 151 km from Kolkata is the terracotta town of Bishnupur. It

is in this town that West Bengal's temple culture enriched during

the reign of the Malla kings.

Bishnupur's exquisite temples have made it a major tourist centre.

The artistic and architectural appeal of these structures is simply

indescribable.

 

One of the famous temples of Bishnupur is the Radhe Shyam temple

that was built in 1758.

 

The insides of this temple are designed in the Chala style, that is

typical of Bengal.

 

This temple is a prime example of Ekratna temple although it is not

built of burnt clay.

 

The 10th Century Shri Mandir is also unique. The temple of the

Madanmohan deity is rich in terracotta work and architecture.

 

However, the main deity, made of the Ashtadhatu metal, now resides

in Kolkata.

The Ramascha, just opposite the tourist lodge, constructed with over-

burnt bricks, has a combination of Charchala and Egyptian pyramid

style.

 

The temple has three extraordinary galleries comprising of 3 tiers

with 64 compartments and a 35-ft high and 80-ft wide stage.

 

The Shyam Rai temple has illustrious decorations that follow the

Charchala Pancharatna style of art. The walls depict Lord Krishna's

Rasleela with his gopis-all carved in terracotta.

 

Next to this temple is the Jora Bangla temple, which derives its

name from the twin temples. The terracotta walls depict the social

life of Bengal in the times of the Malla kings.