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Bishnupur | Bankura

Bishnupur Overview

Bishnupur, the temple town in the Bankura district of West Bengal is welcoming you with its lavish heritage, proud culture, brilliant architecture and tales of terracotta. Adi Malla established the Malla dynasty. Jagat Malla, the 10th Malla king shifted his kingdom to Bishnupur. Due to short supply of stone in Bengal, burnt clay bricks came as a substitute and architects of Bengal found the new way of a beautiful craft known as ‘Terracotta’. During the seventeenth century, the art of terracotta reached its highest peak. Raja Jagat Malla and his descendants built numerous temples made of terracotta and stone art.

Plan your holiday destination in this serene place that is world-famous for its ‘Baluchari’ saree and various forms of artifacts. Explore a town that speaks the language of terracotta. Live in the rich essence of Hindu mythology amidst innumerable architectural structures with majestic footprints of terracotta artwork. The variety of temples, whispering history and enchanting art-forms will surely give you goosebumps. 

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Rasmancha, the oldest brick temple was established by the King Hambir in 1600 AD. The majestic temple is architecturally so unique and unparalleled that it is one of its kind in the whole Bengal as well as the country. Rasmancha proudly stands on a laterite plinth and owns a single chamber neighbouring hut shaped turrets along with an elongated tower. You will get to witness a heritage that is enthroned with a pyramidal superstructure and is blessed with three circumbulatory galleries, tranquil pillars and mysterious arches with terracotta lotus motif. In the presence of daylight, when you will be walking through the galleries, you will feel history whispering in your ears by the language of light and shade. In the dark, glowing lights from the monument makes a thrilling ambience.
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Mrinmoyee temple, the oldest temple of Bishnupur was established by King Jagat Malla in 997 AD. According to local history, Maa Mrinmoyee ordered the king in his dreams to build the temple. Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Maa Mrinmoyee. Although the temple had to be reconstructed, the idol made of Ganga clay remained same.
Experience the oldest Durga Puja of Bengal (1021 years) and rich heritage immersing into a different flavor of religious warmth during the Puja. The festival starts with the worship of “Baro thakurani”, “Mejo thakurani” and “Choto thakurani” respectively, after setting up of a clay pot or “Ghat”. On the sacred moment of “Mahastami- Sandhipuja”, a cannon is fired and then vegetables are sacrificed.

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Jorbangla temple was established by Malla king Raghunath Singh in 1655. The temple is one of the exceptional examples of the terracotta art of West Bengal and owns a unique architectural structure. The temple is named as “Jorbangla” because of its special “Do Chala” shape. The temple has its roof along with double-sided curved thatch, known as porch and shrine respectively, joined together. See the detailed sculptures of terracotta portraying multiple scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana, Krishna’s childhood on its walls and get amazed. The panels decorated with terracotta-tales beautifully depict epic scenes like ‘Bhisma’s Sarasajya’, ‘Marriage of Ram-Sita’, ‘Maa Parbati with her two sons’, ‘Balgopal’s activities’, ‘story of Laxman and Surpanakha’ and many more.
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The temple was built by King Raghunath Singh in 1643, is popularly known as ‘Panch-chura’ temple as it owns five pinnacles. The temple looks beautiful with triple arched passage on its four sides. It is one of the star attractions of Bishnupur because of its breathtaking terracotta art-forms on both interior and exterior panels. Various scenes based on religious stories like ‘Indra fighting sitting on Oirabot’, ‘Saga of Ram and Raban’,’Glimpses of Krishna Lila’, ‘love of Radha-Krishna’, ‘Hunting scenarios from old society’ etc. are truly representing the terracotta art at its best. Another attraction of this temple is a giant Raschakra that depicts various forms of ‘Radha-Krishna Lila amidst of Gopinis’.
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When you are in Bishnupur, this one pinnacled ‘Bishnu’ temple is a must-see. Certainly, the temple is one of the main structural forms carrying the message of the finest terracotta art in its body. Malla Raja Durjan Singh Dev established the temple in the name of Lord Madan Mohan in 1694. This is an active temple, till date.

Madan Mohan Temple is located towards the North of the old city. The Malla rulers were followers of ‘Vaishnavite’ Hinduism which considers Lord Vishnu is the principal god and thus named their capital Bishnupur or Vishnupur. Madam Mohan Temple is dedicated to Radha & Krishna (the 8th Avatar of Vishnu). Sri Krishna was the tutelary deity of the Mallas.

 

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Though known as Jor Mandir (meaning pair of temples), it is actually a complex of three Eka-Ratna temples: Two big temples of same size and a small one. These temples were built by Malla King Krishna Singh (pronunciation: sing-ho) in 1726. These ‘Eka-Ratna’ or ‘single towered’ temples are made of rust-coloured laterite. The big temple has a square base of 11.8m X 11.8m and a height of 12.8m above a low platform. The roofs of all three temples are typical Bengali ‘chala’ type surmounted by a ‘sikhara’ or tower. Around the innermost sanctuary where the idol is kept, there are covered porches on three sides. Except the rear wall, on each of these three sides there are three arched openings.
Recently a weekly cultural festival named ‘Poramatir Haat’ started here making Jor Shreni temples as backdrop.

Bir Singh built the seven lakes named Pokabandh, Shyambandh, Kalindibandh, Jamunabandh, Gantatbandh, Krishnabandh, and Lalbandh in 1658. Lakes were made for drinking water and to protect the town from enemy. Malla Raj Raghunath Singha is said to be infatuated with a Persian dancer, called Lalbai. He took her under his protection and later dug this large pond in her name Lalbandh.
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Acharya Yogesh Chandra Purakirti Bhawan is the local Museum in Bishnupur and is a must-see for people who love archeology, art, and history. You will get to see around 100 sculptures from the 10th-12th century, near about 5000 manuscripts, different types of folk arts, photographs, irreplaceable specimens of textiles and many more ancient items.

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If your eyes love the magic of green and your ears adore the symphony of nature, you are at the perfect place. Joypur forest is a dense forest where sunrays have to take permission from skyscraping trees to touch the bottom at many places. Go, have a talk with Sal, Kusum, Palash, Neem, Teak and Mahua. Roll your eyes to find chirping birds, say ‘Hi’ to a Cheetal (spotted deer) and watch elephants going across the jungle.
ADD-ON ATTRACTIONS
poramatir-haat

Poramatir Haat

The name 'Pora Matir Haat' actually means- a weekly marketplace where the burned clay products are being sold. You can enjoy this 'haat' every Saturday afternoon at the 'Jor Mandir' premises. Apart from buying terracotta and other crafts, tusu, bhadu, baul, kirtan, chau, ran-pa etc. can be enjoyed here. The vivid colours of the 'Rarh-Bengal' culture gather here to soothe the eyes and comfort the mind in the 'Pora Matir Haat'.

Gar Darja

In Bishnupur, there are two proud gateways to the fort. Local people addressed them as ‘Gar Darja’. After crossing the small gate, there comes a gigantic gate that was the entrance of the Bishnupur Royal Kingdom. ‘Gar Darja’ was made to protect the royals from enemies. It has a huge terrace and secret chambers. Soldiers used to keep track of trespassers from the ‘Gar’ and made surprise attacks to smash them.

Bishnupur

Dalmadal Canon

The Cannon of 112 quintals, is built with pure iron material by Raja Gopal Singh in 1742. Dalmadal measures 3.8 meters in length along with a barrel of 28.5 cm. The cannon is blessed with 63 iron rings and is rust proof. According to the legend, Lord Madan Mohan himself fired the Dalmadal Cannon to protect Bishnupur from the Maratha-attack and drove them out.

Sareswar

Dihar

These twin temples are dedicated to Mahadev and located in the village of Dihar which is 8 km distant from Bishnupur. You will see a Nandi Bull seated at the entrance of the Sareswar Temple as if it is protecting it. These temples, made of laterite stone, are majestic examples of Oriya Deul style architecture. This place becomes a pilgrimage during ‘Mahashivratri’ festival and ‘Gajan’.

Basudevpur Aerodrome

Another place with great historical values is the airport in Joypur jungle. British Govt. made the airport in Joypur during the era of World War II. You can witness the airport or runway while exploring the jungle. Besides heritage importance, this place is famous for resident and migratory birds. It is famous for Paradise Flycature and Jacobin Cuckoo.

Baluchari Waving Center

The Baluchari sarees are known for their intricate designs and handwork on them. No other saree uses as many mythological designs as the Baluchari sarees. They are dominated by stories and characters from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. These characters give a royal look to the Baluchari sari. Saris depicting the story of Lord Krishna explaining the Bhagavad Gita to Arjun is one of the most popular design of Baluchari Saree.

Lalgarh

Lalgarh Eco-Park

Apart from heritage at Lalgarh there is a eco park where you can spend some quality times with you near and dear ones. You will hear many beautiful butterflies within the park area. There is a watch tower within the park from where you can see an overview of Lalbandh and Part of bishnupur town. This place opens from 8 am and closes 6 pm.

Gokul Chand

Gokulnagar Temple

The majestic temple was built by Malla-king Raghunath Singha in 1643. The temple, made of laterite stone is the largest stone made temple. By centuries of rain and wind, the architecture of this 64 feet height five pinnacled temple has been eroded heavily, but you will still find the structure attractive and mysterious.During Dolyatra, the main idol comes into the temple for seven days to be worshipped.

hadal-narayanpur

Hadalnarayanpur Rajbari

poramatir-haat

Poramatir Haat

The name 'Pora Matir Haat' actually means- a weekly marketplace where the burned clay products are being sold. You can enjoy this 'haat' every Saturday afternoon at the 'Jor Mandir' premises. Apart from buying terracotta and other crafts, tusu, bhadu, baul, kirtan, chau, ran-pa etc. can be enjoyed here. The vivid colours of the 'Rarh-Bengal' culture gather here to soothe the eyes and comfort the mind in the 'Pora Matir Haat'.

Gar Darja

In Bishnupur, there are two proud gateways to the fort. Local people addressed them as ‘Gar Darja’. After crossing the small gate, there comes a gigantic gate that was the entrance of the Bishnupur Royal Kingdom. ‘Gar Darja’ was made to protect the royals from enemies. It has a huge terrace and secret chambers. Soldiers used to keep track of trespassers from the ‘Gar’ and made surprise attacks to smash them.

Bishnupur

Dalmadal Canon

The Cannon of 112 quintals, is built with pure iron material by Raja Gopal Singh in 1742. Dalmadal measures 3.8 meters in length along with a barrel of 28.5 cm. The cannon is blessed with 63 iron rings and is rust proof. According to the legend, Lord Madan Mohan himself fired the Dalmadal Cannon to protect Bishnupur from the Maratha-attack and drove them out.

Sareswar

Dihar

These twin temples are dedicated to Mahadev and located in the village of Dihar which is 8 km distant from Bishnupur. You will see a Nandi Bull seated at the entrance of the Sareswar Temple as if it is protecting it. These temples, made of laterite stone, are majestic examples of Oriya Deul style architecture. This place becomes a pilgrimage during ‘Mahashivratri’ festival and ‘Gajan’.

Basudevpur Aerodrome

Another place with great historical values is the airport in Joypur jungle. British Govt. made the airport in Joypur during the era of World War II. You can witness the airport or runway while exploring the jungle. Besides heritage importance, this place is famous for resident and migratory birds. It is famous for Paradise Flycature and Jacobin Cuckoo.

Baluchari Waving Center

The Baluchari sarees are known for their intricate designs and handwork on them. No other saree uses as many mythological designs as the Baluchari sarees. They are dominated by stories and characters from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. These characters give a royal look to the Baluchari sari. Saris depicting the story of Lord Krishna explaining the Bhagavad Gita to Arjun is one of the most popular design of Baluchari Saree.

Lalgarh

Lalgarh Eco-Park

Apart from heritage at Lalgarh there is a eco park where you can spend some quality times with you near and dear ones. You will hear many beautiful butterflies within the park area. There is a watch tower within the park from where you can see an overview of Lalbandh and Part of bishnupur town. This place opens from 8 am and closes 6 pm.

Gokul Chand

Gokulnagar Temple

The majestic temple was built by Malla-king Raghunath Singha in 1643. The temple, made of laterite stone is the largest stone made temple. By centuries of rain and wind, the architecture of this 64 feet height five pinnacled temple has been eroded heavily, but you will still find the structure attractive and mysterious.During Dolyatra, the main idol comes into the temple for seven days to be worshipped.

hadal-narayanpur

Hadalnarayanpur Rajbari

ARTIFACTS & FESTIVALS OF BISHNUPUR

Bishnupur is famous for Baluchari sarees and terracotta artifacts. The world famous Baluchari-design was inspired by the terracotta tiles of the temples. Take a tour to nearby Panchmura village which is the home to famous terracotta industry. Get a live demonstration on terracotta crafts and take beautiful souvenirs or jewellery to gift your near and dear ones. Enhance the aristocracy of your drawing room with the long necked terracotta horse which is the logo of All India Handicrafts as well. The famous indoor game played by Malla kings was ‘Dashabatar Tash’ and it is internationally famous as a collector’s item.The Lantern and handloom industries are also very much popular here. Be a part of ‘Bishnupur Mela’ held 23-27 dec each year to create memories for a lifetime. Not only these, the temple town has its own musical origin popularly known as ‘Bishnupur Gharana of Singing’. Bishnupur Music Festival occurs on the first week of February.

 

Welcome to the place that admires old traditions, makes legends alive by divine artworks and keeps its heart beating with historical vibes.
BALUCHARI OF BISHNUPUR
The Baluchari sari traces its origin to West Bengal. The name Baluchari came into existence be- cause the weaving of these saris started in a small village called Baluchar in the Murshidabad dis- trict of West Bengal around 500 years ago. Due to some natural calamities, the weaving set up was then moved to Bishnupur from Baluchar and the industry grew tremendously there after the British rule.

Baluchari saris or locally called Baluchuri saris, today often have depictions from scenes of Ma- habharat and Ramayana. During the Mughal and British eras, they had a square design in the pallu with paisley motifs in them, and depicted scenes from the lives of the Nawab of Bengal featuring women smoking hookahs, nawabs driving horse carriages, and even European officers of the East India Company. It would take two craftsmen to work for almost a week to produce one sari. The main material used is silk and the sari is polished after weaving. The most gorgeous balucharis are of Swarnachuri type which are woven with gold coloured threads (sometimes interspersed with a bit of silver) that illuminate the patterns to a much larger extent.

Hotels and Resorts in Near the places
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS OF BANKURA DISTRICT