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Bishnupur – Terracotta Temples details, History and Tour Guide

Bishnupur, one of the popular cities in West Bengal is the capital of Mallabhum Kingdom. It is known as the “city of terracotta Temples”.

Malla Dynasty was an important Hindu Dynasty of Bengal.

The temples of tourist attractions were built by the Malla king and dedicated to their main Hindu god Radha-Krishna.

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The temples have utterly beautiful inscriptions and wall carvings, old fortifications.

Bishnupur is a planned town and a heritage city also known for its famous Baluchari Sarees and terracotta works.

So let us take a look at some of the famous temples there.

List of Famous Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur

In this article, I have listed some of the famous Terracotta Temples that you can see while visiting Bishnupur. For each of these temples, a short history and some other details are also added.

Ras Mancha, Bishnupur – History, and Details

Ras Mancha is one of the main terracotta temples in Bishnupur, West Bengal.

It is built by Mallya Raja Birhambir in the 1600 AD.

The name is derived from the Ras Utsav that use to be organized in the temples by the Mallya’s from 1600 AD – 1932 AD dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna.

The temple rests on a base made of Makhra stones and the temple is made of bricks.

The temple has a pyramid-like structure and numerous door like structures made of bricks.

Ras Mancha, Bishnupur

A beautiful green garden surrounds the temple.

Start your journey of Bishnupur from this temple.

There is a one time ticket to visit all the temples that will cost you around Rs.25. You can also take a guide who will explain every detail of all the temples.

Totos are also available here to take you for a tour of the other temples.

Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur- History, and Details

After spending some time at the Ras Mancha, next, you can visit this temple.

Madan Mohan Temple is another important temple in Bishnupur built by Malka Raja Durjan Singha in 1695 A.D.

The temple is been built over an area of 12.2 ×12.2 sq m.with a height of 10.7 m. A tower or Sikhara is surmounted on the “Chala” type roof.

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The temple is built on a laterite block with the front part mostly made of terracotta.

The temple walls narrate the story of “Krishna Leela”. This place became popular after the visit of Chaitanya Maha Prabhu.

Around the main deity, there is the porch surrounding the temple. Three arch-like openings are present on three sides of the temple.

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

While having a tour of Bishnupur, this is the temple that should be next on your list. It is very close to the Madan Mohan Temple.

This is a 17th-century Hindu temple famous in Bishnupur built by Raghunath Singha in 1655 A.D.

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur

The word “jor” refers to “Jora” which means connected. There are two temples located adjacent to each other which reflect two traditional village huts one serves as a porch and the other one where the main shrine is present.

They are connected in the middle by a wall. Thus the name.

The roof is of “do Chala” style with their curved roofs. The diety mainly is of “Radha Krishna” and the terracotta panels depict Ramayana & Mahabharat.

Nandalal Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

It is also an important temple in Bishnupur.

For the joy of Sri Radhika and Krishna, Mallaraj Birsingha built the temple in 1658.

The temple stands on a platform area of 12.3 × 12.3 meters square and 10.7 in height. It has a square curved roof with a single tower.

It has a very attractive vibe and excellent terracotta architecture.

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Radha Govinda Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

The laterite Ekratna temple was built in 1729 AD during the time of Krishna Singha.

The temple has a square planned roof surmounted by a Sikhara at the top.

It is surrounded by a beautiful garden around and a pond on one side. The decorative motifs in the temple include floral patterns, puranic scenes.

The temple site is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and so are the rest of the temple.

You can visit the rest of the temples in this list in any order you want.

Lalji Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

Lalji Temple has been built by Malla king Bir Singha, with Shikhara and built on a raised square shape platform.

This temple has been devoted to Radha-Krishna and is similar to that of Bengali architecture with ornamental decorations.

Terracotta Work

In front of the main temple, there are two chariots one of Lord Lalji and the other of lord Raghunath.

During the Dusshera festival, they are taken out in procession.

Malleswar Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

This is one of the important and one of the early temples built by Malla Raja Bir Singha in 1622 AD.

The deity present in the temple is Lord Shiva. The laterite platform is generally square and bears an octagonal-shaped tower.

A beautiful idol of Nandi is found in front of the shrine.

Near the temple, a ‘Thakur Dalan’ is present, where an idol of Devi Durga is worshipped during Navaratri. This Thakur Dalan is considered a symbol of heritage.

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Pancha Ratna Temple, Bishnupur – History and other details

Also known as the Shyam Rai Temple, the Pancha Ratna Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in 1643.

On the four sides of the temple, three arches are presently leading to sanctum.

Pancha Ratna Temple, Bishnupur

The main temple stands on a low square platform. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu worshipped as Krishna.

The name itself comes from the Pancharatna architectural style. There are 5 towers referred to as five gems. It has a “char Chala” roof surmounted by gems in each corner.

The corner towers are square-shaped and the central tower is octagonal.

Dalmadal Kaman

One of the main tourist attractions of Bishnupur is the Dalmadal Kaman (Cannon).

Dalmadal Kaman, Bishnupur

This canon of Historical importance was actually used by Lord Madan Mohan to fight battles.

This is one of the most iconic things in Bishnupur Town it is located adjacent to Chinnamasta temple in a square-shaped courtyard.

This was built by the Malla kings in the 17th century to protect their kingdom from invaders.

The Canon was made of iron with a length of 3.5 meters and bears a weight of 12 metric tons and almost cost Rs. 1.25 Lacs at that era.

Though it is of historic importance it is not maintained properly now-a-days by The Archaeological Society of India.


The city of Bishnupur is a city with beautiful tourist attractions that really refreshes the mind and heart.

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An environment of sanity and peace prevails amidst the green garden and ancient forts and deities.

Bishnupur is a city rich in art that attracts tourists not only from West Bengal but from all over the world.

Make sure to pay a visit to this beautiful city.


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