Bishnupur
Our busy schedule requires short trip and what can be better than spending time in a land of folk music, amazing architectural artifacts and Hindu temples. One such beautiful destination is Bishnupur which is located in Bankura district. This place is popular for the amazing Baluchari sarees and the jaw-dropping terracotta temples.
Whether you are residing in West Bengal or outside it, Bishnupur is infamous among the travelers for the spectacular temples. You will be unable to hold the time as watching the architectural magnificence and listening to the folk music will snatch away your attention from the real world.
The name “Bishnupur” has originated from the name “Vishnu”, which is a powerful deity among Hindu. Most of the residents of this place belong from “Vaishnava” sect. It is incomplete without mentioning its stunning archeological and historical facts. Its cultural past and handicrafts make it a short and quick trip for the travelers.
If you are new to this place and unable to understand where to initially visit and places to check, then here is a small checklist for you.
Rasmancha
This can be a great place for the people who are attracted to the ancient artifacts. This famous building was built by Malla King, Vir Hambir in the 600 century. The unparallel and unique structure of the temple attracts visitors from the corners of the nation. The entire architecture stands straight on the square shape lateral plinth. This plinth is covered by a pyramidal superstructure.
Its interior artefacts are again one of the mesmerizing aspects of the temple. The inner portion of this temple is covered by three circular galleries which are again surmounted with colossal pyramidal structure. The entire artwork looks extremely amazing and surprising and being decorated by motifs and terracotta work, the entire temple looks marvelous.
When this massive temple is enlightened with lights at night, the view appears jaw-dropping to the devotees.
Jorbangla Temple
This infamous religious place was built back in 1655 A. D by a Malla King Raghunath Singha. The unique architectural combination which is more like the ancient Bengal architecture invites visitors from the corners of the nation.
The temple is constructed in the shape of two huts. One of those two huts works as a porch and the inner section of the hut works as a shrine. The temple is known for the terracotta structure along with the wall carvings. These carvings reveal the episodes from Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy scriptures. Not only the devotees but also archeologists and students are attracted to this ancient temple.
Madanmohan Temple
This temple was built back in the 17th century in a unique Ekaratna style or single tower style. Its unique style makes it attractive and invites visitors to find in details about it. The flat square shape roof has the craved cornices and surmounted by pinnacle. The entire temple is constructed with terracotta and mud and the carvings in the inner walls of the temple depict the scenes from the ancient Hindu scriptures.
Dalmadal Kaman Canon
This famous canon was constructed back in 1600AD by Maharaja Bir Humber. The meaning of Dala is “a group” and mardan is “to destroy”. Just as the name serves, this gigantic canon was made by 63 iron plates to protect the territory from the enemies. As during those periods, pure iron was not easily available; therefore, it is believed that they used charcoal for melting iron to a proper construction of the Dalmadal Kaman Canon.
The gigantic canon is an ancient beauty that invites people from different walks of life. The amazing structure is enough to keep you spellbound with the history and architecture.
Radhe Govind Temple
This is again a beautiful temple constructed by Malla Kings, Krishna Singha back in 1729 AD. The temple looks similar to the various other temples constructed in this region. The entire structure is made by terracotta and mud and is renowned for its great craftsmanship.
The temple is devoted to Radha and Govind which invites devotees from the corners of the world.
The intriguing work of terracotta in the inner and outer walls of the temple along with the Baluchari sarees has made Bishnupur one of the best weekend destinations for the travelers. Whether you are looking for serenity or ancient artifacts, Bishnupur is a place that can satisfy your different needs.
How to Reach Bishnupur
By Rail: Bishnupur has its own railway station named as Bishnupur Railway Station abot 6 km driving distance from the town. Rupashi Bangla Express from Santragachi of nearby Kolkata, Purulia Express from Howrah, Siromoni Fast Passenger from Howrah, Santragachi-Porbandar Kaviguru Express Departs From Santragachi and Aranyak Express From Santragachi are major train to reach at Bishnupur.
By Road: CSTC and SBSTC bus services are available from Dharmatala/ Esplanade of Kolkata to Bishnupur regularly. It takes around 4 to 5 hours and the distance is 139 km, which is shorter route compare with rail route. Bus service are also available from Bankura (39 km), Dullabhgaj (41 km), Aranbag (52 km), Durgapur (65 km), Kharagpur (78 km), Burdwan (90 km), Purulia (90 km) and Asansol (125 km). You can hire a taxi or cab or a private car to drive at Bishnupur from any part of the country.
By Air: Bishnupur doesn't have an airport of its own. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) at Dumdum, Kolkata is the nearest Airport to Bishnupur, and it's at a distance of 138 km via SH2 and Bankura - Beliator - Sonamukhi - Khandaghosh - Nischintapur Rd. You can either hire a taxi from the airport or go to Howrah and get a train to Bishnupur or may follow the road journey.