Bishnupur Sareswar and Saileshwar Temple, West Bengal

Address

Bishnupur Sareswar and Saileshwar Temple, Nikunjapur – Joykrishnapur Rd, Dihar, West Bengal 722165

Diety

Sareswar and Saileshwar (Shiva)

Introduction

These twin temples are dedicated to Mahadev and located in the village of Dihar which is 8 km distant from Bishnupur. The village of Dihar houses two ruined but majestic temples. Both the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are known as Sareswar and Saileswar. A Nandi Bull guards the entrance of Sareswar Temple. The Sareswar and Saileswar Temples are protected monuments under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Puranic Significance

Located atop a small mound the Sareswar and Saileswar Temples are built of laterite stones. Built in 1346 by the Malla King Pritvi Malla, the temples follow the typical Oriya Deul style architecture. The towering spires of both Sareswar and Saileswar have long collapsed.. The Temple contains beautiful floral and geometric stucco work on its outer walls, but most of it has been wiped out by the forces of nature and centuries of human neglect. A stone Nandi bull in front of the Sareswar Temple, may have given the temple its name (Sar means bull). Sadly the elements of nature has its effect on the laterite stone bull, its heavily eroded and in the process loosing most of its intricate features. The temples attracts a large number of pilgrims, from the neighboring region, during the shivaratri festival.