Bishnupur Jor Bangla Temple - West Bengal

Address

Bishnupur Jor Bangla Temple – West Bengal

Rajdarbar, Bishnupur,

Bankura District,

West Bengal 722122

Moolavar

Vishnu

Introduction

The Jor Bangla Temple, also known as Yorubangala Temple and Kestorai Temple, is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bishnupur Town, in the Bankura District of West Bengal, India.

Location: The Jor Bangla Temple is situated in Bishnupur Town, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the Bishnupur Bus Stand. It is located near the Shyam Rai (Pancharatna) Temple, which is another significant architectural landmark in the town.
Historical Origin: The Jor Bangla Temple was built in the year 1655 CE by Malla King Raghunatha Singha. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region during the rule of the Malla dynasty.
Temple Name: The temple is referred to as Jor Bangla due to its distinctive architectural style, which features two interconnected Eka Ratna structures with sloping roofs joined together. This design gives the appearance of two thatched roofs connected by a turret.
Dedication: The Jor Bangla Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. However, it’s important to note that the temple currently does not house any deity.
Architectural Style: The temple follows the Jor-bangle style of architecture. This style is characterized by two interconnected thatched roof-like structures, crowned with a turret. The base of the temple is square, measuring approximately 11.8 meters by 11.48 meters, and the height above the platform is about 10.7 meters.
Terracotta Art: One of the most striking features of the Jor Bangla Temple is the presence of numerous terracotta panels adorning both the interior and exterior walls. These panels depict a wide range of scenes, including stories from the Puranas, episodes from the epics, Krishna Lila (the divine play of Lord Krishna), hunting scenes, and more. The terracotta art adds to the temple’s beauty and cultural significance.
Entry Fee: There is an entry fee of Rs 50 to access the temple premises.

The Jor Bangla Temple is not only a significant religious site but also a cultural treasure with its distinctive architecture and intricate terracotta art.