Bishnupur Radhe Shyam Temple- West Bengal

Address

Bishnupur Radhe Shyam Temple- West Bengal

Bishnupur, Bankura District,

West Bengal 722122

Moolavar

Lord Vishnu

Introduction

The Radhe Shyam Temple in Bishnupur, West Bengal, is a remarkable temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

1. Location: The Radhe Shyam Temple is located in Bishnupur Town, which is situated in the Bankura District of West Bengal, India. It is positioned next to the famous Jor-Bangla Temple, which is also a prominent architectural and cultural landmark in the area.
2. Architectural Excellence: Among the group of temples in Bishnupur, the Radhe Shyam Temple stands out as one of the most advanced in terms of architecture and sculpture. It is considered one of the best Ek-Ratna (single spire) temples in the city.
3. Historical Origin: The temple was commissioned and built by the Malla King Chaitanya Singha in the year 1758 CE. It reflects the rich historical and cultural heritage of Bishnupur, which was known for its association with the Malla dynasty and Vaishnavism.
4. Structure and Design:
   • The temple is constructed in the Eka Ratna style, characterized by a single spire.
   • The temple is made of laterite and has a square plan.
   • It features a dome-shaped shikhara (tower) with stucco motifs that depict floral, geometric patterns, and scenes from the Puranas (Hindu mythological texts).
   • The exterior walls are adorned with lime stone stucco decorations.
   • The temple has a unique pinnacle with a semi-spherical dome and a Kalasha (sacred pot) on top.
   • The spire was used to house the deity during festivals, allowing a large number of people to view the idol from a distance.
5. Deities: The temple is a living temple and enshrines the idols of Radha and Krishna (Shyam) in the sanctum. The sanctum also contains large relief images of Chaitanya and Nityananda. Another shrine within the temple houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, along with Chaitanya and Nityananda.
6. Courtyard and Gateway: The temple is enclosed within a spacious courtyard surrounded by large boundary walls. The entrance to the courtyard is marked by a triple-arched gateway with dome-like structures and open windows.
7. Artwork: The exterior walls of the temple are adorned with attractive stucco artwork, including depictions of Vishnu in a reclining posture, scenes from epics, and floral designs.

The Radhe Shyam Temple is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and architectural finesse of the Bishnupur region.

Century/Period

1758 CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- West Bengal

Nearest Bus Station

Bishnupur

Nearest Railway Station

Bishnupur Junction

Nearest Airport

Bishnupur

Location on Map

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