Radhashyam Temple

Dotted with the revered temple of Radhashyam, Bishnupur is located in Bankura, West Bengal at 160 km distant from Kolkata. The city is globally popular for Baluchi sarees and Terracotta temples of the 17th and 18th centuries. Radhashyam temple is one of the most popular temples here, which is adorned with intricate terracotta works.

Things to Do:

When you will plan your visit to Radha Shyam temple of Bishnupur, you may also visit a couple of other beautiful temples too including Rasmancha (you need to collect your entry tickets from here only!), Jor Bangla temple, Lalji temple, Madan Mohan temple, Radha Gobinda temple, Radha Madhav temple, Nandala temple, and many more.

History:

The city Bishnupur is located in the Mallabhum region (as it was called in ancient times!). This is named so as the Malla dynasty ruled the Bishnupur kingdom for many centuries in the past. Adi Malla founded this empire. It was Malla King Chaitanya Singha who built this beautiful Radhashyam Temple, Bishnupur in 1758 CE. Stone was not easily available in those ages in West Bengal. Most probably this was the main reason behind the birth of terracotta works. Other than Radha Shyam, many other popular temples were built this time with terracotta works.

Another interesting fact about the architecture of this city is those never caught affected by the Mughal invasion.

Architecture:

Radhashyam temple is counted as one of the most beautiful terracotta temples of Bishnupur. When you go for a visit here, you must also visit Jor Bangla, which is another lovely temple near it.

Radha Shyam temple is known as a living temple which is preserving the statues of Lord Radha and Krishna. The shrine also includes big sized relief images of Nityananda and Chaitanya (Avatar of Lord Vishnu). You can find another sanctum in the temple including the idols of Lod Jagannath of Puri together with Nityananda and Chaitanya.

This temple is made with laterite. It faces the south direction and is square on plan. The exterior wall terracotta works contain decoration of limestone stucco. The design pattern reflects the Eka Ratna style. It has a uniquely shaped pinnacle.

The terracotta artworks are just awesome on the exteriors of the temple. You can find Lord Vishnu in his reclining pose which I sure to attract every eye on a glance. Some artworks are printed with floral designs as the scenes of epics.

On your visit, you can find another beautiful example of artwork near the temple in the form of a Tulsi Mancha.

The Radhashyam temple is surrounded by a large courtyard having big boundary walls in its back. There is a triple-arched gateway styled in Islamic patterns. It is designed with two dome structures which include open windows.

Festival:

Janmashtami is the biggest celebrated festival here. You may plan your visit during this time of the year to witness the special decorations of Radha Shyam temple, Bishnupur.

The best Time to Visit:

You can visit Radha Shyam Temple at any time of the year. It remains open 7 days a week, from 6 AM to 6 PM. But you need to get entry tickets from Rasmancha. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter this temple.

How to reach this temple?

Bishnupur is reachable from Kolkata as it's only 160 km away from the capital city. By railways, you need to reach Bishnupur railway station. If you want to fly here, the nearby airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. Then you may catch a train or bus or hire a cab to reach Bishnupur.