Bishnupur (Rarh)

Bishnupur (বিষ্ণুপুর Biṣṇupur), also spelt Vishnupur, is a town in the Rarh region of West Bengal, India. Although famous for terracotta temples, Bishnupur also houses several laterite stone temples. Bishnupur also houses several other ancient religious and non-religious structures. The town probably contains the highest number of historical sites of any town in West Bengal. The terracotta temples are in the tentative list of since 1998.

Understand


Bishnupur (BIHSH-noo-poor) was the citadel of the Malla dynasty. The dynasty was founded in the late 7th century by Adi Malla. Adi Malla was the abandoned son of a North Indian king. He was brought up by a Bramhim of the present-day Bishnupur region. The brahmin family provided him with the best education along with physical and warfare training. The boy not only excelled in education but also turned out to be an outstanding wrestler. Soon on the request of the local elders, he ascended the throne of the local kingdom, which was renamed as the Malla Kingdom (Malla meaning wrestling) and he is known as Adi Malla.

The Malla Kingdom flourished and after about 300 years the 10th Malla King Jagat Malla decided to shift his kingdom to Bishnupur. Over the next 800 years, Jagat Malla and his descendants built several temples and structures (both of brick and stone) turning Bishnupur into a temple town. Among the present structure, the oldest structure of Bishnupur is the Rasmancha dating back to 1600. The other structures were built in the next 150 years.

Although known for its terracotta temples Bishnupur also has its fair share of stone temples. In fact, these laterite stone temples outnumber the brick or terracotta temples. Moreover, the temples of Bishnupur follow different styles of Bengal Temple Architecture and include both chala (sloped roof) and ratna (pinnacle) temples. Apart from the temples and other religious structures a small portion of the fortification of the citadel still remains.

By plane
The nearest airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport at Durgapur, but only a few flights are present at the airport. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata is the nearest airport to get to Bishnupur smoothly.

By car
From Kolkata travel to Dankuni, take the Durgapur Expressway (NH 19), at Ratanpur crossing turn left and take the Sheoraphuli-Tarakeswar road, go straight through to Arambagh and Bishnupur.

Get around
Many of the temples are near each other and walking is a good option. Cycle rickshaws are another option. A combination of walk and cycle rickshaw can work out very well. Auto (diesel-powered three-wheelers) and toto (battery powdered three-wheelers) are also available and are good for tourists with limited time. Cars are also available on hire and hotels can arrange for them. One day is more than enough to visit the major sites of Bishnupur. For more detailed observation minimum of two days are absolutely necessary.

See
Bishnupur being a temple town, the focus is on temples, several of them built of terracotta during the reign of the Malla kings, who ruled over the area prior to the arrival of the British. Bishnupur also hosts several laterite stone temples along with several other religious and non-religious structures. The sites of Bishnupur are clustered around the Rasmancha. They can be classified into four groups:
 * 1) Rasmancha and north of Rasmancha
 * 2) South of Rasmancha
 * 3) Further north
 * 4) North west

Rasmancha and north of Rasmancha
This area contains three of the best-known terracotta structures of Bishnupur. They are Shyamrai Temple, Kestorai Temple and the Rasmancha. This is a compact area and walking can be a good leisurely option. People who are short of time can opt for a cycle rickshaw.

South of Rasmancha
This section contains no terracotta temples but houses seven single pinnacled (ek ratna) temples made of laterite stones. Apart from the seven temples there is a reconstructed old temple. The area also contains a huge cannon. The area also contains the artificial lake and the local museum. This area is also compact lush green area and best explored on foot. People who are short of time can opt for a cycle rickshaw.

Further north
This area contains the famous Madanmohan Temple, the fourth and last major terracotta structure of Bishnupur. There are three other terracotta temples near by. All four temples are located in close vicinity to each other but far from the other areas and hotels, and are best explored on an auto or toto.

North West
These two terracotta temples are located next to each other but are quite far from the other areas or hotels. So it is best explored in an auto or toto. These temples are generally not visited by general tourists but are visited by history and terracotta enthusiasts.

Do
It is also a great centre for music - the Bishnupur gharana is well known in classical music. Look out for opportunities, check where you stay, if you are an Indian classical music fan.

Buy
The town of Bishnupur has several shops selling baluchari and swarnachuri saris, terracotta artefacts, conch shells and artefacts and Dasabatar Cards. Panchmura is a nearby terracotta artisan village which can also be visited.

Eat
Bishnupur is a small town. One can find various small eateries in and around the temples as well as near the main bus stand. However, one should try Posto-r Bora. You may also try various types of fries (telebhaja) and Sweetmeat near Sibdas Girls school prepared from pure Ghee. If you want a simple Bengali lunch with posto bora, Hotel Monalisa is the place to go.

Drink
Hard drinks are generally available in the hotels.

Go next

 * Bankura - 30 km from Bishnupur.
 * Biharinath - for a holiday in the lap of nature.
 * Jayrambati and Kamarpukur - 43 km. from Bishnupur, birthplaces of Sri Ma Sarada Devi and Sri Ramakrishna Pramahansa. Near Kamarpukur is the historic Garh Mandaran, made famous by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
 * Mukutmanipur - about 83 km from Bishnupur, by the side of the river Kangsabati. The main attraction is the dam across the river and the hilly landscape.
 * Susunia - one of the important hills in Bankura district, rising abruptly from the neighbouring plains to a height of 44 metres. Stone inscriptions of Chandravarma, a 4th-century king, have been discovered here. From Bankura on the Bankura-Purulia road, one has to alight at Chhatna on the 13th km. Susunia is 7 km. north of Chhatna.