Jor Bangla Mandir, Terracotta Temple, Bishnupur
Jor Bangla Mandir (Temple) is typical do chala (2 roof) terracotta temple in Bishnupur. Here words jor means pair and bangla means cottage in Bengali language. Architecture of this temple is such that it is not a single structure but a pair of almost similar buildings. Other names for the temple are: Keshta Rai Temple, Yorubangala.
(This is not to be confused with temples in Pabna Town of Bangladesh,
both have same name Jor Bangla Mandir.)
The temples here are of Chala style of architecture. Chala in local language of Bengal means roof. The temples are categorized as per the number of roofs. These temples have triangular roof and at first glance you will feel its striking similarity with rural huts. Depending on the number of chalas these temples are named: Chaar Chala (four roofs) and Aatchala (eight roofs).
Jor Bangla Mandir Bishnupur
Jor Bangla Mandir
Jor Bangla Mandir is one of the few temples of Bishnupur which is in good condition. The fondness with which my guide explained the Jor Bangla Mandir, I could make out it was his favorite Chala style temple. I too felt this is one of the must see temples of Bishnupur. The terracotta panels are undamaged and effect of wearing out is not prominent yet.
It was built by Raghunath Singha II of Malla dynasty in 1655 A.D. The temple platform is squarish and measures 12m by 12m we were told. Jor Bangla is considered the most elegant of Bishnupur’s temples.
These panels have detailed scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Krishna-Leela. The prayer room was shut. It houses the idol of Shadbhuja (6 hands) of Shri Chaitanya. The idol is not worshiped anymore.
Do Chala Architecture
The do-chala (two roof) style was used by Muslims and exported to other parts of India. The 17th century architecture of Delhi, Lahore, Gulbarg has monuments with this style. By 18th century this style became popular in parts of Rajasthan and can be seen in the palace balconies and garden pavilions there.
There is another ‘Chala style’ temple which I hope to see in future and that is in Bangladesh. It is the ‘Gopinath Jor-Bangla’, a Hindu temple located 1km (0.62 mi) east of Pabna District in Bangladesh.
Terracotta figures on facade of mandir
Photo Essay on Jor Bangla Mandir Wall Panels
Here is a series of pictures of the terracotta panels on Jor Bangla mandir (temple) façade. Terracotta has a shelf life of 300 years. During 16th century when there was scarcity of good construction materials like stone, the solution was terracotta. You will find the distribution of such terracotta temples along the alluvial delta of Ganges River where there is abundance of clay.
Artificial door in Jor Bangla Mandir
Terracotta Panel details
The discovery of ‘permanence of baked clay’ since ancient times was a boon for the temple makers. The basic structure was made from local laterite and brick. Laterite is red clay; it is coarse in appearance and is used for making foundations, platforms and walls of buildings. It is given a finish with stucco.
Sculpting is done on stucco; unfortunately the fine finish tends to wear off with time. The whole structure looks as if it is enveloped with terracotta plaques. The characters are lined up to create a story on the facades. On some of the facades you will see the rhythmic effect of the repetitive panels above the arches. Be aware, one tends get lost in the flow of the story and in the process loose track of flow of time!
Terracotta art work
Stories through terracotta panel
How to Reach Bishnupur from Kolkata
By air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International, Kolkata, about 150 km away. Then take a train, bus or cab
By train: There are direct trains from Howrah to Bishnupur.
By bus: Regular buses ply from Kolkata’s Esplanade and Shahid Minar Bus Terminus.
Getting Around Bishnupur
Within the city you will get rickshaws, buses and taxis as means of transportation.
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How beautiful! Do they allow tours in these temples?
Yes they do allow temple tours there. Do make a visit when possible.
A lesser known Temple that we got to learn about 🙂
Good pics, Indrani 🙂
It has been 4 years living in Burdwan for me. Still, I couldn't visit Bishnupur. Reading this, I think I must visit the historical gem soon. 🙂
I've visited this temple . Good shots Indrani 🙂
This is a remarkable building, but what about windows? Is it pitch black inside? Very beautiful and unusual, however. Love the terra cotta color.
Shape of roof is very different and un-usual !
Magnificent architecture and wonderful shots.
Beautiful and such intricate work!
Chaar chala and aatchala reminds me of our naalukettu and ettukettu…it was traditional homes built in Kerala in earlier times…naalukettu is built even now with a variation.
Lovely post!
Following you 🙂
Deepa
http://deepazworld.blogspot.in
Awesomeness
I am always amazed to see the old monuments and their pictures. Thanks for sharing the pics, and i always wonder about the powerful old architecture. Nice informative post.
cheers,
Nishchal
Conveys a rich look
Great work beautifully captured!
The carvings are so beautiful !
Your posts are making me want to plan a West Bengal trip right now! There is so much to see!
Each square is so different from each other. I wonder how they managed to so such intricate work with the bare minimum tools that they had.
A great architecture.
first image is just beautiful !
I really like this style. The temple is beautiful, and I'm glad to see that the terra cotta details are intact and still sharp in details.
beautiful captures. the architecture of this place is wow
Wow! Absolutely fascinating details and marvelous angles over there… Glad seeing the temple without much damage.
I would love to see the panels closer; they look beautiful.
I love the intricate details… beautiful Indrani!
The architecture is fantastic.
Great architecture!
Enjoy the weekend!
The carvings on the wall looks so delicate.
WOW..Beatiful..Very well captured Indrani..
Fantastic! each one a gem!
I can see the intricate work in the pictures.How ancient are these?
All these terracotta temples of West Bengal, you have reported so far, are so beautiful Indrani. Loved exploring these with each of your posts 🙂
Wow – so very very gorgeous!
Beautiful picture. I really like the last 2 pictures, they look like in continuation..
Beautiful carving!
this style is very charming. i hope this one will be preserved.
Beautiful architectural facade.
that is neat! i like the roof-style!
The intricate carving never ceases to amaze me!! Beautiful! And wonderful captures, as always, Indrani! I wish some of my many travels over the years would have taken me to India! I have learned so much about the country and culture from bloggers over the past six years and I would love to see/visit there. Hope you have a lovely weekend! Enjoy!