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Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur
Krishna (Keshta Rai) · Terracotta · West Bengal
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Jor Bangla Temple at Bishnupur is among the finest of the famous terracotta temples of the Malla kings, built in 1655 and dedicated to Krishna as Keshta Rai. Its distinctive form — two thatched-hut roofs joined under a single tower, the “jor bangla” — and its walls covered in carved clay panels of the epics make it a masterpiece of the Bengal temple tradition.
The twin-roofed temple
The “jor bangla” form imitates in brick and terracotta the twin sloping roofs of the Bengali village hut, two such roofs joined together and crowned by a small tower (chala), a shape born in the deltaic land of Bengal. Built in 1655 by the Malla king Raghunath Singha, the temple enshrines Krishna as Keshta Rai, the lord of Bishnupur.
Stories told in clay
The temple’s walls are covered with carved terracotta panels — the most celebrated at Bishnupur — depicting the battles of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, scenes of Krishna’s life, hunts, processions and the daily world of old Bengal. The fineness of the clay carving, fired hard and weathered over centuries, makes Jor Bangla a high point of the terracotta art for which Bishnupur is famous.
The temple-town of the Mallas
Bishnupur was the capital of the Malla kings, who in the 17th and 18th centuries raised a cluster of brick and terracotta temples — Jor Bangla, Rasmancha, the Shyam Rai and others — that are among the treasures of Bengal. The town is also the home of a celebrated school of classical music and of the Bishnupur Mela, held in winter.
How to reach the temple
- By road: Jor Bangla is in Bishnupur town, Bankura district, about 140 km from Kolkata.
- By train: Bishnupur has its own railway station.
- By air: Kolkata is the nearest airport, about 150 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jor Bangla Temple?
It is among the finest terracotta temples of Bishnupur, built in 1655 by the Malla king Raghunath Singha, dedicated to Krishna as Keshta Rai.
Why is it called Jor Bangla?
The “jor bangla” form joins two thatched-hut-style roofs under a single tower, imitating in brick the twin-roofed Bengali village hut — a distinctive Bengal temple shape.
What are the temple’s carvings?
Its walls are covered with carved terracotta panels — the most celebrated at Bishnupur — showing scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the life of Krishna and the daily world of old Bengal.
Who built the temple?
It was built in 1655 by the Malla king Raghunath Singha, in the temple-capital of Bishnupur.
What else is Bishnupur known for?
Bishnupur is famous for its cluster of Malla-era terracotta temples, a celebrated school of classical music, and the winter Bishnupur Mela.
How do I reach the temple?
It is in Bishnupur town, Bankura district, about 140 km from Kolkata, with its own railway station.
॥ जय श्री कृष्ण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Krishna as Keshta Rai |
| Built | 1655, Malla king Raghunath Singha |
| Architecture | Jor Bangla (twin-roof) terracotta temple |
| Special | Finely carved terracotta panels of the epics |
| Setting | Bishnupur, the Malla temple-town |
| River | Dwarakeswar |