Jor Bangla Temple: Bishnupur’s Terracotta Masterpiece
- Ranu Das
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 4
In the temple town of Bishnupur, situated in Bankura district, the Jor Bangla Temple stands out as one of the finest terracotta monuments. The temple was built in 1655 by King Raghunath Singha, the 51st ruler of the Malla dynasty. Twelve years before this, he had also built the Shyam Rai Temple nearby.
The word Jor comes from Jora, which means pair or twin. The temple has two similar Bangla-style roofs joined together, so it is called the Jor Bangla Temple. Its real name, however, is Kesto Rai Temple. Kesto is a colloquial name of Lord Krishna, and ‘Rai’ refers to Radha. Like the nearby Shyam Rai Temple, this temple was also dedicated to the same deities.
The design of the temple is very unique. It is made of two large do-chala huts joined together in a straight line to form one temple. The roofs are low and curved, looking like the mud cottages and huts of Bengal. These roofs were rebuilt with terracotta bricks, exactly like the traditional houses of this region, so later this style came to be known as the Bangla Style of Architecture. At the point where the two do-chalas meet, a small char-chala, which looks like a four-sided hut, rises above. The southern do-chala works as a porch, while the northern do-chala behind it is the main sanctum of the temple.
Terracotta decoration has been used all over the outer walls, on the walls of the halls, and even under the roof. These sculptures are not only abundant but also of very high artistic quality. Along with scenes from Krishna Leela, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, mythological tales, and countless images of Hindu deities, there are also carvings of wild animals, hunting scenes, and battles on land and water. On the southern wall of the temple are panels of Krishna Leela, while the western wall depicts stories from the Ramayana, from the birth of Rama to the killing of Taraka and Rama’s marriage. Below the fierce battle of the goddess on the western wall, there is a depiction of Ganesha’s mother, and also images of the Ashtamatrikas. The temple carvings show not only Portuguese battles but also the grandeur and luxury of the Mughal aristocracy. The temple has no idol inside. Today, it is preserved under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Bishnupur is a place full of history and heritage. The Jor Bangla Temple, with its centuries-old terracotta art, is not just a temple but also a symbol of Bengal’s culture and tradition. The walls are decorated with beautiful carvings from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela, and even scenes of village life. So, if you visit Bishnupur, you should never miss the chance to see and enjoy this special heritage—the Jor Bangla Temple.
