Bishnupur Shyamrai Temple

Bishnupur Shyamrai Temple

It is the best temple of terracotta architecture at Bishnupur I think. The brick temple was built by the Malla king Raghunath Singh in 1643 AD. The temple belongs to five Sikharas called Pancharatna. Its terracotta panels are beautiful and an example of outstanding architecture. The temple stands on a low square plinth. A porch is opened by three multicusped arches on four sides. The central Sikhara is octagon and other four are square in Pida order. The terracotta panels narrate the scenes of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Purana. The panels also narrate the contemporary socio-economic, religious, political life of people. Many terracotta panels are made of the scenes of famous Rasamandala. All of these are aesthetically beautiful and noteworthy. Information Source- Archeological Survey of India, Kolkata circle. ©Rupesh Samanta