History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Entry Fees, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Rasmancha Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal, India
We feel proud when it comes to the rich heritage and culture of India reflected in our temples and monuments. One of its kinds in the queue is the Rasmancha Temple, also known as the Pyramid of Bengal. Popular for its unique tradition of Rasmancha, a popular connotation used for four hundred year old stage, where Lord Krishna's Raslila Utsav was displayed, the temple attracts many pilgrims. Mancha is made with the oldest bricks, mud and laterite stone. An ancient brick temple located at Bishnupur in Bankura district of West Bengal, India. The ancient temple is one of the top acclaimed historical temples of Bishnupur, where tourists come to worship Lord Vishnu and witness the extravagant events of religious and cultural significance. Devotees can also enjoy seeing the unique architectural temples of Bishnupur city like Malleswar Temple, Lalji Temple, Radhashyam Temple, Jor Bangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple, Pancha Ratna Shyam Rai Temple and Ma Mrinmoyee Temple.
History of Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal
The history of Rasmancha in Bishnupur goes back to four hundred years ago. Hambir Malla Dev or Bir Hambir in 1587-1600 AD, who was the Hindu king of Mallabhumi (Bishnupur), is credited with the establishment of Mancha. King Bir Hanbir’s was ignited with the idea of setting up a stone temple but unfortunately, at that time there was a lack of sufficient stones in Bishnupur. Thus, he ended up erecting a temple made up of clay, bricks and some stones. The purpose that lied behind the building of this temple was to celebrate the auspicious the Vaishnav Ras and to protect his subjects and army from enemy attacks.
During the Vaishnav Ras Utsav, the idols of Radha Krishna gods and goddesses from all the local temples were brought to this temple and have been kept in the three galleries of the temple, worshiped by kings and priests in the same manner.
Architecture of Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal
The incomparable structure of the Rasmancha temple is considered to be one of the oldest in India. Its architecture is considered the pride of Bishnupur. The main mancha was built by King Hambir at Bishnupur with red bricks, lentils, milk and native mortar of rice husk. The architecture of this temple carries in its heart, an amalgamation of different structures, for instance the structure at the top of this impressive mancha resembles an Egyptian pyramid, the middle part is similar to the Bengali hut and the lower arches are similar to Islamic architecture. There are about 40 pillars with these arches, attached to the ceiling. It has a huge pyramidal crown at the top, and there is a beautiful carved statue of a dancing man, woman and lotus flower on top of this pyramid crown.
Its architecture also includes a veranda, a garbhagriha, and cottages of various deities, 108 entrances, huge antique cannons, taller towers, three galleries, pacific pillars and terracotta lotus motif arches. The interesting thing about the temple is that there is only one room or "Garbhagriha" with 3 circular galleries inside that and a long pyramid shaped minar. The great Terracotta carvings on the bricks and walls can clearly be seen from the naked eyes. There are several large Malla period cannons in the temple premises, surrounded by a passageway and a beautiful garden.
Festivities of Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal
The Ras Utsav has been practiced in Bishnupur from time immemorial and since 1600 AD to be more specific. This Utsav is still celebrated on Krishna Janmashtami or Ras Purnima but unlike the erstwhile situation, it does not display on Mancha. On the very day of Ras Utsav, the Radha Govinda of all the temples in Bishnupur area is brought to a Durga festival ground next to this Rasmancha to commemorate the utsav. Raslila is also organized in this Durgautsab Maidan and the galleries of the temple are well decorated with idols and images of Lord Krishna on this day, to give a final edge to the beauty of this temple.
Timings of of Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal
Opened from the 6 am in the morning to the 6 pm in evening
Entry Fee Rasmancha Temple, Bishnupur
Indians: ₹ 25
Foreigner: ₹ 300
How to Reach Rasmancha temple, Bishnupur, The Temple City, West Bengal, India
Rasmancha Temple is located in heart of City. Bishnupur, the important historical town of Bankura district of West Bengal is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Lots of peoples visits here throughout the year which makes Bishnupur more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Imphal, Manipur has major airport which is located just at a distance of around 30 km and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Kolkata is at 140 km from the Bishnupur from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Bishnupur has major rail junction from where you can get train to almost all part of country. Bishnupur is located at 28 km from Imphal, 135 km from Kolkata,37 km from Bankura, 64 km from Durgapur, 152 km from Mayapur, 89 km from Belur, 85 km from Tarakeshwar
