History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur, West Bengal, India
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Madam Mohan temple is an architectural marvel in the Bishnupur town in west Bengal. It's one of the most beautiful ancient Hindu temples. Built in the year 1695 by King Durjan Singha of Malla dynasty, it’s known for its immaculately maintained Chariot-style architecture intertwined with stories from Hindu religious books and wall inscriptions engraved from the stories of Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is definitely a clear symbolization of Bishnupur’s great craft in stone and terracotta temples dedicated to various gods and goddess of Hindu mythology. Purpose of the construction was to honour his family deities Lord Krishna and Radha (Madan Mohan’ is another name of Lord Krishna).
History of Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur
Bishnupur eventually became the capital of the kings of the Malla dynasty. Popular Legends circulate around the construction of the temple which believe that the deity Madan Mohan manifested himself on earth to defend the Malla king in the battle with the Maratha invaders, who attacked Bengal. The original temple was destructed in 1820 due to a massive earthquake in the state. The present temple had to be rebuilt after this. Meanwhile, the original deity was installed in a village. As the fame of the deity spread far and wide, a personal visit by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the famous Vaishnava saint embarked more value to it.
Architecture of Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur
Ekaratna style of architecture is used in the making of the temple which reflects the Bishnupur’s eternal bond with stone and terracotta temples. Its significant features are square flat roof, curved cornices and a pinnacle top the pictorial representation of Hindu epics and Lord krishna’s adventurers on the pillars is a proof of skilled craftmanship, the detailed stories seem to come alive in the visitor’s imagination.With a square base and a great height, the moderate platform has three arched entrances on its three directions. The sloping roof on four sides is centred with a single sikhara (tower). This makes this temple as an Eka Ratna temple which houses only one shikhar in its building.
Popular legend behind Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur
The temple is famous because of the legend that includes the deity himself. The king found himself in a life threatening position against the Marathas that made lost almost all hopes. After hearing the deafening booms of the artilleries, the god-fearing King Gopal Singha woke up from his prostate state. The booming peals of the cannons made the king in convict that God had himself manifested here to protect his kingdom from the invasions of outside forces.
Festivals celebrated here at Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur
The Bishunupur Festival is held every year between 27 and 31 December near the Madanmohana Temple, Bishnupur. The Festival celebrates the rich heritage of the town and the temple temple for its beautiful terracotta sculptures and silk sarees of great elegance. Bishnupur was once the capital of the Malla Kings and is renowned for its crafts since then.
Major Attractions of Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur
The temple of Madan Mohan is a marvel in itself. Its story telling carvings attract people telling them famous stories specially the big pillars at the entrance recreating the battlefield of the Ramayana. The Eka Ratna style makes the temple special. The terracotta panels that are found in this temple can be considered as the most beautiful among all temples in Bishnupur. The most notable sculpture is Nabanarikunja, where nine females form an elephant. The mandap called as Chandi Mandap, along with it, there is a big tree just outside the temple whose trunk has a formation and people have put vermilion on it to give it a face of Lord Ganesh. There are many shops outside the temple selling terracotta items like Horses, Idols, etc.
How to Reach Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur, The Temple City, West Bengal, India
Madan Mohan temple is located in center of Bishnupur. As 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
