Jore-Bungla (Kesta Rai) Temple

About this monument

Traditionally known as Kestaraya, the temple is famous for its structural features and exquisite terracotta embellishments. The temple is a combination of two large dochalas joined together longitudinally. At the junction of them is set up a small charchala, i.e. a replica in brick of a hut with four sided roof. Facing south, the temple stands upon a nearly square platform. Its outer dochala serves as the porch and the inner dochala as the sanctum. An unending variety of terracotta covers every side of the temple. Even the inner side and ceiling of the porch is covered with terracotta decoration. In the sanctum a stucco figure of Sadabhuja Krishna is placed on a high pedestal against the back wall. The terracotta decoration includes scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Krishnalila, semi-divine being, hunting and social scenes. On the eastern and western wall, the timber frame on which the dochalas rest has been so efficiently translated in terracotta that it is a rare architectural work. From the richness of ornamental decoration and the quality of the workmanship, the Kestaraya temple stands as the finest among the temples of Bishnupur.

Site plan

Site plan from the ASI Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Vol. VII Part IV, Kolkata Circle (2015).

Photographs