Jor Bangla Temple
Jor-bangla Temple is also known as ‘Yorubangala’.
This temple is designed as per Hindu temple architecture that arose in Bengal. The
style involves two structures that resemble the traditional village huts of the
region, one that serves as a porch, in front of the other that serves as a
shrine. Each structure has a roof of the ek-bangla (or do-chala) style, with
two curved segments that meet at a curved ridge. Jor Bangla Mandir is one of
the few temples of Bishnupur which is in good condition. The fondness with
which my guide explained the Jor Bangla Mandir, I could make out it was his favorite
Chala style temple. I too felt this is one of the must see temples of
Bishnupur. The terracotta panels are undamaged and effect of wearing out is not
prominent yet. It was built by Raghunath Singha II in 1655 A.D. The temple
platform is squarish and measures 12m by 12m we were told. These panels have detailed
scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Krishna-Leela. The prayer room was
shut. It houses the idol of Shadbhuja (6 hands) of Shri Chaitanya. The idol is not
worshiped anymore.
The do-chala (two roofs)
style was used by Muslims and exported to other parts of India. The 17th century
architecture of Delhi, Lahore, Gulbarg has monuments with this style. By
18th century this style became popular in parts of Rajasthan and can be seen in
the palace balconie sand garden pavilions there. There is another ‘Chala style’
temple which I hope to see in future and that is in Bangladesh. It is the
‘Gopinath Jor-Bangla’, a Hindu temple located 1km (0.62 mi) east of Pabna
District in Bangladesh.
History
Jor Bangla Temple is situated two kilometres
north-east to Pabna town. This is one of the most remarkable historical and
architectural structures of Bengal. The construction of this temple is somewhat
different from that of other temples.
Built by Raghunath
Singha II in 1655 A.D., the temple is greatly influenced by classical Bengali architecture.
The temple is also known as the Kasha Raya Temple and is famous for its construction
and terracotta sculptures. The Temple resembles two hut-like structures with separate
angled roofs held together by a chala(tower) at the crown. The Temple platform
measures 11.8m in length and 11.7 m in breadth. Some of the most exquisite
terracotta carvings on walls and sculptures can be found here. These carvings depict
scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Krishna-Leela. In the prayer room is
the idol of Shadbhuja (6 hands) of Shri Chaitanya who is not worshiped anymore.
Due to its terracotta art, this temple is placed among the best in Bishnupur.
