Madan Mohan Temple | Terracotta Temples of Bengal | Part 1

Madan Mohan Temple, front view

Madan Mohan Temple is one of the best Terracotta temples of Bengal. This 300 years old temple is dedicated to Radha and Krishna. When it comes to beauty, the single-sikhara(dome) on top of a curved Bengal chala-roof is considered as second-to-none, amongst it’s kind.

Location: Bishnupur, West Bengal, India

Built in: AD 1694, By Durjan Singha, Malla Kingdom

The Structure:

Madan Mohan Temple, side view
Madan Mohan Temple, side view

The famous Bengal Chala-roof is at it’s best. The temple is built in Ekaratna style.  The building is square and made of locally available laterite stone.

The terracotta work is minute, yet marvelous! The master architect left their signature mark on the wall with pride:

The Signature, Madan Mohan Temple.
The Signature, Madan Mohan Temple.

The Details:

There are stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata on the walls, carved on the stones. However, the enriched music and festivals of Bengal became the main focus of the artworks.

The Veena Player, Madan Mohan Temple
The Veena Player, Madan Mohan Temple
The Khol Player, Madan Mohan Temple
The Khol Player, Madan Mohan Temple
The Leela, Madan Mohan Temple
The Leela, Madan Mohan Temple

The Radha-Krishna Leela, or dance forms are pure gold!

Radha Krishna, Madan Mohan Temple
Radha Krishna, Madan Mohan Temple


How to Reach
: Bishnupur Railway Station can be reached by local or express trains from Howrah or Santragachi Jn stations. Bishnupur is only a 4-hour drive or 150 kms away from Kolkata.