• Jan 25 2016
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Lalji Temple

The Lalji Temple is dedicated to Radha & Krishna is located in Bishnupur ,West Bengal , which stands on a high point, is of the Bengali style of architecture. In its verandah is preserved a stone slab (lying loose) with an inscription in Bengali characters, dated 1577 Saka (,1655 A.D.), recording the erection of a Navaratna temple of Krishna by Rani Lakshmanavati, wife of Raja Hari Narayan.Lalji Temple was built in 1658 CE by Malla king Bir Singha II in Eka-Ranta style. This temple has been devoted to Radha-Krishna. This temple bears similar architectural concepts like many of the earlier temples. It is built on a square raised plinth, consisting of ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings. Descriptive and ornamental arches and an encompassment around the temple are a typical feature of the temple.In front of the temple, there is a dancing hall and there is a tower in Orissan style in the west dedicated to Raghunath. The outer yard is divided from the inner by a wall and contains a small Pancharatna temple of Kameswar Siva with an inscription dated 1655 AD. The temple is enclosed by a wall entirely with a gateway passage towards the east. There are two cars in front of the gateway, one for Lord Lalji and the other is for Lord Raghunath which are taken out in procession during Dussehra festival. There are inscriptions in Bengali at several places.Just 300 m away from Lalji Temple, one can also see a beautiful stone chariot. Dates back to 17th century AD, this small double storied structure stands on a low laterite plinth originally with three wheels on each side. The lower storey resembles the arched pavilion of Rasmancha, whereas the upper storey with shikhara resembles the Ek-Ratna Temple of Bishnupur.Visitors can get the entry tickets for all the Bishnupur temples from Rasmancha including this one. Else, visitors are not allowed to enter inside the temple.