• Jan 25 2016
• Admin
• 12
• 3332
• Travel

Pancha Ratna Shyam Rai Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Bishnupur Bus Stand, Shyam Rai Temple is an ancient temple situated within the fort of Bishnupur. Located near Jor Bangla Temple, it is one of the popular temples in Bishnupur and among the must-see places to experience Bishnupur tourism.

Popularly known as Pancha Ratna Temple, Shyam Rai Temple was built by King Raghunath Singha in the year 1643 AD. Like most of the temples in Bishnupur, this is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is an example of the Pancha Ratna (Five gems) architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. This is the most profusely carved temple in Bishnupur.

It stands on a low square plinth and consists of an ambulatory pathway with a porch opened by three arches on the four sides of the temple. This brick-built temple consists of a square roof surmounted by five towers. The central tower itself is octagonal while the other four are square in shape. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna's life. The curved ceiling of the temple is influenced by Islamic architecture which cannot be seen in any other temple