Hindu Temples of India: Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Rasmancha, Bishnupur, West Bengal

Rasmancha is a historical building located in Bishnupur Town in Bankura District of West Bengal State, India. It was commissioned by Mallabhum king Hambir Malla Dev (Bir Hambir) in 1600 CE. The temple has an unusual elongated pyramidical tower, surrounded by hut-shaped turrets, which were very typical of Bengali roof structures of the time. Similar architecture and building have not been found elsewhere in India and it is considered as the pride of Bishnupur for its unique shape. Rasmancha is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bishnupur Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Bishnupur Junction Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bishnupur New Bus Stand.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/06/bishnupur-history.html

Architecture

Ras Mancha is unique in terms of design and layout. Similar buildings are not found elsewhere in Bengal or in the entire country. Hence, this striking architecture marvel is called as 'The Pride of Bishnupur'. Ras Mancha is technically not a temple. It is the place where the deities from all the temples of Bishnupur would be gathered for public darshan every year during the Ras festival. Hence, there is no deity in this pavilion. The festival was last celebrated in 1932 CE; afterwards, it was declared as a protected monument.

The Rasmancha stands on a square platform of size 24.5m X 24.5m of Laterite blocks. The square foundation is 1.5m high. The main structure stands on this platform and is built of red-soil bricks. It is 12.5m high. The roof of this terracotta masterpiece has a pyramidal summit and is supported by 40 pillars and arches. This immensely significant and cultural masterpiece is one of its kind in the country.

It is an impressive square building with a small shrine in the centre and three-corridor galleries with vaulted roofs enclosing it. The structure has only a single chamber, the sanctum sanctorum, with an elongated tower, surrounded by hut shaped turrets. Apart from few bas relief images of dancers and singers and few lotus motifs, the exterior is plain.