Rasmancha Explained

Ras Mancha
Native Name:রাসমঞ্চ
Native Name Lang:bn
Religious Affiliation:Hinduism
Festival:Ras utsav
Location:Bishnupur
District:Bankura
State:West Bengal
Country:India
Coordinates:23.0717°N 87.3268°W
Architecture Type:Bengal temple architecture
Architecture Style:Chala style
Founded By:Hambir Malla Dev
Established:1600 CE
Materials:Laterite Bricks and Terracotta tiles
Designation1:Monuments of National Importance (India)
Designation1 Type:Cultural
Designation1 Offname:Ras Mancha
Designation1 Number:IN-WB-24

The Rasmancha (Bengali: রাসমঞ্চ; Raasmoncho) is a historical temple located at Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal, India. It was commissioned by Mallabhum king Hambir Malla Dev (Bir Hambir) in 1600 CE.[1] Length and breadth of this temple is 24.5 meter and the height is 12.5 meter. The base of the temple is made of laterite stone and upper part is made with bricks.

Built on a laterite plinth, it is an impressive square building with a small shrine in the centre and three-corridor galleries with vaulted roofs enclosing it.[1] The building is used for putting up idols from other temples on the occasion of Ras festival.[1]

During the Vaishnava Ras festival, all the Radha Krishna idols of Bishnupur town used to be brought here to be worshipped by the citizens.[2] The annual festival was held in Rasmancha till 1932.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ASI, Kolkata Circle .
  2. Bishnupur (Bengali), S. S. Biswas, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, p. 23-24