Dihar Twin Temples
Dihar is a village of immense archaeological significance, often considered to be the most important site in the region next to Bishnupur itself. While it houses two brick temples the Shandeswar Temple and the Ekeswar Temple, both dedicated to Lord Shiva and built by the Malla kings in the 17th cent ury its true importance lies beneath the surface. Excavations have revealed that Dihar was a major habitation site dating back to the Chalcolithic period, roughly 2000 BCE. The temples are built upon ancient elevated mounds, which contain layers of prehistoric and early historic settlements, possibly of Munda or other early indigenous groups. The presence of these ancient ruins, including large defensive ramparts and artifacts, makes Dihar a rare location where prehistory and medieval history coexist. The temples themselves, though simple, provide a quiet, rugged contrast to the highly decorated temples of nearby Bishnupur. The twin temples, facing each other, create a solemn and ancient atmosphere.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 hours (Required for the temples, archaeological mounds, and surrounding field walk).Place Type:
Archaeological Site, Prehistoric Heritage, HistoriEntry Fees:
Free Archaeological Access
General Access to Site and Temples Topic Heading: The Dihar archaeological site and the temples are open public areas, and there is no entry fee. ...Free Archaeological Access
General Access to Site and Temples Topic Heading: The Dihar archaeological site and the temples are open public areas, and there is no entry fee.Timing:
Daylight Hours
Regular Timings: The site is best visited during Daylight Hours, generally between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Avoid visiting after dark as the area can be isolated.
Ideal Visit Time: The Ideal Visit Time is the Morning or...Daylight Hours
Regular Timings: The site is best visited during Daylight Hours, generally between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Avoid visiting after dark as the area can be isolated.
Ideal Visit Time: The Ideal Visit Time is the Morning or the Late Afternoon for the best light, coolest temperature, and the most dramatic atmosphere, especially during the golden hours.Special Events:
Local Shivaratri Puja
Shiva Linga Worship Topic Heading: While smaller than Bahulara, the Shandeswar and Ekeswar temples are active shrines. They celebrate Maha Shivaratri (February/March) with local enthusiasm, involving night-long prayers and simple community gat...Local Shivaratri Puja
Shiva Linga Worship Topic Heading: While smaller than Bahulara, the Shandeswar and Ekeswar temples are active shrines. They celebrate Maha Shivaratri (February/March) with local enthusiasm, involving night-long prayers and simple community gatherings.Best Photo Spots:
Symmetry and Ancient Landscape
The Twin Temples Framing Topic Heading: Capture the Shandeswar and Ekeswar temples together, framed symmetrically against the open sky, emphasizing their simple but powerful historical presence.
The Later...Symmetry and Ancient Landscape
The Twin Temples Framing Topic Heading: Capture the Shandeswar and Ekeswar temples together, framed symmetrically against the open sky, emphasizing their simple but powerful historical presence.
The Laterite Earth and Ruins Topic Heading: Focus on the ground near the temples, capturing the exposed reddish laterite earth and any visible ruins, signifying the deep archaeological history of the location.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Exploration and Reflection
Exploring the Archaeological Mounds Topic Heading: Walk around the large mounds and fields surrounding the temples. Look for exposed pottery shards (often visible after the monsoon) and observe the stratification of the soil, keeping in mind the thousands of years of human history beneath your feet.
Temple Viewing and Worship Topic Heading: Visit the Shandeswar and Ekeswar temples. Note the simplicity of the brickwork compared to the highly ornate terracotta temples of Bishnupur, reflecting the site s rugged, older nature.
Sunset at Dihar Topic Heading: The flat, open landscape around Dihar provides an excellent location to watch the sunset over the ancient mounds, creating a dramatic, reflective experience. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Multi-layered History and Twin Shrines
Coexistence of Eras Topic Heading: Dihar is famous for the coexistence of prehistoric Chalcolithic ruins and 17th century Malla temples in one place. This multi-layered history offers a unique perspective on the continuous hab...Multi-layered History and Twin Shrines
Coexistence of Eras Topic Heading: Dihar is famous for the coexistence of prehistoric Chalcolithic ruins and 17th century Malla temples in one place. This multi-layered history offers a unique perspective on the continuous habitation and cultural evolution of the Bankura region over 4,000 years.
The Twin Shiva Temples Topic Heading: The existence of the two nearly identical Shiva temples, standing in proximity and facing each other, is also a notable feature, creating a powerful spiritual and visual symmetry. -
Architecture:
Brick Malla Style on Prehistoric Mounds
The Twin Temples Topic Heading: The two main temples, Shandeswar and Ekeswar, are simple brick structures, likely in the At-chala or single-towered style, reflecting a more austere style of the Malla period, perhaps due to the...Brick Malla Style on Prehistoric Mounds
The Twin Temples Topic Heading: The two main temples, Shandeswar and Ekeswar, are simple brick structures, likely in the At-chala or single-towered style, reflecting a more austere style of the Malla period, perhaps due to the availability of material or the area's older history. They are dedicated to the worship of Shiva Lingas.
Archaeological Platform Topic Heading: The temples are built on top of ancient mounds or platforms, which are remnants of the prehistoric and early historic settlements. The exposed earth and the visible stratification are key architectural features, confirming the site's multi-layered history. -
How To Reach:
Near Bishnupur
By Air: Nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata (200 KMS). Take a train or drive to Bishnupur first.
By Train: The nearest major station is Bishnupur Railway Station (VSU... -
Near Tourist Places:
Serial No. Primary Spot Nearby Tourist Place (10) Distance (KMS) 16 Dihar Twin Temples Bishnupur Terracotta Temples 8 KMS Jor Mandir Group (Bishnupur) 10 KMS Rasmancha (Bishnupur) 10 KMS Dalmadal Canon (Bishnupur) 10 KMS Panchmura (Terracotta Craft Village) 15 KMS Jayrambati (Holy Mother's Birthplace) 55 KMS Bahulara Ancient Temple 28 KMS Gangdua (Village) 15 KMS Susunia Hill 50 KMS Bankura City Center 40 KMS
Tourism Tips
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Respecting History
Health & Safety Topic Heading: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Carry water and snacks as there are limited facilities near the site.
Packing Topic Heading: Bring binoculars and a guidebook ...
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