Cheliama Radha Vinod Temple

The Cheliama Radha Vinod Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in Cheliama village, Raghunathpur, Purulia district, West Bengal. Dedicated to Radha and Krishna, it is noted for its Bengal aatchala architecture and extensive terracotta ornamentation depicting mythological scenes. Built in the 17th century under the Panchakot Raj, it is one of several heritage temples in Cheliama and represents the region's distinctive brick and terracotta temple tradition.

Visitors can expect a small, brick-built aatchala-style temple set within the rural village of Cheliama, surrounded by open grounds and other historic temples. The exterior walls are covered with detailed terracotta panels depicting scenes from Krishna leela, Ramayana and daily life. Inside is a sanctum with images of Radha and Krishna. The site is quiet, primarily for worship and architectural viewing, with no large complex to navigate.

The Radha Vinod Temple at Cheliama was built in the 17th century, traditionally dated to around 1692, during the rule of the Panchakot Raj. It is constructed in the Bengal aatchala style using brick and decorated with terracotta plaques, representing the late-medieval temple building tradition of western Bengal and the spread of Vaishnavism in the Purulia region.

The temple is dedicated to Radha and Krishna and remains an active place of Vaishnavite worship. It is culturally significant for its terracotta art, which illustrates episodes from the epics and Puranas, and as part of the Cheliama temple cluster that showcases the religious and artistic heritage of Purulia and the greater Bengal terracotta temple tradition.