The short answer
Dalmadal Cannon: what visitors should know first
Yes, if only for five or ten minutes. It is open air, free to see and gives the Malla kings a military dimension that the temples hide. Pair it with Madan Mohan temple to hear the legend of divine intervention.
History and context
The story behind Dalmadal Cannon
Wikipedia states that the Dalmadal Cannon was built in 1742 under Raja Gopal Singha at a cost of Rs 1.25 lakh, by the blacksmith Jagannath Karmakar, by joining 63 iron rings. Sources disagree on its weight and length.
Local legend says Madan Mohan fired it to drive off the Maratha invader Bhaskar Rao. Wikipedia presents this as folklore.
Useful facts
Dalmadal Cannon facts at a glance
- Location
- Central Bishnupur
- Experience type
- Open-air historic object
- Known for
- Giant wrought-iron cannon
- Made
- 1742, by Jagannath Karmakar
- Length
- About 3.8 m (sources vary)
- Entry
- Reported free; verify locally
Why it matters
Why Dalmadal Cannon is worth your time
Bishnupur is remembered for devotion and art, but the Malla kings were also rulers who had to defend a frontier kingdom, with forts, gates and artillery. The cannon is the best surviving reminder of that.
It also shows local technology. The barrel was assembled from iron rings by a Bishnupur blacksmith, according to Wikipedia, which links the town's metalwork to its military history. The legend attached to it shows how the temple and the state were bound together in local memory.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Ring construction
The barrel was made by joining 63 iron rings.
- 02
Maratha legend
The deity is said to have fired it against Bhaskar Rao's army.
- 03
Quick stop
A free, easy ten-minute visit between temples.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Stand back first to appreciate the length, about 3.8 m according to Wikipedia, though sources disagree on exact dimensions and weight. Then walk alongside it and look at the construction: iron rings were joined to form the barrel, a feat for a local craftsman.
Wikipedia credits the blacksmith and engineer Jagannath Karmakar with making it for Raja Gopal Singha in 1742. Allow a few minutes to take photos and read any information board.
Then listen to the legend. Locals say the deity Madan Mohan fired it against the Maratha leader Bhaskar Rao. It is a story, not recorded history, but it explains the cannon's emotional importance. Pair it with the Madan Mohan temple for the full narrative.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Allow ten minutes
- Read the local legend before you go
- Combine with Madan Mohan temple
- Carry water; there is little shade
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Central Bishnupur, near the old fort area
- Time needed
- 10–15 minutes
- Best time
- Any time of day; morning or late afternoon for comfort
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Level, open ground with no steps and no ticket queue. Shade is limited, so keep it brief in midday heat.
- Tickets and access
- Reported as free to visit and open year-round, though I could not verify current arrangements. Check locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Dalmadal Cannon
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Level, open ground with no steps and no ticket queue. Shade is limited, so keep it brief in midday heat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Who made the Dalmadal cannon?
Wikipedia credits Jagannath Karmakar, a blacksmith and engineer, in 1742.
Is entry free?
Wikipedia reports free entry and year-round access; confirm locally.
Did the cannon really save Bishnupur?
That is a local legend, presented as folklore rather than documented history.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
