The remains of the Shnareshwara (ষাঁড়েশ্বর) and Shaileshwara (শৈলেশ্বর)
Shiva temples, built upon one of the primary
chalcolithic/æneolithic habitational mounds, are some of the major attractions at Dihar. Either king
Prithwi Malla of the
Malla dynasty of Bishnupur had commissioned the temples (their architectural style being referred to as 'rekha
deul') to be constructed in 1346 CE (the date being highly debatable academically) or, as deduced from their structural and architectural affinities, had them repaired, restored and reconsecrated in 1346 CE, as the two temples could have been built by monarchs from earlier dynasties in the form of twin Jain/Buddhist monuments at around the period when the Siddheshwara temple was built nearby at
Bahulara at some point of time during the
Pala era. Moreover, till date, much academic debate remains over the exact dates of their construction. The unkempt laterite stone walls of the temples have suffered badly from centuries of erosion but intricate floral designs and miniature human figurines captured in dramatic poses can still be made out. Furthermore, some eroded or defaced images of divinity can also be seen upon the stone panels. Pilgrims, to this day, gather in the area during Shivratri. Both the Shnareshwara and Shaileshwara temples are included in the
List of Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal by the
Archaeological Survey of India (serial no. N-WB-28 & 29). See also -
Bengal temple architecture ==Dihar picture gallery==