India is a holy land where there are so many Temple towns. But, only few of those towns would have the temples in their original forms. And, many of those few towns are located in Odisha. Yes, Odisha has hundreds of such ancient temples that have not lost their originality. The stars on the sky could be counted, but not the temples of this region.
The temples of Odisha are not merely the religious sites; they are architectural marvels, magnificent monuments and the centre for the interesting iconography. Hence, the region has the capability to attract all sorts of people such as devotees, tourists, art lovers, heritage enthusiasts and historians.
Odisha, which can be rightly called as the land of temples, has monuments dating right from the 3rd century BCE to 16th century CE. The Hindu Temple architecture can be broadly classified into three styles namely Nagara, Vesara and Dravida. The style of temple architecture followed here is called as Kalinga. It is a sub school developed under the Nagara style. The thousand years of continuous temple building activity has ensured that the Kalinga style has a lot of unique features that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Odisha temples are of three orders namely Rekha, Pidha and Khakhara. The sanctum along with the surmounting curvilinear spire is called as the Deul. It is of the Rekha style. The frontal mandapa is called as the Jagamohana. It is of the Pidha style. The Pidha style is similar to pyramidal shape with the tiers sitting one upon the other. A fully developed layout of Odisha temple consists of two more parts, Nata mandira and Bhoga mandira.
Initial Period - Parasuramesvara Temple
The Ashokan edicts and the elephant statue at Dhauli belong to the 3rd century BCE. The caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, which are the works of Kharavela, the most powerful emperor of Odisha, belong to the 1st century BCE. After this, we do not have evidence for any monuments for the next 400 years or so. We currently have the temples only from the 6th century CE.
The scholars have categorized the temple building activities from 6th century CE to 9th century CE as the Initial Period. Most of the temples in this period were built by the Shailodbhavas and the Bhaumakaras.
Parasuramesvara Temple in Bhubaneswar is the best preserved specimen of the initial period of Odisha temples. This temple is such a beauty that if you claim to have visited Odisha without visiting this, people might laugh at you.
It was built by the Shailodbhavas in the first half of the 7th century CE. The most striking feature of the structure is the Jagmohana. It does not have the usual stepped pyramid roof like the other temples of Odisha. Instead it is rectangular in shape with the terraced roof supported by rows of pillars. This style of early Kalinga architecture is unique as it is not found in any other surviving temple. Only in the later period, the Jagmohanas started having the Pidha type roofs.
The segment on the outer surface of the structure is called as Ratha. The vimanas/sanctums of the initial period temples had either single projection or three projections and hence they are called as Eka Ratha and Tri Rathas respectively. Parasuramesvara Temple, being one of the oldest temples, follows this style. It is a Tri Ratha temple.
You could observe that most of the temples in this region have Navagraha panel on the lintel over the entrance. This temple too has Navagraha panel. However, this being an initial period temple, it has only eight planets instead of nine.
It is believed that this is one of the very first temples to have Sapta Matrikas. The well carved Saptamatrikas flanked by Ganesha and Bhadra are found on the outer walls. Similar to the other Odisha temples, the interior walls are plain but the outside walls and the upper parts are completely and intricately carved without leaving even an inch.
The beautiful Ravana Anugraha Murti on the front façade, Lakulisa, the attractive Kartikeya seated on peacock as the niche image, the dancing Ardhanareeswara, the divine wedding of Shiva and Uma, plenty of female figures, animal figures, semi-divine figures, the decorative motifs, amour couples and a lot more adorn the walls of the temple.
The Shatrughanesvar group of temples, Mohini Temple and Swarnajalesvar Temple in Bhubanesvar are some of the other good examples of the same period monuments.
Medieval Period - Muktesvara Temple
The temples that were built between the 9th century CE and the 11th century CE are termed as the Medieval Period Temples. They were constructed by the later Bhaumakaras and Somavamshis.
The Muktesvara Temple in Bhubanesvar is the best example of the medieval period structure. It was constructed towards the end of the 10th century by Yayati I, the Somavamshi King. Even if you have not visited any other temple in the entire Odisha except this one, you could still claim that your visit of Odisha is complete. The visit of this site alone gives us the feel of accomplishment. It is truly the Gem of Odisha Architecture.
The Vimana is Pancha Ratha, as per the style followed in the medieval times. The Jagmohana has Pidha type roof. It is one of the very first temples to have this style, which was probably followed in the other temples of this period.
The ornamental gateway, called as Torana, is the most striking feature. It is unique and could not be found in any other temple. With two massive columns and a highly decorated and rounded arch atop, it looks magnificent. The carved ceiling of the Jagmohana is another unusual feature of the site.
The natural joining of the sanctums with the Jagmohanas is something which was introduced in the medieval period, can be clearly seen in this temple. Similarly, the pilasters with Naga figures and the male or female riders of Vyalas are seen in large numbers on the exterior walls. They are all newly added features of this period.
The lintel of the doorway has Gaja Lakshmi and above her the Navagraha panel is found. Importantly, the Navagraha panels have all the nine planets.
Mature Phase - Lingaraja Temple
The architecture that was evolved between the 11th and 13th centuries is considered as the Mature Phase. The later Somavamshis and the Gangas were the builders of the monuments in this period.
You might have seen the city of temples or the village of temples. Have you ever seen the temple of temples? Come, explore and fall in love with the magnificent Lingaraja Temple. There are more than 150 temples and shrines located within the complex of Lingaraja. The main temple has the sanctum, Jagmohana, Nata Mandira and Bhoga Mandapa, everything that is required for a mature phase Kalinga temple architecture.
The rekha type Vimana rises upto 180 feet. The Bhoga Mandapa, Nata Mandira and Jagmohana have the pyramidal roofs. All of them are Pancha Ratha on plan. The front façade of the Jagmohana is decorated with perforated windows. The niche deities (Parsvadevtas) are larger in size and they have separate temple like structures called as Nisha shrines.
The exterior walls as well as the pyramidal roofs are full of architectural designs and sculptures such as Naga and Nagini pilasters, balustrade windows, Vajra Mundi niches, miniature temples called Anga Sikharas, scroll works, erotic images, various deities and humans and the depiction of several Puranic scenes. The sculptures of the projected lions (Udyota Simha) and the Vahana Stambha are found in this temple, as part of Mature Phase architecture features.
Puri Jagannatha Temple and the great Sun Temple of Konark are also fine examples of the Mature Phase.
The period of the final phase of the Odisha temple architecture is between the 14th century CE and the 16th century CE. The temples in this period were mostly plain and simple. The artistic features and splendour were definitely missing. Hence, this article omits that period.
Khakhara Type - Baital Temple
As seen above, most of the temples have Rekha and Pidha structures. It is very rare to find Khakhara order structures. It is altogether a different style which resembles the Gopurams of Dravidian temples. Baital Deula Temple located in the outskirts of Bhubanesvar is a fine example for this style.
The 8th century tantric cult temple has a rectangular Vimana with semi cylindrical shape roof. It has pilasters instead of projections (Rathas). The Jagmohana is flat roofed. It has four miniature Rekha shrines at four corners.
The outer walls have icons of different forms of Shakti and Shiva. There are few erotic sculptures and even females (Nayikas) in different postures. Some of the most striking sculptures of the temple include Surya with his two consorts seated on the chariot driven by Aruna, ten armed Nataraja, eight armed Mahisasuramardini and Durga.
Conclusion
Not only the list of temples, but even the architectural features and the technical terms of Kalinga temple architecture are infinite. In this article, we just had the glimpse of some important aspects along with some notable temples.
Happy travelling.
The temples of Odisha are not merely the religious sites; they are architectural marvels, magnificent monuments and the centre for the interesting iconography. Hence, the region has the capability to attract all sorts of people such as devotees, tourists, art lovers, heritage enthusiasts and historians.
Odisha, which can be rightly called as the land of temples, has monuments dating right from the 3rd century BCE to 16th century CE. The Hindu Temple architecture can be broadly classified into three styles namely Nagara, Vesara and Dravida. The style of temple architecture followed here is called as Kalinga. It is a sub school developed under the Nagara style. The thousand years of continuous temple building activity has ensured that the Kalinga style has a lot of unique features that cannot be found anywhere else.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
The Odisha temples are of three orders namely Rekha, Pidha and Khakhara. The sanctum along with the surmounting curvilinear spire is called as the Deul. It is of the Rekha style. The frontal mandapa is called as the Jagamohana. It is of the Pidha style. The Pidha style is similar to pyramidal shape with the tiers sitting one upon the other. A fully developed layout of Odisha temple consists of two more parts, Nata mandira and Bhoga mandira.
Initial Period - Parasuramesvara Temple
The Ashokan edicts and the elephant statue at Dhauli belong to the 3rd century BCE. The caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, which are the works of Kharavela, the most powerful emperor of Odisha, belong to the 1st century BCE. After this, we do not have evidence for any monuments for the next 400 years or so. We currently have the temples only from the 6th century CE.
The scholars have categorized the temple building activities from 6th century CE to 9th century CE as the Initial Period. Most of the temples in this period were built by the Shailodbhavas and the Bhaumakaras.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
Parasuramesvara Temple in Bhubaneswar is the best preserved specimen of the initial period of Odisha temples. This temple is such a beauty that if you claim to have visited Odisha without visiting this, people might laugh at you.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
It was built by the Shailodbhavas in the first half of the 7th century CE. The most striking feature of the structure is the Jagmohana. It does not have the usual stepped pyramid roof like the other temples of Odisha. Instead it is rectangular in shape with the terraced roof supported by rows of pillars. This style of early Kalinga architecture is unique as it is not found in any other surviving temple. Only in the later period, the Jagmohanas started having the Pidha type roofs.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
The segment on the outer surface of the structure is called as Ratha. The vimanas/sanctums of the initial period temples had either single projection or three projections and hence they are called as Eka Ratha and Tri Rathas respectively. Parasuramesvara Temple, being one of the oldest temples, follows this style. It is a Tri Ratha temple.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
You could observe that most of the temples in this region have Navagraha panel on the lintel over the entrance. This temple too has Navagraha panel. However, this being an initial period temple, it has only eight planets instead of nine.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
It is believed that this is one of the very first temples to have Sapta Matrikas. The well carved Saptamatrikas flanked by Ganesha and Bhadra are found on the outer walls. Similar to the other Odisha temples, the interior walls are plain but the outside walls and the upper parts are completely and intricately carved without leaving even an inch.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
The beautiful Ravana Anugraha Murti on the front façade, Lakulisa, the attractive Kartikeya seated on peacock as the niche image, the dancing Ardhanareeswara, the divine wedding of Shiva and Uma, plenty of female figures, animal figures, semi-divine figures, the decorative motifs, amour couples and a lot more adorn the walls of the temple.
The Shatrughanesvar group of temples, Mohini Temple and Swarnajalesvar Temple in Bhubanesvar are some of the other good examples of the same period monuments.
| Parasuramesvara Temple |
Medieval Period - Muktesvara Temple
The temples that were built between the 9th century CE and the 11th century CE are termed as the Medieval Period Temples. They were constructed by the later Bhaumakaras and Somavamshis.
The Muktesvara Temple in Bhubanesvar is the best example of the medieval period structure. It was constructed towards the end of the 10th century by Yayati I, the Somavamshi King. Even if you have not visited any other temple in the entire Odisha except this one, you could still claim that your visit of Odisha is complete. The visit of this site alone gives us the feel of accomplishment. It is truly the Gem of Odisha Architecture.
| Muktesvara Temple |
The Vimana is Pancha Ratha, as per the style followed in the medieval times. The Jagmohana has Pidha type roof. It is one of the very first temples to have this style, which was probably followed in the other temples of this period.
| Muktesvara Temple |
The ornamental gateway, called as Torana, is the most striking feature. It is unique and could not be found in any other temple. With two massive columns and a highly decorated and rounded arch atop, it looks magnificent. The carved ceiling of the Jagmohana is another unusual feature of the site.
The natural joining of the sanctums with the Jagmohanas is something which was introduced in the medieval period, can be clearly seen in this temple. Similarly, the pilasters with Naga figures and the male or female riders of Vyalas are seen in large numbers on the exterior walls. They are all newly added features of this period.
The lintel of the doorway has Gaja Lakshmi and above her the Navagraha panel is found. Importantly, the Navagraha panels have all the nine planets.
Mature Phase - Lingaraja Temple
The architecture that was evolved between the 11th and 13th centuries is considered as the Mature Phase. The later Somavamshis and the Gangas were the builders of the monuments in this period.
You might have seen the city of temples or the village of temples. Have you ever seen the temple of temples? Come, explore and fall in love with the magnificent Lingaraja Temple. There are more than 150 temples and shrines located within the complex of Lingaraja. The main temple has the sanctum, Jagmohana, Nata Mandira and Bhoga Mandapa, everything that is required for a mature phase Kalinga temple architecture.
| Lingaraja Temple |
The rekha type Vimana rises upto 180 feet. The Bhoga Mandapa, Nata Mandira and Jagmohana have the pyramidal roofs. All of them are Pancha Ratha on plan. The front façade of the Jagmohana is decorated with perforated windows. The niche deities (Parsvadevtas) are larger in size and they have separate temple like structures called as Nisha shrines.
The exterior walls as well as the pyramidal roofs are full of architectural designs and sculptures such as Naga and Nagini pilasters, balustrade windows, Vajra Mundi niches, miniature temples called Anga Sikharas, scroll works, erotic images, various deities and humans and the depiction of several Puranic scenes. The sculptures of the projected lions (Udyota Simha) and the Vahana Stambha are found in this temple, as part of Mature Phase architecture features.
Puri Jagannatha Temple and the great Sun Temple of Konark are also fine examples of the Mature Phase.
The period of the final phase of the Odisha temple architecture is between the 14th century CE and the 16th century CE. The temples in this period were mostly plain and simple. The artistic features and splendour were definitely missing. Hence, this article omits that period.
Khakhara Type - Baital Temple
As seen above, most of the temples have Rekha and Pidha structures. It is very rare to find Khakhara order structures. It is altogether a different style which resembles the Gopurams of Dravidian temples. Baital Deula Temple located in the outskirts of Bhubanesvar is a fine example for this style.
The 8th century tantric cult temple has a rectangular Vimana with semi cylindrical shape roof. It has pilasters instead of projections (Rathas). The Jagmohana is flat roofed. It has four miniature Rekha shrines at four corners.
The outer walls have icons of different forms of Shakti and Shiva. There are few erotic sculptures and even females (Nayikas) in different postures. Some of the most striking sculptures of the temple include Surya with his two consorts seated on the chariot driven by Aruna, ten armed Nataraja, eight armed Mahisasuramardini and Durga.
Conclusion
Not only the list of temples, but even the architectural features and the technical terms of Kalinga temple architecture are infinite. In this article, we just had the glimpse of some important aspects along with some notable temples.
Happy travelling.
