KALINGA STYLE STANDS APART
Odisha’s temples mark the distinct Kalinga style of temple architecture, known for its elaborate plan and attention to detail.
Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneswar of 11th century, 12th century Jagannath temple at Puri and 13th century Sun temple at Konark are testimony to the Kalinga style.
A temple of this style consists of a main temple and the front porch. While the main porch, Deula, houses the sanctum sanctorum, the porch or assembly hall, Jagamohana, is where the devotees congregate. The main shrine has a soaring curvilinear tower, Sikhara or Rekha Deula. There are also
While Sikhara is built on a rectangular foundation called a Pidha temple i.e. its roof consists of Pidhas, horizontal platforms arranged in a receding formation to constitute a pyramidal superstructure. Although the two temples are different, they are constructed in axial alignment so as to form an integral pattern.
This two-part structure is the earliest form of temple construction also noticeable in the Parsurameswar temple (7 th century) ofBhu banes war. A modest specimen of theBhu banes war La k sh manes war group of early temples, it has a squat ti sh type of curvilinear or Sikhara and an oblong pillared, Jagamohana.
The sculptures on the temple walls are also notable for their simplicity and beauty.
The Kalinga style construction reached to perfection during the Ganga dynasty period, when two more structures were added to the front of the two-part temple to meet the demand of elaborate rituals. These are called the Natamandira (dancing hall) and the Bhogamandapa (hall of offerings).
The four halls of the structure as at Lingaraj temple and Jagannath temple stand in a line with emphasis on the towering Sikhara of the main shrine.
Temple building in Odisha continued uninterrupted between the 7th and 16th centuries. During this period, different religious sects provided the necessary fillip to the modifications in the architectural designs and sculptural details.
However, the Kalinga style is the most common style of temple architecture and progressed well under the patronage of the Somavamsi Kings of Odisha during the 10th and 11th centuries.
The Mukteswar temple (10th century) of Bhubaneswar is considered a “gem of Odisha architecture” and is accepted as one of the most beautiful temples of India and a perfect combination of grace and elegance.