Odisha Temple Architecture .pptx

This Presentation is prepared for Graduate Students. A presentation consisting of basic information regarding the topic. Students are advised to get more information from recommended books and articles. This presentation is only for students and purely for academic purposes. The pictures/Maps included in the presentation are taken/copied from the internet. The presenter is thankful to them and herewith courtesy is given to all. This presentation is only for academic purposes.

1. Temples of Bhuvneshar and Puri Dr. Virag Sontakke Assistant Professor A.I.H.C. & Archaeology Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi B.A. III Semester IV

2. Historicity Ancient Kalinga country King Ashok’s association Chedi king Kharvela Architecture: Udyagiri , Khandgiri , Ratnagiri Ancient Sites: Sishupalgard , Jougad , Talapada Own temple style Odisha known as “city of temples ”

3. Introduction The Odishan temple architecture ranging from 7 th to 13 th century CE. Basically Odishan temple come under the Nagara style. However, certain special features are unique. An inscription in 1235 CE in the of the Amritesvara temple at Holal in Bellary describes Kalinga style. Due to their uniqueness and indigenous speciality Odishan temples Architecture is called Kalinga Style.

4. Art and Architecture: Textual Sources Bhuban Pradip, Bayachkada bahi Silpapothi , Silpasastra , Vastusastra Upanisad , Silparatnakara , Silpasarini , Silpa Prakash, Padma Kesara , Deula Mapagunagara , Bhuban Prabesh , Soudhikagama etc.

5. रेखा देवल पिड देवल

6. Characteristic features Single storied structure Stands on platform Enclosed (generally four gates from four directions) Temple called as देवल or विमान Square/rectangular shape Girbhgruha: देवल (रेखा) Mandap: जगमोहन N atmandap : नाट्यमंडप Bhogmandap : भोगमंडप Garbhagriha shikhar is tallest Main Two types of shikhar : Rekha ( रेखा ) Deul and Pidha (पीड) Deul Basically no use of pillars Elaborate carving on outside and plain from inside Erotic sculptures Occasionally Angshikhar seen on shikhra Lion trampling elephants Made of khandolite , laterite, sandstone and Chlorite

7. रेखा देवल पिड देवल

8. Features of Odisha temple Architecture गर्भगृह is sanctum or Vimana or Deula . मंडप is Jagamohana or Mukhasala . The Temple of curvilinear superstructure called Rekha Deula . Jagamohana standing front of the Garbhagriha is pyramidical structure is called Pidha order. The Pidhas are tiers sitting one above the other. Subsequently new elements and structures been added. Vimana or Deula Jagamohana or Mukhasala . Nata Mandira (Festive Hall) Bhoga Mandapa (Hall of Offerings) Generally the temple complexes were enclosed by walls but devoid of gopuram. Navagraha slab are significant feature of the temple.

9. Parts of The temples Odishan temples have shapes and structures like physical divisions of human viz. leg, thigh, waist, chest, neck and head. REKHA DEUL Pitha (पी ड़ ) : The common platform on which both the structures are us usually built is called as “ Pitha ”. Bada (बड) : Lower Limb , bada has multiple jangha , portion in-between jangha (जंघा) called as Barandi ( बरंडी ) Chappar / Gandi (छप्पर) : top part , numures aamla (आम्ल) decorated, portion in-between aamla called as Bhumi ( भूमि ) Amalaka: आमलक Kalasha (Finial at the top) : कलश Neck or the recess below the Amalaka called Beki . Denticulated blocks of stone called Amalaka Sila . Stone cap resembling an unfolded umbrella or Khapuri PIDA DEUL पिड पाराघर । घंटा कलश ।

10. General Features of the temples The common platform on which both the structures are us usually built is called as “ Pitha ”. (पी ड़ ) Above the ‘ Pitha ’, there is the ‘ bada ’ section . (बड) Jangha or Tala jangha and the u pper jangha ; Talajangha and u parajangha is often separated by a set of moldings called ‘ bandhana ’ baranda having larger and elaborate moldings. Rekha’ and ‘ Pidha ’ types have usual four fold divisions such as Pitha , bada , gandi / Chappara and mastaka .

11. जगमोहन The pabhaga denoting the bottom part of the wall section । It is composed of five mouldings called as Khura , Kumbha, Pata , Kani and Basanta .

12. Basic Elements Initially temple has  a Girbhgruha and a Mandapa.  The Shikhra of Garbhgruha is called  Deul  and the Mandapa is called  Jagmohan . The walls of both the  deul  and the  jagmohan  are lavishly sculpted from outside. Plain from inside. According to the design of deula ,   Odishan / Kalinga temple Architecture has three distinct types. Rekha Deula ,  Pidha Deula  and  Khakra Deula

13. Architectural Variations in Odishan temples

14. Rekha Deula / temple has a tall shikhara. The Rekha Deula means a shrine with different parts in a line. Rathas : Triratha , the panchratha and the saptaratha plan forms mostly found. Example : Lingraj temple and Jagannath Temple Basically square on plan Rekha Deula

15. Pidha Deula Pidha Deula refers to the square temple with a pyramid-shaped roof, like the vimanas. In Odishan villages a type of thatched roof termed as Pidha . Example : Konark Sun temple Pidha temples remained either of square or rectangular in shape

16. Khakhara Deula The Khakhara Deula is similar to the Dravidian Gopuran design. The shape of the roof resembles the layout of primitive hunts. The word Khakra is derived from Khakharu (Pumpkin, gourd) It is a rectangular building with a truncated pyramid-shaped roof. The Sakta temples are generally of Khakhara order. Example : Baitala Deula  of Bhubneshwar , dedicated to Chamunda .

17. Triratha Lingraj Panchrath Shiva Lakhesvara Temple  Shiva Purvesvara Temple

18. Evolution of Temple Architecture in Odisha Early Phase Middle Phase Late Phase 750-900 CE 900-1100 CE 1100-1250 CE Parshurameshwar Temple Mukteswar temple Anant-Vasudev Temple Vaital Temple Lingraj Temple Rajarani Temple Shatrughaneshwar Temple Jagannath Teple , Puri Sun Temple, Konark Dynasty : Shailodhbhav + Bhoumkar Dynasty : Bhoumkar + Somvashi Dynasty : Ganga Beginning stage Transitional phase Mature phase Shikhra+Jagmohan Shikhra+Jagmohan+Natymandap+Bhogmandap Shikhra+Jagmohan+Natymandap+Bhogmandap All temples are different than others The temples has a Triratha plan Pancharatha projections were mostly followed.

19. Parshurameswara Temple

20. Parshurameswara temple It is the best preserved specimen of Early phase belongs to the 7 th century CE. The pillars and Pillar capitals shows the influence of Gupta period (S. Sahay). It is dedicated to the Shiva and one of the oldest existing temples in Odisha. The Jagamohana made its appearance first time in this temple.  The vimana is square in plan and triratha , has a curvilinear Shikhara.  The jagamohana is rectangular in plan has two sloping roof with series of windows between. It has two doors and four windows in the Jagmohan. This is one of the earliest examples of complete temple in Odisha. No mortar has been used.

21. Parshurameswara Temple

22. Element of the temple Shikhar 44 feet tall Crude in nature Shows some influence of Chalukyan temple (Durga) Vimana is square Curvilinear shikhara with Aamlaka Flat roof with two-element sloping slab with clerestory windows in between Jagmohan is closed with wall The latticed windows are classified as  pata   jali  which are square or rectangular in shape. Due to mismatch joint between Jagmohan and Vimana many thinks that the Jagmohan was later addition. This temple is one of the earliest examples of the Nagara style in Odhisha

23. Art and decoration of Parasuramesvara temple The temple decorated from outside and interiors remain plain.  11 niches contains images Bramhanical God and Goddesses.  Though the temple dedicated to Shiva, it contains numerous Shakta deities. Earliest images of Saptamatrika sculptures found here.  First time appearance of Mahishamardini noticed. Images of Natraja , Ravnanugraha , Ganesha , Virbhadra, Ardhnariswara , Shiva-Parvati, Kartikeya, Surya, Yam, Ganga-Yamuna, and various form of Shiva. Representation, variety of fruits, flowers, birds and animals, hunting scenes, naga are also depicted. Social life scenes are also present

24. Chronology of the temple James Fergusson, considered that the temple might have been initiated at around 500 CE. K.C.Panigrahi places the date as 650 CE. A few historians believe Parashurameshvara Temple have been built in the early 8 th century CE.,  A mid-7 th century date is agreed by most scholars based on style and the presence of the eight planets Parashurameshvara Temple probably built by the Shailodbhavas

25. V(B) aital Temple It represents the the Khakhara type of architecture. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda (shakti deity). It was probably constructed after Parshurameswar in 850 CE. It has Garbhagriha and Jagmohan. Striking feature is the shape of its Vimana. The semi-cylindrical shape of its roof is unique and resemblance the gopuram of the South Indian temples and Buddhist Chaitya. The Jagamohana of the temple is rectangular on its four corners are placed the replicas of the Shikhara type of temple. Early stage of Panchayatan temple. Scholars postulate that the Vaitala temple associated and carried practice of Tantra rituals.

26. Elements of the temple The name Vaital is derived from the word Vetal or spirit worshipped by Kapalikas and the Tantrikas The plan of the deuḷa is oblong The Jagmohan  is a rectangular (no decoration inner-outer) The height of the temple is about 35 ft. The temple is built on a low pitha , measuring 8" The longer side it has five vertical rows vertical rows of projections below contains niches According to M M Ganguly suggests the shape of the Vaital Temple has been derived from the rathas of Mahabalipuram (Bhima’s and Sahadeva’s rathas )

27. V(B) aital Temple

28. Art of V(B) aital Jalidar window ( गवाक्ष ) on the walls. Important sculptures: Chamuda , seven mother goddess, Virbhadra, Ganesha , Ardhnarishwara etc . The outer walls are encrusted with panels of Hindu deities, mostly Shiva and his consort Parvati in her Shakti form. Buddha seated in Dharma-Chakra- Pravartana mudra are also found. Other than main deities hunting processions, capturing of wild elephants and floral motifs also decorated. Occasionally erotic sculptures occurs.

29. Middle Stage of Development 900-1100 CE Transitional phase Temples of the 9 th -11 th century CE shown advanced architectural features. The pyramidal form of the Jagamohana emerged in the period.  The Mukteshwara temple belongs to the period of transition. Inclusion of Rahu and Ketu in Sapatrgraha = Navgrahas

30. Mukteswar Temple

31. Mukteswar Temple Mukteshvara Temple is known as the “Gem of Odisha/Kalinga architecture”.  The stylistic development the Mukteswar marks the apogee of earlier temples. Significantly, it also influence the later temples of the Odisha. According to Percy Brown the temple was datable to 950 CE., (S. Sahay 975 CE) The temple is small and enclosed within an octagonal compound wall with elaborate carvings on it.

32. Mukteswar Temple It is the earliest example of proper Odishan temple Architecture of vimana with a curvilinear shikhra and a  jaganmohana  with a stepped pyramidal roof. Beautiful torana constructed at the entrance (west) added extra splendour. The Vimana situated on a raised platform and square on plan. The shikara is small as compared to other temples Jagamohana of the temple has two niches on (N & S). Unlike other temples the inner portion of the temple is exquisitely carved. The base ( pabhaga ) has five divisions such as Khura , Kumbha, Pata , Kani and Vasanta . These five divisions were absent in earlier temple.

33. Mukteswar Temple

34. Element of the temple It is enclosed within a low compound wall Deul is pancharatha in plan and consists of a bada , gandi and mastaka .  Jagamohana is a rectangular building built in tri- ratha style.  This roof is supported on no pillars. The external walls of the jagamohana are duly decorated with various figures and motifs.  North and south walls of jagamohana has lattice windows of diamond patterns. At the bottom, it has six pabhaga mouldings topped with a slim shaft entwined with a naga or nagini figure. These naga-nagini pillars, which are first introduced in this temple, later became a norm in the Odishan temple art.

35. Mukteswar Temple

36. Torana First time toran introduced A torana stands just before the entrance on the west. It has two heavy pillars supporting a rounded arch on top. The pillars are square at base, consisting of two courses. Above this square base rises a sixteen faceted shaft The torana arch is formed by two makaras, extending on opposite ends. At the bottom ends and at apex are three gavaksha (windows) or chaitya decoration. These chaityas have a male head inside. It has reclining female figures, resembling voluptuous yakshis .  Figures of monkeys, peacocks and beautiful ornamentation

37. Toran (Gate, Poarch) Mukteswar Temple

38. Art of Mukteshwar Temple Women images dominate the overall sculptural program on Jagmohan Which Includes nayikas, sala-bhanjika and alasa-kanyas (indolent damsels). The figure of Lakulisa , Gajalakshmi , Grahas especially “Ketu”, Ganesh and Kartikeya with their vahana are noteworthy. Sanctum doorway has Gaja -Lakshmi at its lintel, and dvarpalas at the door jambs. A nava-grha panel is placed above the lintel. The pilasters contain Gajasimha and Naga columns. River goddesses of Ganga-Yamuna, Sarasaswati are also found. Figure of Musician, dancers, women in meditation, linga -worship, carrying offerings for worship, teacher-disciple units etc. are noteworthy. The Mukteswar temple became a blue print for the architects to follow in the generations to come.

39. Mukteswar Temple

40. Lingaraj Temple

41. Lingaraj Temple The Lingraj is one of the best and largest temple in Bhuvneshwar. This is one of the most magnificent temple in India It was constructed between 1025 CE and 1065 CE. under the Somavamsi rule (S. Sahay 1000 CE) A tall vimana of about 180 feet high facing east.  The temple have four component Viman , Jagmohan, Natya -Mandapa, Bhog -mandap (east to west) each increasing in the height to its antecedent.  Natyamandapa and Bhogamandapa are later additions (100 years later). The temple located in compound wall measuring 160 m x 142 m. surrounded by a number of small shrines. According to J. Fergusson “The Lingraj temple is one of the finest examples of Hindu temple in India”.  Made of Ashlar dry masonry and iron dowels Sandstone is used for the construction of the temple, Laterite for the compound wall and Chlorite for the sculptures

42. Lingaraj Temple Viman , Jagmohan, Natya -Mandapa, Bhogmandap

43. Rekha DEul Lingaraj temple represents the matured kalinga -style of artistic excellence. Panchratha projection. Tallest Shikhra in Bhubneshwar The sanctum is square in plan has about 55 m. (180 ft) tall tower. Huge Amlaka and Kalasha at the top. Animals seated at the base of amalaka Each side image of lion defeating elephant The shikhar is hollow from inside.

44. Lingaraj temple

45. Jagmohan Rectangular (72’ x 56’) Bada बड : 34 feet Pida deul has a pyramidal shikhra .  At the top Ghanta Kalash Four pillars bearing the load of ceiling. Two windows facing north and south. Sculptures are exhibited at the middle of pillars. The bhogamandapa has four doors and has a pyramidal roof The natamandapa has three entrances and short roof. 

46. Bhogmandap & Natymandap The bhogamandapa (Hall of Offering) It is 42 feet (13 meters) on the inside and 56.25 feet (17.15 meters) on the outside. Has with four doors on each side. The hall’s exterior walls are adorned with sculptures The hall’s pyramidal roof is composed of multiple horizontal layers Ceiling topped with an inverted bell and a kalasa . Has 4 Pillars The natamandira (festival hall). It is is 38 feet (12 meters) on the inside and 50 feet (15 metres) on the outside. It has one main entrance and two side entrances. The hall’s side walls are adorned with decorative sculptures It features a flat roof that slopes in stages. Has 4 Pillars

47. Lingaraj temple

48. Art-Decoration of Lingaraj Temple is plain from inside Throughout the temple, images and sculptures of Visnu and Siva are depicted Ganesa, Kartikeya, Parvati, Lakulisa , Brahma, Surya, Chamunda , Kaumari , Mahisamardini Durga, different forms of Siva such as Ardhanarisvara , Andhakasuravadhamurty , Nataraja, dancing Bhairava , Kama with his consorts, etc; It is covered with decorative design of flora and various sculptures of Brahmanical deities. Shikhra is sculpted with female figures in different poses. Outer portion covered with decoration and erotic sculpture Many portrayals of the  nayikas , known for their gracefulness, elegance, and beauty.  Secular motifs like- royal figures, court scenes, siksadana scenes, procession of infantry, cavalry, and elephants, domestic scenes etc. The temple has a vast courtyard mixed with hundreds of small shrines.

49. Temples of Puri

50. Jagannath Temple

51. Jagannath Temple Situated in Puri , In British period known as White Pagoda This temple was constructed in 1118 CE.  The temple has similar elements like Lingraj Vimana, Jagmohan, Natya and Bhoga Mandapas . Like Lingraj Natymandap and Bhogmandap are later period addition. The Jagannath and other associated temples are located within the three fortified walls and gates. The gateways of the temple definitely added grandeur to the structure. The eastern gate is popularly known as Simhadwara .

52. Elements of the temple Constructed on a high decorated plinth The Vimana or the main temple rises from a plinth measuring 80' square The Vimana rises in a sheer perpendicular to a height of 35' above the plinth after which it curves inward. The Jagamohana or the porch also rests on a plinth 80' square 6' high. It has four doorways The Natamandapa or the Dancing Hall belongs to a later age Four rows of plain, square pillars divide it into a central nave and two aisles The pillars bordering the nave are 4' square and 16'8" high The Bhogamandapa was reassembled by the Marathas in the 18th century It is smaller in size and measures only 58' x 56’

53. Jagannath Temple

54. Rekha Deul The Vimana was built in the Pancharatha style. The temple’s Vimana towers has a height of 214 ft. and 8 inches over an 80 ft. square. removal of plasters from the temple’s outer walls revealed the temple’s decorative motif. The figures in the Vimana are evidence of Kalinga’s developed art. Among them are Astadikpala , a lion atop crouching elephants, Krishna, a procession of horses and elephants, various sociocultural scenes, and erotic panels.

55. Jagamohana The Jagamohana , like that Vimana, is in the Pancharatha style. This structure’s roof is adequately supported by several iron beams. Its outer surface emits an erotic odour. It is 120 feet tall.

56. Art of Jagannath Temple The sculptures in this structure primarily depict stories about Sri Krishna’s life. Wooden images of Krishna, Balram and Subhadra are placed in sanctum. Important image like Avtar of Vishnu including Buddha. The sculptures depict stories related with Sri Krishna’s life, scene of Indrasabha are interesting. Erotic sculptures are also present, probable influence of Trantrism . Navagraha reliefs are carved on the architraves of all the gates In almost all the gates there are small images of Shiva, Vishnu, Hanumana , Durga and Nrusimha .

57. Third Stage ( 1100-1250 CE ) Mature Phase The Rajarani temple represents a unique experiment in temple architecture. Its Sikhara has been clustered by miniature repetition of the Sikhara (called angasikhara ) around the Gandi in the Khajuraho Style. The temple architecture has attained its most advanced form with the construction of the Sun temple at Konark .

58. Rajarani temple

59. Rajarani temple The Rajarani temple is situated in Bhubaneswar.  The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called “ Rajarani ”. The temple stands on a plinth with three mouldings. It is Pancharatha . The vimana is surrounded by a cluster of miniature towers angshikhara . Its Jagamohana is a Pidha deula having a pyramidal structure.  Interior of the temple is plain and temple left incomplete. 

60. Rajarani temple Rajarani temple added new paradigms in the Odishan temple architecture. Much emphasis was put upon the increased height and monumentality of a temple. To increase the height of the temple, pitha or platform was introduced.  Height of the jangha portion was increased  Gandi also saw increase in number of bhumis .  With all these changes, the overall height of the temple attained a significant improvement. Another new feature is the introduction of angashikharas , the result was a round appearance of deul . As per Donaldson, new motifs and architectural features introduced from Central India, specially Khajuraho. However, many believes that there was no influence from Central India and these new features are the result of native innovations and experimentation.

61. Jagmohan The deul is in pancha-ratha plan and faces east. Jagamohana is built on a square plan. The jagamohana entrance flanked with two naga-stambhas (male and female) . Its pabhaga has five mouldings, bereft of any decoration. Bada is built in pancha-ratha fashion, similar to the deul . Decoration on bada was planned however it is left incomplete due to unknown reasons. Its north and south walls have windows which do not follow the jali pattern but has balusters. This window is flanked with two large naga -pilasters. The pidha roof is built in thirteen tiers.

62. Rajarani temple

63. Rajarani temple

64. Art of Rajarani Temples Temple is beautifully decorated Various figures and motifs are carved filling almost all the available area. Eight dikpalas are Indra; Agni; Yama; Nrrtti ; Vayu; Varuna ; Kubera & Ishana . Lakulisa , Navagrahas , Nataraja, Parvati, and Dwarpalas etc. images present in the temple Nagkanya , Vrukshika , Shalbhanjika etc. are gorgeous Mithuna and other images are also attractive Navgraha panel Also has erotic or mithuna figures. Temple is famous for its female image such as alasa-kanyas and nayikas and alasa-kanyas . Varied floral depictions

65. Anant Vasudev Temple

66. Anant Vasudev Anant Vasudev was built in 1278 CE by Chandrika, during the reign of her nephew Bhanudev –I. The temple is situated within a walled compound Anant Vasudev is similar to Lingraj Temple though small in size. Has four elements Viman , Jagmohan, Natymandap and Bhogmandap . All units aligned on a single east-west axis. The natymandapa and bhogamandapa are later additions. Both the bhogamandapa and natamandapa are pidha structures The temple faces to west is built in a ornamentally carved pitha . The gandi decoration has a pancharatha plan rather than saptaratha .

67. Anant Vasudev

68. Anant Vasudev Several images of Vishnu like Trivikrama , Varaha Various Vaishnava deities, such as Gajalaxmi , Varada , Saraswati . Eight dikpalas Narratives of Mahakavyas

69. राह पग कोणक पग अनार्ध पग बड गंडी मस्तक

70. Conclusion The history of Odishan temples, started from 6 th century CE ( Parshurameshwar Temple) reaching to completeness by 11 th century CE ( Lingraj ) and attained its climax at Sun Temple Konark in 13 th Century.. Fergusson to conclude that “ Orissan temples form one of the most compact and homogenous architectural groups in India.” From the splendid ruins of Bhuvneshwar to Puri and Konark temples, one can get an unforgettable experience of marvels of Early medieval India. Best preserved temples than other states of India.

71. Thank you.