Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The temple is facing in East direction and built in Kalingan Style of architecture. The Anga sikhara is triratha in plan and has a projecting Gaja kranta. Above the Anga sikhara is a pida mundi, torana design or a large. Hanuman on the various sides, all modern motifs and near the top of the raha, a second Gaja kranta. The temple stands on a platform which is 3'3" high and decorated with crudely carved wheels on its sides, imitating the chariot of Surya, suggesting influence from the Sun Temple at Konark. The bada of the temple is 20 feet square and has a pancha-ratha plan. The pabhaga is 2'10" high. The jangha is divided into talajangha and upara jhangha by a set of mouldings known as bandhana. The talajangha is 2'6" and the upara jangha 2'4" in height. The decorative programme is completely obliterated by plaster or replaced by plain stone. Except for a fewvidala and alasakanya motif inserted into the anuraha recesses there are no surviving traces of sculptural images on the bada. The rahas have been transformed into doors spanned by cusped arches with makaras at the sides and a kirtimukha at the apex surmounted by a small mastaka consisting of a ghanta, amalaka and kalasa all devoid of ornamentation. The face of the arch is relieved with scroll work consisting of floral rosettes framed by a meandering vine and decorated with a few hamsas; the design being quite modern. The conception of a four doors shrine with framing toranas again suggests influence from Konark temple.